A seat belt rectractor has a rotatable spool (2) mounted in a frame (1), a primary locking mechanism (6) for arresting rotation ofthe spool and a load absorbing mechanism (7) arranged to come into effect at a predetermined load for absorbing a portion of the spool locking load. The load absorbing mechanism may be a section of an inwardly facing peripheral edge of the frame having a serrated or roughened texture (7) which is positioned and adapted so that above a predetermined load it co-operates with a smooth surfaced spool bearing face to absorb some of the load. Spool rotationis prevented on engagement of the primary locking mechanism andthe load on the primary locking mechanism rises causing the frame sidewalls (3) to deform and the serrated or roughened section is pushed against the spool bearing face.
