Chains & binders

[Fallon]

I have a tow rope, for pulling vehicles and other things. No chain for pulling. Chain doesn't give like a tow rope and is more dangerous. I have some "log chains" I can use, for miscellaneous chain tasks. Transport chain is strictly used for tying down things in transport. Remember, it's best practice to hang a dampener over any cable used to pull.

What USA made ratchet binders with folding handles did you find? Peerless is the most popular folding handle binders I know of and they are not made in the US.

5/16 Peerless QuikBinder Plus Ratchet Binder 7,100# WLL Chain Tow H5125-0658 Amazon.com: 5/16 Peerless QuikBinder Plus Ratchet Binder 7,1# WLL Chain Tow H5125-658: Automotive

Thought they were US made. Must have just assumed that because they were a step up from the cheap Chinese ones I got from Northern Tool & Horrible Freight.

I agree on the dedicated chains. I dont drag much stuff, but have some old junker chains I'd use to do that.

 

[LD1]

I was gonna suggest 3/8 chain....but see I am too late.

I use my chains for other purposes as well.....and dont like 5/16 chain when skidding or dragging something heavy with the MX....and certainly not my backhoe. So I try to stick to all 3/8" G70 chains in my inventory.

Regarding lever vs ratchet.......if you go ratchet keep a can of multi-purpose oil handy. WD40, PB blaster, All4, etc. Because yea....when they start to stick its a PITA tying down when one of the hooks wants to twist up the chain rather than thread into the body of the ratchet as its supposed to. So keep them well lubed.
Everytime I steal the can of lube out of my truck for something else and forget to put it back, sure as heck thats when a binder sticks. And everytime I curse it and say I and getting my lever style and pipe back down off the shelf but just havent yet. Maybe this is the year?

 

[Stimw]

I have used both binders through the years and find ratchet binders to be a PIA.
I have 6 lever binders for whatever. Always secure the lever!
5/16" chain is for your dog!
3/8" chain and larger is for equipment!
If you buy a 20'er and cut it in half then buy 2 hooks. You CAN hook 2 10'ers together.

 

[Jstpssng]

I have used both binders through the years and find ratchet binders to be a PIA.
I have 6 lever binders for whatever. Always secure the lever!
5/16" chain is for your dog!
3/8" chain and larger is for equipment!
If you buy a 20'er and cut it in half then buy 2 hooks. You CAN hook 2 10'ers together.

If you're dog is that strong, you must not worry about burglars.

 

[DK35vince]

I use the lever binders also. Its just like anything else, learn to use them properly.

You can think that. But all it takes is once.
The company I work for, our low boy operator was unloading with lever binders, just like he had done for many years and a thousand times before.
One lever binder was really tight. When releasing it caught his hand and smashed his finder between the lever and a dozer track, crushing his finger.
Weeks off work and a couple surgeries later he switched to ratchet binders and recommended I do the same.
I continued to use the lever binders.
5 years later when unloading a machine like I had done for many years and many, many hundreds of times before.
I had a really tight lever binder. I had to use a pipe to release it.
When it released it ripped the pipe out of my hand and threw the pipe into the side of my head.
An ambulance ride, an over night in the hospital, and several weeks off work with a fractured skull I also now use ratchet binders

 

[bdog]

I have used both binders through the years and find ratchet binders to be a PIA.
I have 6 lever binders for whatever. Always secure the lever!
5/16" chain is for your dog!
3/8" chain and larger is for equipment!
If you buy a 20'er and cut it in half then buy 2 hooks. You CAN hook 2 10'ers together.

I own more 3/8” chain than anything but most my equipment is large and needs it. The vast majority of members here have small equipment that is easily secured with 5/16”. Like my earlier post said four 5/16” chains can legally secure a 18,800 lb machine. How many on here have a tractor that big? And while I always recommend four chains, two 5/16” chains could legally secure a 9,400 lb tractor. I doubt many on here even have a tractor that big. Overkill on securement is always a good thing but to suggest 5/16” chain is inadequate to the audience here who primarily has compact and subcompact tractors is just not correct.

 

[coolbrze]

Bought some ratcheting binders, should I lube them up? If so, what would you recommend using?

 

[Peter 315]

Fluid film or chain oil for dirt bikes is what I use..

 

[DK35vince]

Gear oil always works best and last longest for me (like an 80w-90 or 85w-140 type oil)

 

[bdog]

I use fluid film. Really anything will work even plain old WD-40 some lubes will just last longer than others. Depending on where you drive dirt and dust collecting on them may be a problem. Ours frequently get gunked up and we just take a can of lube and spray them when using them to free them up. They are a major hassle when they get rusty or dirty as the mechanism won't want to turn and they will try to twist the chain instead. You will know right away when they need lube. It is not a big deal or hassle though. We have over 20 ratchet binders that get used frequently and I wouldn't even think of going back to levers.