The versatility of ratchet fasteners: Practical solutions for a secure hold and easy application

Our plastic ratchet fasteners are among our most popular products. These small, robust fasteners guarantee security and are easy to use. They are typically used together with a Timing belt used. 

Numerous manufacturers from various industries use our ratchet fastening systems to secure sports equipment, orthopaedic products and other products. We offer our ratchet fasteners in a wide range of variants that can be used flexibly with different products. 

In the following article, we answer the most important questions about ratchet fasteners in general. We will also introduce you to some of our fasteners so that you can get an idea of our range. 

What is a ratchet fastener? 

Most people have probably already come into contact with ratchet fasteners. Their use is so simple and intuitive that the fasteners are often used casually and almost unnoticed. Whether as a fastening system on a child seat in the car, when Bike helmet or as a component of outdoor equipment: Ratchet fasteners are omnipresent. But how does the mechanism of the fastener actually work? 

A ratchet fastener essentially consists of a toothed belt or toothed strap and the ratchet mechanism. The toothed belt is a flexible plastic strap with fine, protruding teeth on one side.

This belt is inserted into the ratchet mechanism. Its central functional element is a small pawl that engages in the spaces between the teeth. This ensures that the toothed belt can initially only move in one direction and cannot be pulled out of the mechanism. If the belt is moved quickly under the pawl, a ratcheting sound is produced. 

Gudo ratchet fasteners also have a lever integrated into the mechanism. With its help, the strap can be tightened more firmly than if it is only moved through the fastener by hand. Mechanically, the transmission of force is utilized by the lever action. This allows the ratchet fasteners to be closed particularly securely and tightly. 

To release the toothed belt again when opening the lock, the pawl must be loosened. With our ratchet fasteners with a lever mechanism, this is done using the lever. If it is pressed down completely, the belt is released and can be pulled out of the mechanism. 

Where are ratchet fasteners used? 

Ratchet fasteners are used in a wide variety of products. These are some examples: 

• Bike helmets 
• Luggage straps and luggage latches 
• Inline skates 
• Climbing equipment 
• Sports shoes (for example, specialized running or hiking shoes) 
• Child seats for the car 
• Orthopaedic aids (for example, orthoses and prostheses are sometimes fixed in place using ratchet fasteners) 
• Outdoor equipment 

There are also lashing strap systems that rely on ratchet fasteners. Other products such as our Bike frame holder use the simple, reliable technology as a component. 

It is clear that ratchet fasteners are used in a wide variety of industries and in connection with different products. As a manufacturer of high-quality ratchet fasteners, we try to do justice to this by offering a whole range of different ratchet fasteners offer. 

Our ratchet fasteners Mini A and Mini N are used, for example, with 18 millimeter wide toothed belts. The Ratchet fastener Mega S/SN is used with a 22 millimeter wide strap. We also offer some of our fasteners with an additional safety mechanism to prevent accidental opening. 

We also offer our closures on different base plates. Curved or flat, made of plastic or stainless steel: the choice is yours. Are you not quite sure which of the many variants is the best option for your product? Our team will of course be happy to advise you on your choice. You also have the option of ordering samples. 

How are ratchet fasteners combined with other fastening solutions? 

Ratchet fasteners are easy to use, inexpensive and can be used with numerous products. Nevertheless, there are situations in which a somewhat more elaborate Twist lock or other solutions makes more sense. A combination with a ratchet fastener is also often effective. 

Helmets are one example of this. Whether it's a cycling, climbing or work helmet, safety depends on all fasteners closing firmly and securely. In most cases, the tighter the helmet fasteners are, the more secure they are. 

At the same time, wearing comfort must also be guaranteed. This can be achieved, for example, with a twist lock such as Swock reach. It enables infinite adjustment so that the helmet can be optimally adapted to the head. 

Ratchet and tension fasteners can also be combined well with twist fasteners for ski boots or inline skates. Twist fasteners are often preferred for tightening such sports shoes tightly and securely. Ratchet fasteners are sometimes used as a supplement, for example to additionally secure the shaft. 

What makes a good ratchet fastener? 

The following aspects in particular make a good ratchet fastener: 

• Robust materials: The use of high-quality, durable plastic and metal ensures that the ratchet fastener can withstand even extreme conditions. As part of particularly high-quality products, the ratchet fasteners from Gudo are particularly impressive in this respect. 
• Precise processing: Good ratchet fasteners must be processed very precisely. The quality of workmanship is particularly important for the interaction between the toothed belt and ratchet. We manufacture timing belts and fasteners using injection molding and can therefore guarantee the highest quality. 
• Ergonomics: One of the great advantages of ratchet fasteners is their ease of use. A good fastener can be used with one hand, even in the cold and when wearing gloves. This is particularly important when the fasteners are used on products for people with disabilities. But ease of use is also useful in many other situations. 

Not all of these aspects are always equally important. In the case of fasteners for sports equipment, workwear or orthopaedic aids, for example, safety is clearly the main priority. For other products such as high-quality travel cases, however, material quality, size and design may be more important. 

Last but not least, the price can of course also be a decision criterion. Careful consideration of the various aspects is therefore advisable.  

To meet different requirements, we offer you a wide selection of different ratchet fasteners. This allows you to select the right variant depending on the intended use. You can always rely on the best quality. If required, we will be happy to advise you on your selection. 

Individual solutions and advice from Gudo 

Our aim is to cover as many different applications as possible with our product range. However, we are of course aware that there are products for which a standard solution is not the best option. If you are not sure whether our ratchet fasteners are the best choice for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

In a personal meeting, we will check together whether one of our standard fasteners is suitable for your project. If necessary, we will also check whether a tension fastener would be a more sensible option. 

Alternatively, we will be happy to determine whether there are any options for providing you with a customized closure. Take a look at our page with Special products shows how diverse our possibilities are. You can reach us by telephone, by e-mail and quite simply via our contact form.