I suck at using rachet chain binders...help

[aczlan]

"Rolling loads" I was told by a LEO were limited to straps for loads under 10K. I agree, by the law you posted it's not.
Guess this all comes back to the local smokey.

Doesn't it always?

Aaron Z

 

[schmism]

are you required to use a binder on a chain?

pass chain through bumper of tractor, back tractor up tension chain (no binder), put chain on rear of tractor, tension with binder (of your choice)

 

[My Hoe]

Great thread.

Having grown up helping out in my Dad's heavy construction business, I am comfortable with the chain binders but, to be fair, I never saw a ratchet binder during those years. I did see plenty of heavy, nylon slings, for lifting large objects (his business evolved into strictly hydraulic cranes, from 6 to 55 ton), and some slings were probably 4"-6" wide.

It's been a lot of years since I've used a chain binder, and the fact that their "stroke" is shorter than the ratchet type is a good point, in favor of the ratchet binders. Thanks to whoever pointed that out--I did not know that.

As I have OCD, I think I'd like the ability to "tweak it a little," at a rest stop, with the ratchet binders--that is their biggest appeal to me (theoretically, as I haven't tried them yet). Because, when I use a 3" ratchet strap on my boat, I do like the ability to "tweak it," a bit, underway, if she "walks on the bunks," a little, as does happen, rarely.

However, I do like the speed of the chain binders. Yet, as has been mentioned, I'd be concerned about possibly bending something on these SCUTS and CUTS, as opposed to on a Cat 977 (tracked loader--which IIRC, weighed 17 tons). He used to do "dirtwork," as well as cranes, but then specialized in strictly hydraulic cranes. Very cool machines, if you ever get a chance to play with one. (Put your outriggers out first, however! LOL).

Side note: I found that the synthetic ratchet tie on the boat (across amidships, about 6' from the transom) is tight enough if it matches the first note in The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes." Because it's a 22.5' aluminum boat (Mercruiser, I/O), I don't want to "crush" it, which I wouldn't worry about if it were a fiberglas boat. So the "tight enough but not too tight" dilemma obtains. (My guitar playing--chords only--is so bad, that I can't say for sure, but it sounds like a "G" note--perhaps a TBN musician can confirm or school me?) I just start singing the song, "thrum" the strap, hear that it matches the note, and I'm good.

But then again, I'm "not right." :laughing:

Excellent thread, though. Takes me back. Keep it comin'--pics help, too!

My Hoe

 

[IMCA38]

As an insurance guy, I can tell you we've seen a lot of back claims over the years on truckers from lurching on binders, or the strap ratchets that you see on the side of semi trailers. We've also had some claims where they cut the binder loose and the load goes tumbling. This can tend to happen on things that are stacked like poles, posts, railroad ties, cattle panels, etc.
I would think that undoing a ratchet binder, you could kind of control the release that way as opposed to a lever where it pretty much lets go all at once.

 

[Red Horse]

As an insurance guy, I can tell you we've seen a lot of back claims over the years on truckers from lurching on binders, or the strap ratchets that you see on the side of semi trailers. We've also had some claims where they cut the binder loose and the load goes tumbling. This can tend to happen on things that are stacked like poles, posts, railroad ties, cattle panels, etc.
I would think that undoing a ratchet binder, you could kind of control the release that way as opposed to a lever where it pretty much lets go all at once.

Last sentence is another good case for ratchets. And as others have said- I back off ratchet until just a couple of threads are holding before ratcheting down. A little bit of care up front and they are a non issue. Also whenever possible, get one ratchet hook on nstake picket or rail-with the stake pocket serving as a stop to keep from sliding. In any case good thread.

 

[Red Horse]

[/B]
Last sentence is another good case for ratchets. And as others have said- I back off ratchet until just a couple of threads are holding before ratcheting down. A little bit of care up front and they are a non issue. Also whenever possible, get one ratchet hook on nstake picket or rail-with the stake pocket serving as a stop to keep from sliding. In any case good thread.

PS-forgot to mention-nothing like ratchets with "USA" cast into the handles. I may be old but I just don't trust a casting made in China. You get what you pay for.