Tekton sent over a bunch of these red polyurethane bungee cords a while back. While I don’t use them on a daily or even weekly basis, I do use them regularly and have come to consider them quite favorably.
When I’m not using these Tekton bungees, I use Master Lock ones that I bought as part of an assortment from Amazon, and some finger-hook bungees I bought from an industrial supplier. I have come to like these Tekton bungees so much more.
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Features
- UV-resistant polyurethane does not degrade from sunlight
- Stretches to 2X its length, even in cold weather
- Resists fuels, chemicals, saltwater, abrasion
- Nylon-coated hooks won’t scratch
- Permanently-attached hooks (cords)
- Galvanized steel hooks resist rust and corrosion (straps)
- Made in the USA
I didn’t test most of these aspects, but so far the various bungees and straps have held up well.
There are several different styles. First, there are cords, as shown above.
There are also straps, which are thicker and presumably heavier duty.
Adjustable cords, with a loop at one end and hook at the other.
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And lastly, adjustable straps, with holes that allow you change the length to suit the application.
Most of these Tekton bungee cords and straps are available in different lengths: 12″, 18″, 24″, and 36″.
I mainly use the cords and straps that Tekton sent over. They sent over (1) each of a several sizes, and I believe the 18-inch size has been most versatile, followed closely by the 24-inch size. I often double-up to create greater lengths, which means I should probably buy some more of the longer ones.
The cords are easier to stretch than the straps, but I trust the straps for heavier demands, as the straps also move a little less after attached. A cord might roll along the side of a box a little, while a strap usually stays in place, at least more so.
There are two ways I’ve used these. First, I use them to strap loads to folding hand dollies. If I need to move something on a dolly or hand truck, such as the awesome $25 folding hand truck that I posted about last winter, bungee straps help to stabilize wobbly loads, especially when I have things stacked up.
I also use bungee straps to carry several smaller packages to UPS, FedEx, or the post office. A bunch of loose boxes aren’t heavy, but can be awkward to balance. It becomes even more awkward if I’m carrying my toddler son. I wrap the bungees around the package, and grab a strap as a makeshift handle. If the boxes are uneven in width, there’s a gap on the side that’s perfect for grabbing.
I have lost count about how many times I’ve used these Tekton straps. Generally, I like the plain double-hook-ended cords and straps best. I wish there was a weight or load limit so that I don’t ever accidentally over-tax them.
Tekton says you can stretch them to twice their length, but I’m certainly not capable of doing so. The way I use them, I typically stretch these bungees by 25%, maybe up to 50%. I haven’t measured this, it’s just an eyeballed guestimation. But certainly not by the full 100% elongation they’re supposed to be capable of.
Pricing: $7+ each
Amazon’s pricing is a little weird, in how smaller lengths are sometimes pricier than longer ones. The lowest price I have found, as of the time of this posting, is $7.27 for the 18-inch cord, followed by $7.79 for the 24-inch strap. These are sold individually.
I really like my Master Lock bungees that have finger hooks for easier attachment, so I won’t replace those anytime soon, but I also definitely like these Tekton bungees more than any other regular-sleeved rubber bungees with coiled hooks.
I do recommend these Tekton bungee cords and straps, and will eventually buy a couple more for myself. As mentioned, I find the cords and straps to be most useful, but if I can’t find the size I need I simply reach for one of the adjustable ones.
Buy Now(Cords and Straps via Amazon)
Buy Now(Other Sizes and Styles via Amazon)
As an aside, when I think of polyurethane, I typically think of wood finishes. I also have some small-diameter polyurethane pneumatic tubing. I don’t think I’ve seen any other super-elastic polyurethane product or application – have you?
Thank you to Tekton for providing the test samples unconditionally.
Tom A.
I’ve owned a few of each of the 3 above models for a few years now and they are by far the best I’ve ever used. They hold up so well that You can’t even tell that they’ve ever even been used. I will never buy any other brand again.
