If you already have a ratchet belt then you understand the mind blowing comfort and instant game changer that they are. With cut-to-fit sizing and 42 micro adjustments it’s nearly impossible to find a better fitting belt. But even we will admit that they’re different from a normal belt and require a little getting used to.
The 3 minute learning curve is undoubtedly worth the effort,but beyond simply learning how to size and wear the belt there’s a few expert tips that will take your love of ratchet belts to soaring new heights.
Expert Tip #1 - Tighten to Loosen
Just like Doc Hudson telling Lightning McQueen to turn right to go left, this tip seems a little counterintuitive, but it makes sense when you think about it. Contrary to popular belief Ratchet belts don’t operate with magic. In fact, they work by using a mechanism on the back of the buckle that locks into the track on the back of the strap. When there’s high tension on the mechanism, as in, when you cinch the belt, it makes the connection between the buckle and the track stronger than the sword in the stone. This makes it nearly impossible to pull the lever and release the belt. But by simply pushing the strap slightly further into the buckle to release the tension, you’ve now freed up the mechanism to easily lift away from the track by pulling the lever. This is most common on the plaque style buckles that use a lever on the bottom of the buckle.