What Are Tension Lock Buckles?

Tension lock buckles are adjustable buckles commonly found on sporting goods equipment and emergency equipment. Tension lock buckles, also referred to as ladder locks, use compression to lock strapping into place. The buckle is not fixed in place on the strap rather, the strap is threaded through the frame. The design of the buckle allows for quick tightening and release of the tension on the strap.

  1. Frame

    • Tension lock buckles have a uni-frame design, meaning there is only one piece to the buckle. Each end of the buckle has a fixed bar through which the strapping is threaded to lock itself to the frame. Typically, one end of the frame is molded with a tab that is used for releasing the tension on the strapping.

    Placement

    • Other types of buckles require that one piece of the frame be fixed in position on a strap, with the other strap passing through the locking mechanism of the buckle. With tension lock buckles, the buckle can be moved to any position on the strap creating more variety in the amount of adjustments that can be made to the length and tension of the strap.

    Tightening

    • Tension lock buckles allow for straps to be tightened evenly; pull on the loose end of the strapping to draw more of it through the buckle and shorten the length of the overall strap. The strap does not have to be removed from the buckle and repositioned to be tightened. This makes it safer to use a tension lock buckle in applications where removing the strap would increase the risk of the object it is holding falling or coming free.

    Release

    • Tension lock buckles are designed to be released with one hand. Most have a molded tab on one end of the frame that when pulled up, releases the tension of the buckle on the strap and the strap can then be released. If the buckle does not have a tab, lifting one end of the buckle frame performs the same function.