Uses for Old Straps

So is the Lot Lizard trying to get out of or into your truck?

 

As far as number 3 goes, I think v boards made that way are fine. Don't think the DOT has a policy towards v boards as long as you still have the right number of straps, and the v boards don't keep them from doing their job right.

 

You could paint smiley faces on them and hang them on your porch.

 

Used to line fuel tank straps on Peterbilt. Cheaper than what they sell at the dealer.

 

I use small pieces and some zip ties to protect lines and hoses where they might rub together or on something else.

 

I cut up a few for belt protectors and a few short enough to hold down the end of a tarp. Now I just toss the rest when they wont pass inspection.

 

I cut them into 18" pieces and use for corner protectors all the time, fold them into 3rds and even the sharpest of loads will not rub through as fast as plastic corners (which in my experience have split long before the strap is tight enough to satisfy me). They make cheap and forgettable corner protectors. I also use short pieces for protecting sharp pointy things that stick out all over machines and tooling that have to be tarped.

The short ends with the hook, I use for a particular load we haul regularly that 8 X 4' straps is perfect for and legal by the DOT in every state we take them through.

As for making V-boards, how would the DOT have anything against using a home made version of exactly the same thing you can buy at $20+ a piece. Never used a V-board but if the time ever comes that I need them, I'll be pulling a stack of my 18" cuts, grabbing some 1"X wood and making them myself. If the DOT doesn't like it then I won't haul it.

 

Use 5/4" oak instead of 1". That 1/4" makes a lot of difference. I use them in 8' lengths lining both sides when I haul loads of 5 gallon pails of joint compound. Keeps tension throughout the palletized units instead of allowing strap between buckets with strap only; or shifting of all buckets as they "walk" or shuffle like a deck of cards with a single pallet width v-board style edge protector on each unit.
Not saying for everyone that an 8' length is what you need: but that 5/4" lumber is a big plus.