Abstract: A self-tensioning tie down strap that includes first and second attachment clips, a buckle assembly, and a self-tensioning strap assembly wherein the buckle assembly is connected to the self-tensioning strap assembly; the buckle assembly and the self-tensioning strap assembly are connected between the first and second attachment clips; and the self-tensioning strap assembly includes a spring loaded take up spool mechanism, a length of take up spool strapping material, a variable length strap section, and a fixed length strap section; the length of take up reel strapping material being wound onto the take up spool of the take up spool mechanism; a free end of the take up reel strapping material being attached to a first end of the variable length strap section; the second end of the variable length strap section being secured to a frame portion of the take up spool mechanism; a third end of the fixed length strap section being secured to the frame portion of the take up spool mechanism; and the take up reel st