Troubleshooting Ratchet Strap Double J-Hooks Stuck Together

Updated 10/18/2025 | Published 11/03/2022

Question:

Connected two double J hook ratchet straps together since it was asked if you could in another post. Worked great but now I have a problem. How in the world donypu get them apart?? They are so tight, no matter how I have turned them it seems as if its an impossible task. Suggestions?? Thank you.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

If your Erickson Ratchet Tie-Down Strap w Double J-Hooks # EM78627-MS are stuck then I recommend holing one of them in place with something like a vice and tapping on the other one with a rubber mallet at different angles to slowly loosen it up. Just be sure the places you hit it aren't reinforcing the hooks being connected.

expert reply by: Jon G

Double J-Hooks Linked Together
(click to enlarge)

Mark P.

3/23/2024

I would love to see a rubber mallet do this. I’m using a hammer like Thor uses and can’t get them apart.

Jon G.

3/28/2024

@MarkP Pics or it didn't happen - if you're using Mjölnir for this I would love to see it! But you are correct. If a rubber mallet isn't doing the trick then using a bigger hammer would be the next best solution - although Thor's hammer might be a little overkill.

Mark P.

3/28/2024

@JonG We finally found that they slide out by pushing them with your thumbs equal pressure on both sides. I wish i had taken a video to share. No hammer or tools required

Jon G.

3/28/2024

@MarkP Thanks for the input, we appreciate this helpful tip!

See All (9) Replies to Mark P. ∨

Ben

10/18/2025

The trick to disconnecting these hooks is to make the right amount of space so they can be separated easier. Here's the way to disconnect this type of double J hooks and it is not difficult. 1 . On both of the hook ends squeeze the cargo strap down into the corners. This is accomplished by having your thumbs on the curved parts of the triangle part and taking your pointing fingers and squeezing the cargo straps down. 2. Once the Cargo straps are pushed down; twist the hooks ends about 10 or 15 degrees while pushing the hooks together with a slight twisting action and they the ends kind of just separate. Hope that makes sense. Pictures or a video would be better on explaining but hopefully this gets the message accross okay.