Jerry
I got a couple of the adjustable length straps a while back (not sure they were Tekton) and they are far and away my favorite strap. No digging to find one a little longer, or trying to figure out how to take up that extra 6 inches of slack. Just get some long enough for your needs, and use the intermediate ‘eyes’ anytime you need shorter ones. Nice bonus that they are USA made.
Koko the Talking Ape
I have decided I hate bungie cords. Why?
– They are hard to make tight. If you have the wrong length, it will be loose. If you go around twice to tighten it, it might be too tight. So the adjustable length ones are the only ones even worth considering.
– Even when they are tight, they still stretch. So whatever they are holding can slip loose. I was following a friend once, both of us on bikes. He had his shoulder bag bungied to his rack. He went around a corner, the bag was pulled sideways by centrifugal force, so the bungee stretched, which increased the centrifugal force, etc. The result was the bag actually pulled him over, and he fell.
– They aren’t safe. If you aren’t careful, you can whip yourself pretty badly with the wire hook, either attaching or releasing them.
– You don’t know their breaking load.
So what is better than bungees? Rope. You can hold anything tight with rope, and with the proper knots, it will be secure AND easy to release. No steel hook is going to come flying at your face. It is easy to mentally ballpark the breaking load, even with knots (which typically cut breaking strength by half.) And rope is cheaper, and anyway, you already have some lying around the house. Correct me if I am wrong.
mikeh
I’m with you – bungees are unpredictable, I’ve had so many break it’s silly, too many companies make cheap ones and as you stated you have no idea of the load limits. Ever tried tying sheet goods down with bungees…nope because a little wind will pull them right off – rope and ratcheting straps. When i’m at HD or Lowes i use their twine and run it back and forth a few times – when i get home i cut it and throw it out – never had an issue. And bungees don’t really even work all that well for dollies and such unless the load is quite light, a slight shift (as seen on your friend’s bike) will stretch them out and dump the cart or the load.
Koko the Talking Ape
And if you don’t like rope, nylon straps are also cheap, and there are all manner of buckles, catches, and so on to make them infinitely adjustable and quick to secure. If you really want to make it tight, use a ratchet. Tying a knot in them is a bit harder, but the knots are easier to untie.
mnoswad
wow…………..american made bungee cords. we should all be so proud.
watch out china.
Hang Fire
OK, OK, so China has nothing to fear. Some of us just prefer to spend as little on Chinese goods as possible, for valid environmental, political and humanitarian reasons.
Stan
I agree with Hang Fire. Look at the vast amount of unemployment in America and the millions of dollars we owe to other nations. At least Tekton is choosing some manufacturers that produce products domestically.
Not all of us have the Wallmart or Harbor Freight mentality of wanting nothing but dirt cheap tools. All you need to do is see films, pictures and read articles to see these workers in third world countries are more often than not, treated inhumanely.
As I live in America, I buy American made products as much as possible. Presumably other countries do the same to support their domestic manufacturing country first and foremost.
mnoswad
Absolutely agree with the above great points……
……but patting ourselves on the back for producing this category of item is embarrassing. This bungee is exactly the kind of thing China is for.
“All my sockets and ratchets are made in China, but look at this bungees cord……..U.S. made baby! ”
I recently bought my first pair of Channel Lock brand groove lock pliers and was absolutely embarrassed that that is what American pride in manufacturing has produced. Sharp teeth yes, but other sharp edges that could easily slice into a finger or fray out a back pocket after a week of use.
I want to be proud, but not for achieving a D+.
Stan
I can somewhat see where you are coming from, but let me ask you this. We owe China 1271.2 billion dollars and that number is growing. Eventually China is going to want that money back and then what do we do?
There is no way ever China, nor any country we owe money will ever be fine with outstanding debts with not paying this back eventually.
Additionally, at least not in my lifetime, I don’t ever see inhumane behavior or horrific work environments ever improving. American Corporations definitely share some of that blame as well.
