Ratcheting tie-down with strap quick release feature

A strap tightening mechanism comprising:

• first and second discs having one or more teeth on a periphery thereof, the first and second discs spaced apart from one another and defining a gap there between;
• a first arm having a first catch mounted thereto, the first catch configured to selectively engage at least one tooth of each of the first and second discs;
• a second arm having a second catch mounted thereto, the second catch configured to selectively engage at least one tooth of each of the first and second discs;
• a first reel pin and a second reel pin for spanning said gap between said first and second discs, said first and second reel pins configured to wind a strap which is mounted thereto;
• said first arm mounted for pivoting movement relative to said second arm, wherein movement of said first arm in a first direction effects rotation of said first and second discs and said first and second reel pins in a first direction by engagement of said first catch with said first and second discs to wind a strap around said first and second reel pins and wherein said second catch limits movement of said first and second discs in an opposing second direction;
• and
• at least one of said first and second reel pins movable between a first position in which said reel pin engages said first and second discs and a second position in which said reel pin is removed from said first and second discs and does not span said gap between said first and second discs, permitting said strap to be released from said mechanism.