Shoud I trust Chinese chain and ratchet binders for hauling?

[Fallon]

I have 2 good US made folding ratchet binders along wit a few Harbor Freight class ratchet & lever over center type. I prefer the US made ones because of the better action & folding handles. But the cheap ones work just fine.

I've taken to using the over center ones to hold down the loader as that's not falling with or without a chain on it & the over center style is faster. I don't work about getting it super tight. I chain the front of the trailer to whatever end of the tractor is there, then drive backwards until tires spin to tighten. Low range, 4wd & parking brake to hold it. Then I chain up the rear of the trailer with the US binders until everything is way tight. Then lower the loader & 3pt ( if anything is on it) Then chain the loader & impliment down. Usually 2 seperate chains on each end to clevises on the front bumper. Occasionally 1 chain through the clevis in the drawbar on the rear to 2 seperate points on either side. Usually 2 seperate chains to some other clevises near the tires on the rear though.

Never had an issue with Harbor Freight chain or binders.

 

[4570Man]

I prefer the lever binders. After a while in a toolbox the ratchet binders rust up and don't work right.

 

[frugalangler]

RATCHET BINDER - FOLDING HANDLE RATCHET BINDERS

I bought 4 of these to secure my tractor on the trailer. Very easy to use and eliminates the lever type binders that can snap back and hit you if you are using a cheater pipe ! The folding handles is a plus also. Not sure where they are made but they are heavy duty and good quality.

I'm also using these style binders, mine sourced from Northern Tool, I'm sure import, but decent quality. My G70 chain was HF on sale, and I dedicated them and binders to tie-down only, I don't drag as I've got a couple other chains I use to tug, pull, drag, etc. so if they get dirty or damaged I can still trust my tie-down stuff. I really like the binders as you can fold the handle and put padlocks on to secure - those things seem to grow legs in parking lots very quickly.

 

[Deere Dude]

I had G70 chain from someplace else and bought HF heavy duty load binders and they are very heavy and work great. Just spray some oil on them so they stay free from sticking or rusting.

 

[sixdogs]

Those folding handle ratchet binders look interesting. So, the reason they are better is because they don't rust up and you can lock them?


EDIT...oops...yes, and the folding handle.

 

[newbury]

I prefer the lever binders. After a while in a toolbox the ratchet binders rust up and don't work right.

You need a liberal dose of sheep oil, or Fluid Film.

Those folding handle ratchet binders look interesting. So, the reason they are better is because they don't rust up and you can lock them?

I thought the main point was the handle folds up.

 

[sixdogs]

...

I thought the main point was the handle folds up.

Yes, correct. Thanks.

 

[crazyal]

I've switched to locking lever style binders and never use the other style anymore. I haven't looked lately but Lowes use to sell the 5/16 grade 70 chain made in the US by Campell. I haven't seen it in a little while so they probably now sell a Chinese brand. I bought 4 20' lengths of it.

 

[sixdogs]

I've switched to locking lever style binders and never use the other style anymore. I haven't looked lately but Lowes use to sell the 5/16 grade 70 chain made in the US by Campell. I haven't seen it in a little while so they probably now sell a Chinese brand. I bought 4 20' lengths of it.
View attachment 528668

Did you switch just for the locking aspect? Have you ever used the ratchet type?

 

[Michael Aos]

Its dam heavy - I use it for dragging - logs, brush, pallets for crude leveling etc, etc.

How do you use the chain for crude leveling?

I have a 2x 20' chunks of 1/2" G70 I might want to try that with.