Ratchet chain binders - are they all equal

[powerscol]

Looking at having Santa bring me some ratcheting Chain Binders ( the ones you pull the handle and it tightens or loosens by gear to screws inside the body (like a top link adjusts))- the ratcheting type. I have the cam lock ones, and I am getting tired of pinched fingers using the cheater bar to tighten.

Been looking around and prices are all over the place. What are the good brands that work well for folks, and what do I stay away from. Just tying down my 4000lb tractor and 3500 lb baler on my PJ deck over goose neck.

Thanks for any help

 

[newbury]

I've drooled over this type because of the folding handle:Peerless QuikBinder Plus? Ratcheting Loadbinder

I live with Harbor freight due to cost.

 

[George2615]

I've been using the ratchet binders for the past 15 years now. Still have the cam lock type but don't use for the same reasons. I bought 2 from HF and 2 from AWDirect. I don't see any difference between them other than price. My tractor with attachments weighs around 6-6.5K and I use the binders for 3/8" chain rated for 6600lb. (5/16" chain can also be used with these binders) Chain I use is all grade 70 and I have a mix of 5/16" & 3/8". I've been considering replacing my binders with the type that have the folding handle mainly for non use storage.
B/A Products QuikBinder™ Plus Load Binder for 5/16"?3/8" Chains | AW Direct

newbury's peerless binders are the same and a few $ less. I will shop around for the best price before I buy.

 

[Barnbuilder]

I was looking to purchase a couple also. Are any of them made in America? I have one about 20 years old that is.

 

[Barnbuilder]

Tarpstop.com has the folding handle binders for $36.

 

[bdog]

There are US made and import ones. The US versions are about double the cost. I have some of both and the US ones are nicer but if you are the typical compact tractor owner and not a trucker using them everyday either should serve you fine. Tulsa chain has a nice selection of them Tulsa Chain Industrial Chain Rigging Equipment Supplier, Chain Hoists, Winches, Securement Products or here https://www.1st-chainsupply.com/binders/ratchet.htm

 

[Silvic]

I have 3 different sets. One set of 2 from HF for 5/16 - 3/8 inch chain and two different sets of two from Northern tool 3/8-1/2 inch. 6 total of two different ratings and size.

Northern Industrial Tools Load, Binder 9200-Lb. Capacity, Item# 143119

The above item is equivalent to the quality of the HF version but are rated for heavier usage and larger chain. Construction and quality are similar.


The TruckTight Binder listed below is almost twice the cost of the above similar rated binder but the quality is by far superior. Wish I had four of the TruckTight and not the other (Item# 143119)
Also from Northern Tool but a much superior product
TruckTight Ratchet Load Binder 12,000-Lb. Capacity, Fits 3/8in. to 1/2in. Chains, Model# DDT-2, Item# 19461

 

[Diamondpilot]

Try a set 1st. I use them from time to time with company equipment. I hate them. Give me lever type any day or straps.

Chris

 

[Cord]

Been using the ratchet ones for at least 15 years now. Love them. For cost reasons I've been using the Chinese junk and they haven't given me any grief. Once in a while you need to put some gear oil on the threads, but that's the limit of the problems.

 

[CJONE]

I have both, I always use the lever ones because the ratcheting style are just clubs, too heavy and slow to mess with. If they were for the 5/16" chain maybe it would be different. CJ

 

[lamanated]

I saw this there should be an article on binders in there, if not PM me an address and Ill email it.
Tow Professional - VOL4 ISS3 2015

 

[newbury]

I like to use both. I'll generally put the lever type on the rear, ratchet on the front, get everything snugged down and finish by tightening the ratchet ones by a few clicks until I'm satisfied.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have both, I always use the lever ones because the ratcheting style are just clubs, too heavy and slow to mess with. If they were for the 5/16" chain maybe it would be different. CJ

My folding handle ratchet binders are not slow. The ratchet has three positions, Out - Free Spin - In.

Hook one end, pull the chain tight, hook the other end, put it in free spin, put both hands on the binder and rotate until snug, shift to In and ratchet until tight.

To me it is faster than the lever style, because it takes me two or three tries moving the hook, to get them tight.

And thanks to lamanated, I just found out that I can apply more tension to the tie down chain with the ratchet style, compared to the lever style, without using a cheater.

 

[Xfaxman]

I saw this there should be an article on binders in there, if not PM me an address and Ill email it.
Tow Professional - VOL4 ISS3 2015

Yep, on page 34, "How Tight Is Too Tight".

Thanks, interesting magazine.

Snips from the article.

 

[Xfaxman]

And "How Tight Is Too Tight" part two:Tow Professional - VOL4 ISS4 2015

 

[charles todd]

HF ratchet binders and HF G70 5/16" chain. I have 5 of each.

CT

 

[Cord]

To that effect, I gauge my chain and strap tightness by "strumming" them. If if the strap or chain "sings" when hit, then I know it's tight. A loose tie down will quickly dampen the motion.

 

[CJONE]

My folding handle ratchet binders are not slow. The ratchet has three positions, Out - Free Spin - In.

Hook one end, pull the chain tight, hook the other end, put it in free spin, put both hands on the binder and rotate until snug, shift to In and ratchet until tight.

To me it is faster than the lever style, because it takes me two or three tries moving the hook, to get them tight.

And thanks to lamanated, I just found out that I can apply more tension to the tie down chain with the ratchet style, compared to the lever style, without using a cheater.

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The ones I have will free spin by just putting the dog/powel in the middle. The only time I still use them is when I am binding down something heavy like my buddies D6 or his 216 cat EX. Otherwise the snap style binders with a 3' cheater that is made for closing and opening this style of binder. CJ

 

[powerscol]

Wow great information...hoping Santa finds me in all this snow. Been doing a lot of plowing with the bucket

Thanks folks

Merry Christmas and Happy new year

 

[bdog]

I bought a dozen of the the yellow folding style for our 53' flatbed. I like them. Seem well made and much faster and take less space in storage than the traditional ratchets. They were not much more expensive either.