Ratcheting or Snap Binders?

[BKrois]

Just wondering what every ones to secure machines down? The person i was working for used ratcheting chain binders. While it may be a little slower to use than a snap binder, it is a lot safer.

Two people i know have gotten their faces hit when the snap binder didn't want to stay. One has permanent damage to his teeth while the other had his nose cracked.

Who uses what?

[digger242j]

Ratcheting.

They may seem more time consuming, but in my experience the snap binders never get as tight as you'd like them when you first put them on. By the time you take them loose and adjust them by another link or two you can have the ratchet type all cranked down tight and be on your way.

I assume the people you know who got hurt were using a cheater of some sort? I can see how you could get hit that way, but I have a hard time imagining why you'd have your face close enogh for the handle of the binder itself to hit you. Either way, it hurts just to think about it...

[wyldman]

I've seen the damage those chain binders can do,quite nasty.

I've used ratcheting straps on smaller stuff like cars,trucks,and such,but didn't know they were even rated for tying down heavy equipment.I've never seen them used for that around here anyways.

[Steve Frazier]

I'm the oddball in the bunch, surprise! I use the snap binders with a cheater stick, but am very careful. When I worked at a construction company, they used the rachet style but they never seemed to last very long. They alway got run over by a machine then would be useless. The snap types seem to take a bit more abuse.

[donlang]

In my opinion, there is no other way than ratchet binders. If you secure a rubber tired machine with a snap over binder, they tend to loosen when the machine gives while underway. Ratchet binders do not come loose unless the load moves. I always try to pull in oposing directions, and have found little or no trouble. Also, heavier chains don't stretch over a period of time using ratchet binders. 3/8" as a minimum, even for skid loaders, 1/2" for bigger equipment. If you use smaller chains, you will replace them more often from them being stretched.

[paulsoccodato]

i use ratcheting also

[Dusty]

ratchet binders are safer and hold tighter and are quick to tighten if they losen up on the way a few clicks and it is tight again

[BRL]

My vote is for ratchet style also, though I have most often used the other ones.

[SteveB]

I use both. On the front corners I use snap binders (tighten with a cheater bar then saftey wired) and on the back corners I use the ratchet type. I've never had either set come loose while travelling so I'm either doing it right (doubtful) or lucky. I do think the ratchet type are easier to get tight the first time.

[GeoffD]

I guess i am the cowboy of the group. I use snap binders with a cheater pipe. However i don't even use safety wire, just take the slack chain, run it around the binder and call it good.

Geoff

[DKinWA]

I use the snap binders like most folks around here. I'm afraid rain and rust would take it's toll on the ratchet mechanism and cause problems down the road. I actually like the idea of the ratchet style, but I've never even seen them for sale in any of the truck shops. I didn't even know they existed until recently when I saw them in a tool catalog on the net.

[Arc Burn]

For small equipment like lawn mowers and such i use snap binders but when i was in construction all we used were ratchet binders.We would pre-fab bridges inside and then tear them down and haul them out,no one ever dreamed of using a snap binder on those loads.An occasional burst of WD-40 or something of the like and we never had any rust issues and we worked year round in all weather types.I feel you can get a ratchet binder tighter than the snap binder anyways,not to mention the whole saftey factor:p
Just my 2cents

[shaper]

Ratchet binders by choice. If I haul more than one piece of equipment on a trailer I'll have to break at the snap binders

[Taylortractornu]

I use snap binders on my hoe. When i use my gooesneck trailer I have a hook that is in the front of my machine. ill bind it down super tight then go to the back and bind it down through the 2 chain holes back there and throw a nilon strap across the middle of the machine and latch it down . rarely it will be a few inches forwards. The snap Binders are a bit dangerous but i have alot of trouble with keeping the ratchet type.

