The clevis end that hooks it to the chain is meant to be permanent. It is the same for both the slip and grab hooks. You never need to remove it once you have your chains the right length. The slip or grab hook refers to the end you attach on a regular basis.
Chain and Chain binders - best place to get or make my own?
- Thread starter powerscol
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powerscol
Veteran Member
Thanks so much, You saved me some grief as I would have gotten the wrong ones. Thanks
Copperhead
Veteran Member
Any commercial truck supply and parts store will have exactly what you need.
Gary Fowler
Super Star Member
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- Bismarck Arkansas
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- 2009 Kubota RTV 900, 2009 Kubota B26 TLB & 2010 model LS P7010
I have been using the HF ratchet binders for several years with no problems. The handles don't fold but I don't see that as a problem. I have plenty of room for storage so I don't need the handles to fold. They seem to be made as well or better than other ones that I have seen for twice the price. I use 3/8" grade 70 chains and for my needs it is as much as I need, but if you are concerned about weight, you could go up to grade 100 and go to a smaller size and still meet your strength requirements. Obviously price is not an issue since you have ruled out using the much cheaper HF materials.
Deere Dude
Elite Member
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- John Deere 3720
I bough 4 heavy ratchet binders from HF and 3 smaller ones from a store by us, Fleet Farm. They all work great and would not hesitate getting more HF binders.
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powerscol
Veteran Member
Price is a concern. I started out about 10 years ago with two of the HF ratchets and 2 - 20' 3/8 chain from them. The chains are always rusting and I had one hook fail (cracked under load). As for the ratchets - one rusted solid after getting wet holding a load. I did dry it off before storing it - but probably not enough, ( the other was fine foe a while) and the other the spring broke . I guess now that I have a store somewhat nearby I could take it in and try and match it up to get the correct part, but at the time I could not identify what I needed to get it through the mail.
The reason for the folding handle is being able to lock it. I have had binders mysteriously loosen up during lunch stops.
I have also shopped many of the local equipment dealers. It appears their stuff is made of gold and mostly 3/8, but the holidays are coming so I might see a sale. One dealer I use for my tractor is also a big rental place, always has a barrel out with chain and ratchets as an impulse item and for folks that forget to bring tie down chains or straps when renting equipment. They also have a large strap collection - aka 3x the price of the local TSC store. It wont leave the yard unless they approve the tie downs. He told me a lot of folks think they can tie down a trencher with rope. Their rental contracts require DOT approved devices. They do rent the tie downs too.
Also thanks on the tip to go to 100 grade chain if I want to use 5/16 over the 3/8. I do use them for lifting too. I also learned a new trick yesterday when I had my new hay rake delivered. He had sections of old fire hose he slipped the chain through so the paint would not be damaged during the unload. I need to get some anyway to repair the hinges on my hay boards I use for hauling hay loads. You fold them over the corners of the stacks, so when the straps tighten down they do not crush the bales.
Thanks everyone
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powerscol
Veteran Member
Truck and tow has a free shipping offer currently, and I want to confirm what I am getting.
They have folding handle ratchet binders (grade 80 for 5/16 - 3/8 ) and I was going to get 2 - 20' 5/16 grade 70 chains and cut them to 10' along with two hooks. I called them and they were very helpful confirming what I need to get and answered questions well. No sales push. A+ in my book. On thing that also caught my attention is that have 2 listing for grade 70, plane and transport grade. Tie Down Transport Chain | Truck n Tow.com The transport grade is US or Canadian made. The grade 70 can be either including China or other off shore sources. For those of you that know is the value of US made better. I have heard the coating holds up better. I'm willing to pay a bit extra for quality if it is there. Thoughts?
Background - I hauling a 3600 lb tractor and Baler which I think is 3000lbs, so 5/16 should keep me DOT legal.
Thanks
They have folding handle ratchet binders (grade 80 for 5/16 - 3/8 ) and I was going to get 2 - 20' 5/16 grade 70 chains and cut them to 10' along with two hooks. I called them and they were very helpful confirming what I need to get and answered questions well. No sales push. A+ in my book. On thing that also caught my attention is that have 2 listing for grade 70, plane and transport grade. Tie Down Transport Chain | Truck n Tow.com The transport grade is US or Canadian made. The grade 70 can be either including China or other off shore sources. For those of you that know is the value of US made better. I have heard the coating holds up better. I'm willing to pay a bit extra for quality if it is there. Thoughts?
Background - I hauling a 3600 lb tractor and Baler which I think is 3000lbs, so 5/16 should keep me DOT legal.
Thanks
OP
powerscol
Veteran Member
Well I found a better deal than Truck & Tow here Wholesale Rigging Supplier - Rigging Equipment Supplier | Murphy Industrial Products They have a first time buyer coupon 7% off, and free shipping right now. Saves about $50 over the next lowest. Same quality and items.
Now CSP wont be stopping me for the wrong chain grade
Got stooped last week after posting this at one of the quick safety inspection stations. No fine, I had it secured, but they just told me that I needed grade 70 or better chain and binders.
The big hay hauler in front of me was not so lucky. Company had provided all new long webbing straps and ratchets and it turned out Chinese made and not DOT rated (fake rating tag). He was not a happy camper. Luckily he had his old worn strapping and the let him go after he added them to the mix. I and the officers actually gave him a hand. He was hauling high quality horse hay to someplace in north Texas. DOT agent mentioned he might have trouble in Texas even with the added strapping due to it being worn and frayed. I dont mind the inspection stuff, keeps me and others safe.
Now CSP wont be stopping me for the wrong chain grade
Got stooped last week after posting this at one of the quick safety inspection stations. No fine, I had it secured, but they just told me that I needed grade 70 or better chain and binders.
The big hay hauler in front of me was not so lucky. Company had provided all new long webbing straps and ratchets and it turned out Chinese made and not DOT rated (fake rating tag). He was not a happy camper. Luckily he had his old worn strapping and the let him go after he added them to the mix. I and the officers actually gave him a hand. He was hauling high quality horse hay to someplace in north Texas. DOT agent mentioned he might have trouble in Texas even with the added strapping due to it being worn and frayed. I dont mind the inspection stuff, keeps me and others safe.
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powerscol
Veteran Member
Talk about customer service. I got a voice mail late Friday that they were sorry that one item was not in stock and due in next week. They could ship everything now and the other binder later, but were asking if I could wait. I called the number they left this morning and talked to them. Told them it was fine to wait to and ship together. I also asked if the second order could be included as I forgot I needed two more clevis hooks to make 10 footers out of the 20 footers I ordered. They said they would do the fabrication for me at no costs. Great folks to work with. Only down side is now I wont have to mess anything up fabricating :confused3::confused2::laughing: I was so looking forward to using my angle grinder and pinching or burning my fingers.
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