SPT Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some pretty common questions we get about SPT lockable tie downs. If there are any questions not covered here, please feel free to write to us and we will answer you as quickly as possible. For all questions and comments please email us at - info@seatosummit.com7

Q — What do the colors represent?
A — The SPT range of lockable tie downs have been classified into three easily identifiable colours to enable you to quickly recognize the best product to suit your needs. The three colours represent the three different strap lengths, 5 ft (1.5m) - Blue, 8 ft. (2.5m) - Green and 13 ft. (4.0m) - Yellow.

Q — Which SPT tie down will best suits my needs?
A — Every customer has different requirements. It’s entirely up to you to decide what length of strap will best suit your needs. We have listed below some recommendations for each strap but if you have any doubts please feel free to contact us directly.

SPT Snow 5 ft. (1.5m) - Designed to lock up and secure two snow boards or two sets of skis. Other applications - Single shortboard, tradesman’s tools, ladders, bikes, luggage.

SPT Surf 8 ft. (2.5m) - Designed to lock up and secure three shortboards or two longboards. Other applications - Racing ski’s, rowing sculls, paddle boards, windsurfers, bikes, luggage.

SPT Tour 13 ft. (4.0m) - Designed to lock up and secure kayaks, canoes or anything requiring that little bit of extra strap length. Other applications - Surfboard & longboard stacked, windsurfers, Moto-X & mountain bikes, luggage.

Note: Please note that these are only recommendations and SPT does not take responsibility for the suitability of each product.

Q — Compared to other tie downs, the SPT range seem quite expensive?
A — It is natural to compare our product to standard tie downs already on the market for around $15-$25. However this product stands in a field of it own. It is a world first on the market and provides peace of mind and security for the hundred’s and sometimes thousands of dollars worth of equipment stored on your roof racks. The SPT Range of tie downs provides you with:

• Investment protection of sporting, personal or trade equipment.
• Peace of mind.
• Provides the same easy to use application as standard tie downs.
• Can be applied in almost any application, e.g. The SPT Tour 13 ft. (4.0m) can be applied to a surfboards, kayaks, canoes, bicycles, luggage, windsurfers, tools and ladders. The application possibilities are only limited by your own imagination.

Q — Can the straps be cut?
A — No - The webbing incorporates two hardened stainless steel cables which prevents any blade from cutting through the straps. The stitching on the webbing has also been designed to clog up bolt cutter blades. A determined thief can eventually get through with bolt cutters, but it is generally easier to cut through the roof rack than the straps themselves. Refer to Figure 1.

Q — Can you use the tie down when it is unlocked?
A — Yes - The lockable tie down works exactly the same as a normal tie down strap when the buckle is not locked.

Q — Are there any parts in the buckle that can rust?
A — No - The lock has been designed incorporating a lever action dust shutter to prevent any water or dirt from getting into the lock. The internal spring and pin within the buckle are stainless steel.

Q — What if you lose the key? Can you get a replacement?
A — The lockable tie down comes with two keys. One key should be stored on customers key sets and one stored as a replacement at home. If a key is lost they can be easily cut and replaced.

Q — Does the strap damage the board?
A — No. The soft webbing protects the board from the stainless steel cables. The Santoprene lock casing protects the board or car from knocks but special care should be taken (as with all tie downs) when fixing it to the rack system.

Q — Can you slide the board or boat out from the straps?
A — No, due to friction and that the board/boat is wider in the middle makes it is impossible to slide the board out from the locked strap. Refer to Figure 3.

Q — Can you the lock the tie downs without tension on the straps.
A — Yes, but it is extremely difficult. The Lockable Tie Downs have been designed to work under tension and under load. Once the strap is fed through and tightened on a load, the clasp lever naturally lifts to enable you to turn the key and lock barrel.

View a PDF of step-by-step photos of how to use SPT Lockable Tie Down Straps

Go back to the Lockable Tie Downs product page