I finished my ratchet straps. I still have some refining work to do, but I am very pleased with my first try at photo etching. I have the end hooks (for the strap ends) as well, I just didn't etch them yet. The buckles came out like I wanted them, and my idea of rolling the tape in the buckle to take out the slack worked like a charm. Here are a couple of photos of the finished first run.


The fret itself. I need to add a little to the attachment tabs. The bigest problem I ran into was trying to cut the pieces away. I always use a piece of glass and a chisel blade to cut away my photo etch. For some reason this was not enough and I had to use a lot of force to trim away the tabs.


A shot of the strap in action. I attached the back end to the sprue them attached a long piece of tape to an opposite stub. I them wrapped the loose end of the tape around a rod in the buckle. After the glue set on the rod/tape join, I turned the rod taking out the slack and rolling the tape around the rod inside the buckle.


Another view.


And one with a fig for scale. The measurements were taken directly from a real strap. I then drew the buckles in 1/1 scale and reduced them to 1/35.

I am very happy with the end results. I am still trying to work out a few kinks. I would really like to be able to make these for everyone, my etching skills will have to get a little better though first.

your rachets look a real treat !

they look very impressive!

You've got a winner here Cory !

Hats off !

Frenchy

Hi there Cory

Are you going to be oferring these up in other scales too? I would be interested to here what price and P&P to Scotland at 1/24.

They really look the part.

Much success with the venture

Nige

Cory
Well done, I have lots of applications for these. Let me know when you go into production.
Bill

This is a nicely executed idea - Congrats! Let us know when you are ready to produce them, I'd like to get a set or two.

Those are awesome. Why no one has done this before is beyond me

Let us know when you go into production, Aas I will definately get a few sheets!


cheers from the sandbox

This is great to see a good idea become a reality, I really do hope this takes off for you now.

I'd definitely purchase a set. Have you thought of usng an adhesive to attach the fret to a rubber backing before the etching process? Several model railroad companies have done this since the 80's, and it really helps, especially with the tiny HO parts. There's no cutting off of the parts at all.

Heck these in 1/35 and 1/24 scales would sell really well!!!

Yep , I'd buy some . They look great .

They turned out looking great.
I'll take a couple of sets also.

Cory,
I still owe you some pics or a look at the real thing. Still interested??

John

Sure, why not! I am enjoying this project, I like doing this!

yes sign me up id love a set in 1/35th scale ,, by the way what did you use for the straps ,, many thanks

These look great -- well done!

I would definitely be interested in getting some of these if you go into production -- keep us posted!

Cheers,
Ian

Hi all, just a little update. I have sent requests to about 7 different companies for mass production. As soon as I get one I can handle, I will get it going. i have made a few corrections to the set shown and the "production" run should be really nice. I will keep every one informed of the status. Thanks for the support!

By the way woody6968, I used Tamiya masking tape to make the straps. Masking tape works the best for these buckles as it is flexible and has some texture to it. With tape you can actually take out the slack like you do with a real ratchet strap and the tape will wind up around the bolt inside the buckle.

Dear Cory
I did post a year ago a message to Eduard and other PE manufacturers to release such set
But you did it Cory,
Please let me know when you are going into production, I will need some of your Ratchet strips.

Congrats
Seb

Right on, Cory! The hobby, I think, has been eagerly awaiting this item. I can think of hundreds of different applications in both 1/25 and 1/35 and I have to say, I'd buy 'em.

Keep plugging away. Get that manufacturer!

Cuhail

they make Graphic arts tape in black and other colors but Automotive striping tape would probably work as well.

one of the coolest things I've seen here yet. I'll be ordering some.

Does the US military issue a single, standard size ratchet strap? Or are there multiple sizes? In the Civie world, there are different sizes of ratchets. WIth that in mind, the 1/35th scale ones, if they are patterned after the ones used to hold down heavy cargo, would probably do OK on a 1/24th scale pickup (as an ezample)

Tankrider was able to let me look into three different ratchet straps used by the current military. Size wise they are all about the same size. There are different shapes and such that I plan on working on after I get these going. I am also planning on doing these in 1/24 since there seems to be so much interest in them.

Cool.
Great idea though, any info on prices/availability?