Can a retractable ratchet strap still be used after being soaked in water?

1. Immediate Discard (Safety Risk)

Seawater/Corrosive Liquid Immersion:
Salt in seawater accelerates corrosion of metal components (24-hour immersion can reduce tensile strength by >40%)
Rust of the internal spring of the retractable ratchet strap, causing locking failure

Long-term Immersion (>72 hours):
Hydrolysis and deterioration of the webbing fibers (nylon/PET loses strength by 30%-50% after absorbing water)
Dark brown rust appears on metal components (rust depth >0.5mm)

The following damage occurs on the retractable ratchet strap:
Hardened and brittle webbing ("clicking" sound when bent with fingers)
Green patina on the metal eyelets/ratchet (electrochemical corrosion of the copper alloy)

2. Performance Testing Methods After Water Immersion

Ratchet Function Test:
Quickly pull the strap five times without a load. A "click" sound should be heard when locking (a failure sound indicates internal rust).
Webbing Strength Verification:
Take a 30cm section of webbing, secure both ends, and apply a static load of 150kg (approximately the weight of a standing adult) for 1 minute. A deformation rate of less than 5% is acceptable.
Metal Inspection:
Wipe the hinges with a white paper towel to ensure no brown rust seepage.

3. Water Resistance Comparison of Different Materials

Nylon webbing (NYLON): Water absorption rate is as high as 4.5%. After soaking in water, it must be dried in the shade (drying will cause brittleness).
Polyester webbing (PET): Water absorption rate is only 0.4%, offering the best water resistance (strength retention >80% after seawater immersion).
Galvanized steel components: Rust threshold after freshwater immersion = 72 hours (stainless steel components can be extended to 200 hours).

4. Maintenance of Retractable Ratchet Straps Guidelines

Webbing Cleaning
Dust: Remove with compressed air (pressure ≤ 0.3 MPa)
Oil: Gently brush with a soft brush and a mixture of neutral detergent, rinse with clean water, and dry in the shade (do not bake).

Metal Part Cleaning
Ratchet Cavity: Wipe the teeth with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (once a month).
Hook/Clip: Spray rust remover and wipe with a dry cloth to remove any residue.

Rust Prevention for Metal Parts
Galvanized Steel: Apply anti-rust wax.
Stainless Steel: Passivate (wipe with 10% nitric acid solution).
Test Standard: Wipe the shaft with a white paper towel to ensure there are no rust stains.