[Blademan]

I've used both , and in my humble opinion , ratchet binders are the safest . And safety comes first and foremost for me . After many near misses , usually with a cheater bar , I switched over and can't really ever see myself going back . I've also gotten to know a few heavy haulers , and they all seem to of switched over to the ratchet type too . Years ago , the guy over at our local Bobcat dealer was actually amazed that I was securing down a rental skid steer with a snap binder . He told me the pain to his jaw was excruciating when he got smoked by a snap binder once , on the farm he grew up on . Spent two weeks in the hospital and fistfuls of cash putting his face back together . But , what it comes down to , is you do what you gotta do . You could be the safest guy on the job , only to slip on some ice and smoke your noggin . Life can be funny like that sometimes .

Rob

[max diyer]

I have extensive experience with both types of binders. I overwhelmingly prefer ratchets. I have seen too many accidents with the snap type. The worst was when I was chaining a load down and a guy was helping me, on the other side of the trailer. We were talking and when he didn't answer, I went around and he was laying on the ground. The cheater pipe came off the binder and hit him in the face. His right face was crushed and he lost an eye.

Shortly after that I sold all of my snap binders. I use ratchet binders or ratchet straps, exclusively!

[will_gurt]

This is how and why the nickname skullbuster is associated with the snap binder.

[Cat420]

I have seen some ratchet binders that use a detachable handle. This would not stop a determined thief, but could be used to secure tool boxes or other large objects on the job. I also prefer ratchet binders for securing loads down, they just feel so much better to me.

[woberlin]

I too only use rachet binders to haul my secure my equipment. I have never had a problem with them rusting or not operating. An occasional shot of oil, and you should never have a problem. Thr current issue of Grading & Excavating Contractor magazine has an entire page of does and dont's for securing equipment for transport. Very informative.

[littledenny]

Ratcheting binders, always. I'd let all the air out of the tires and secure a load with chain only (pumping the tires up again, of course,) before I'd use a snap binder. (This is hard to do with tracked equipment, though.)

Was a truck platoon leader in the Army years ago, saw way too many close calls with young kids trying to manhandle cheater bars and snap binders - luckily no one got busted on my watch, but boy, I sure worried about a few of them. Some of these kids needed more rocks in their pockets to even pull on a cheater bar, finally got them to get over it, and ask for assistance.

Snap binders -- never again.

[triaxle]

When using snap over binders, it is critical to position yourself and the binder correctly to avoid injury.
Maintain contact of feet with the ground, do not lunge.
Never push down on a cheater with your body above it.
Never push the cheater away from your body.
( in other words, pull the cheater bar without entering the path the cheater will follow if you lose control)
Keep a roll of duct tape to secure the break over binders during transport.
Tighten all load equipment after 5 miles.

Most states also require "transfer chain" of either GS-70 or GS-80 rating.
If your chain meets this rating, it will have a stamp on each link stating the rating.
3/8 OK for small machines but 1/2 common on heavier equipment transport.

Regulations require 4 point chaining on every piece over 10,000 lbs.
Happy Trails

[xkvator]

i was at the local Case dealer the other day & some real pretty blue Peerless ratcheting binders on the shelf caught my eye. As i'm always buying extra - just in case - tools,etc., I was going to buy 2 until i saw the made in china stamped in the handle.
What's you're opinions?

[Steve Frazier]

Unfortunately in some respects, "Made in China" no longer automatically means inferior quality. Their metalurgy techniques have come a long way in the past couple years. A few years ago I'd just take a pass on made in China tools, but now some of them rival American name brands in strength at half the cost. Good for the consumers but bad for the American workers.

I can't comment specifically on the binder you mention, but it would be worth looking into.

[Cat420]

I'd have to agree with taking a look at items that are made in China. Practice makes perfect and the Chinese have been getting a lot of practice at making lots of things. Same thing with Japan, Japanese cars used to be junk, but now Toyotas are one of the top brands for quality.

[Catpower]

I take the approch when tieing things down in my truck or trailer what is the worst case that may happen. Even the quad gets two 2 inch wratchet straps or did. I always over do it so as not to attract DOT's attention. I did see some people up by Slave lake some months ago with house hold goods in a trailer secured with 1/4" rope sort of. Guess who DOT had pulled over in there inspection blitz. When securing backhoes Chained in 4 corners and the stick. Still learning.

[Eric]

Rachett every time!! I know a guy that had a snap slip on him, hit him so hard he joined the DOT!!!