Personally I am proud any product that is American made, made in USA of global components or assembled in America. Granted, I wish we only manufactured 100% USA made items, I have learned to compromise when I have to. Sure a USA made bungee cord may not solve all the problems in the world and may not be interesting to some, but this keeps Americans employed and that needs to be enough.
Look, I’d love to see a made in USA or even a made in USA of global components power tool or any electronics these days. Sure some appliances are made here (and of global components), but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Sure Dewalt has some assembled in USA of foreign components power tools and that is a step in the right direction.
As for ratchets and sockets, there are plenty of manufacturers that make these tools in America. Some are global manufacturers and some aren’t. SK, Armstrong, Snap-On, Wright, Wilde, Williams, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Proto, Danaher and others.
Now if you are looking for Snap-On quality for Harbor Freight prices, that type of item doesn’t exist in modern America. Either you want to keep the jobs in America by supporting current American manufacturing or you want to save money and in the long run contribute to more outsourcing of domestic manufacturing and unemployment in general.
By the way, here is a source for how much we owe certain countries. http://www.davemanuel.com/us-national-debt-clock.php
fred
I heard a piece on the radio yesterday that opined that the stock market jitters relate in part to the low national unemployment rate (5.1% was reported for August) which the Federal Reserve considers akin to “full employment” . The jitters then stem from the notion that with this low rate of unemployment the Fed will likely take action to raise interest rates thus depressing the stock market. Go figure. For my part, I’m comfortably (for now anyway) retired , but for those among that 5.1% who are out of work – I wonder if they think we have full employment?
fred
Polyurethane seems to be the material of choice for dead-blow and some other carver’s mallets. The material also makes for nice “tires” on casters. It is also purportedly braided into rope – but I’ve never seen this product.
J.J. Monteiro
http://bihlerflex.com/
I’ve purchased these from a local West Marine store, they work well.
Hang Fire
Stuart, here’s another oddball polyurethane application- gasket sealant. This stuff is THE STUFF for sealing radiator hoses, along with a constant torque/tension clamp: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IB2YMQ
Brandon
Stuart,
Any idea how the “straps” (the ones with the metal s-hooks) compare to the heavy duty rubber straps truckers use to secure tarps? Are they anywhere close to the same strength?
Stuart
I very highly doubt it. I wouldn’t compare these to cargo straps at all.
Steve
Wow, you didn’t even use them before making this comment… Brandon, yes, they are comparable to typical rubber/epdm bungees. Ive used these bungees and they outlast any bungee ive ever bought. And, if I break one they are warrantied.
Stuart
Maybe I missed the “rubber” part of the original question and only saw the “heavy duty cargo straps for truckers?” part. I do get a lot of those questions – “can I use [light duty product rated for 50 lbs] in place of [heavy duty product rated at 250 lbs] to support a 200 lb object?”
J.J. Monteiro
These look interesting, they combine the convenience of bungee with what should be a more secure rope like tie down and adjustability. I wonder how strong the plastic component is?
http://www.justduckyproducts-store.com/The-Perfect-Tie-Down_p_80.html
Zack
McMaster-Carr also sells polyurethane elastic cord. They say “This premium cord is nonmarring, plus it stands up to oils, ozone, and salt water. It stretches up to two times its length.” This sounds great, especially the resistance to oils, but I’m wondering how it will do with being left in the sun. In my head, the end of every bungee cord is as a sun-bleached rope with no strength or stretch.
It’s available in lengths from 5 feet up – http://www.mcmaster.com/#=125i7w1
(I actually found the Tekton cord, and this review, because I was comparison-shopping the McMaster-Carr product.)
Steve
This product is the same product listed on McMaster. McMaster doesnt tell you brands so its hard to know what you are getting. The brand is The Perfect Bungee and Tekton is a dealer.
David Brock
looks like they are no longer available.