binders: ratchet or lever lock?

   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #1  

seasalt

Bronze Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
93
Location
Lake Conroe area, Tx
Tractor
John Deere 3720
thoughts on cost benefit between the old standard and the ratchet type? General binding for trailer, tractor, implements.
 
   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #2  
Right now I'm using ratchets on front and levers on back. I will be getting ratchets all the way around. Seems like the levers are always too loose or too tight. The ratchets I can snug up just right.
 
   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #3  
For the price difference, there's no question which ones I'd take. RATCHETS!

#1, they're safer. No chance in coming unhooked. (Lever binders should be saftey wired)

#2, ease of use. Lever binders sometimes can be a bear to get tight. I used a pipe "cheater bar" to snug 'em down when I still used them.

#3, D.O.T./State Vehicle Enforcement Officers tend to look more favorably upon the ratchet binders. What makes them happy, makes ME happy.

I still carry 4 of my old lever binders on my trailer, along with a few spare chains, but I use the 6 ratchets and grade 70 chains FIRST, and if I need more chains, the older stuff comes out of the tool box. (I've hauled loads home from auctions that have 6 or 8 pieces of equipment on them. Chains running everywhere!)

And I have a feeling DOT will finally outlaw lever binders, in favor of ratchets. I'll use my old lever binders, but I sure wouldn't buy any NEW ones.
 
   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #4  
I had kever first, then bought rachet, thinking I'd like rachet better. WRONG. For what I use it for, which is securing a CUT and implement for a low speed, short trip for biz, the rachet was just too slow.

By the time I tightened it down, then found I needed to re-attach the chain since I was out of thread, it took longer.

Now if I were going coast to coast, I'd probably use rachets.

And yes, A lot of secured chain goes around the lever binder to keep it closed.

My two cents,
ron
 
   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #5  
I had used ratcheting ones many years ago and did not like them due to time related issues - Same problem as Ron R.
When I bought my tractor and trailer I went with lever for ease of use.

After reading a lot of post here I decided to get some ratching binders and here is what I think now:
1. Better control of the tension on the chains. Quite often with levers it is hard to get consistant tension.
2. Easy to use. I set the ratchet control so that it I can freewheel the main assembly. Extend the hooks most of the way out. Attach to chain with as little slack as possible. Hand tighten, then set ratchet to tighten and tighten.
3. Unlike levers if for some reason chain slid due to improper alignment /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif there is NO affect on the other ratchets. With levers all of the others can come loose. (yes, I have done that before.)

Kurt
 
   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #6  
I prefer the standard lever type of binder...more simple and much quicker.
 
   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #7  
i prefer ratchets myself. no need for a cheater pipe or smashed fingers. i just keep the threads lubed with antiseize so they dont rust.
 
   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #8  
RE:

" ... A lot of secured chain goes around the lever binder to keep it closed. "

I use a piece of bailing wire to secure the handle so it cannot bounce open. I leave the wire in the hole at the end of the handle and re-use it a few times.

I keep a roll of wire in my truck right next to the duct-tape, so I always have some handy.

- Rick
 
   / binders: ratchet or lever lock? #9  
The guys who dug my geothermal trench had the toggle style (standard) load binders with a heavy compression spring between the toggle mechanism and the binder's hook. This builds some "give" into the system so you can pick the link that ordinarily would be too tight, and still get the toggle closed. Another example of this arrangement is the quick attach mechanisms on front loaders. Seems like they would be fast without being fussy although it doesn't address the accidental opening issue.

John
 
 
 
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