[bobcat ron]

Ratcheting on the heavy end of my MTL and 2 "mini" snappers on the front corners with a WLL of 3600 lbs each.

[Colin Doy]

I'm new here so this is an easy answer to start with. 25 years ago binders is all I used. Now ratchets are the only way to go (for me). Less dangerous to use and easier to keep tightened. I wonder what we'll use in 25 years time!

[smalltime]

Ratchet binders always. I read some coments on dirt & water, but I am bad about leaving them in the trailer tongue & dropping them in the dirt. A little PB Blaster & they work fine. I have had some for at least 10 years with no problems.

[RollOver Pete]

I still use a snap binder.
Maybe one day I'll get some ratchet binders.
:cool:

[Eric]

Woah, nice truck!

[RonG]

I prefer the over center binders too,much easier to use,handle and store in my opinion.You can use them in the dark without having to try and figure out which way the darn thing is ratcheting and if you are tightening it or is it going to come apart in your hands.Not all tractors have hookup lights and I have cussed those ratchet binders a lot of times.When I remove a binder I leave the pawl where it was until I need it again but not everyone does that so if someone else has borrowed your binder you don't know where it is going to be set when you need it again and this applies to daylight too really,you still have to check it.Sometimes when you throw them in the storage bin the pawl can flip over on you too.
With the over center binders you just need a 3 or 4 foot length of conduit or pipe and you are all set,if you know how to hook the chain to it you can tighten it as tight as you could ever need.
The only time I reach for a ratchet binder is when I can use it to bind the 4 corners of a track machine to the deck frame instead of using the D rings and a chain.The snap over binder is much faster too although you do need to use some care when you release them.I have seen that pipe go flying:))Ron G

[Squizzy246B]

Does anybody have some pics of the exact types of Ratchet binders being discussed here?..Please.

[d4c24a]

this is what i use

[Eric]

Here's one from today. This is how I haul our JDexcavator.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w109/ebeng5/chains04.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w109/ebeng5/chains03.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w109/ebeng5/chains02.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w109/ebeng5/chains01.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w109/ebeng5/stuffyourturbo.jpg
Save a turbo... stuff your exhaust!!!!
Sorry about all the links, I'm not having any luck resizing my pictures:beatsme

[Ray Welsh]

I'm the oddball in the bunch, surprise! I use the snap binders with a cheater stick, but am very careful. When I worked at a construction company, they used the rachet style but they never seemed to last very long. They alway got run over by a machine then would be useless. The snap types seem to take a bit more abuse.

Sorry to disagree with you Steve, for safety nowdays it's ratchet for me. Osama Bin Laden probably reads this site in his spare time. Many years ago he was one of the worlds biggest private Caterpillar owners. I wonder why you keep giving him free press?? GW Bush stated a few years ago, "Mission accomplished".......C ya.........Ray

[SouthOnBeach]

i'm lazy and like my rachet binders. i think though somewhere we still have a few snaps laying around for those times we need just one more binder to secure everyhing well.

[Countryboy]

Welcome to Heavy Equipment Forums Catpower! :drinkup

[Countryboy]

Welcome to Heavy Equipment Forums Colin Doy! :drinkup

[Catpower]

This is off the topic alittle but guess I will be back running JD backhoe and grader ( JD or Champian )starting Wednesday. Oh no how much have I forgot. :beatsme Will have the run the carrier truck app it has an 18 spd to carry the hoe around. ( Oh good) Think I saw snap binders on it.

[GaryKelley]

Is something that shows how lazy I can be. I use snap binders on the right side, front and back. And ratchet binders on the left. My theory is this:
I can set the 2 snap binders on the right, fairly tight with my hands..and NO I do not wear a red cape. Then I can tighten the ratchet binders on the left side pretty darn tight... all this without having to get the winch bar...Of course, sometimes I have more than ONE piece to lash down, in which case I'll get the rest of the snap binders...

[Dusty]

velcrow is the way to go

[Freightrain]

20 yrs ago when I drove for the company I still work for, I used snap binders cause that's all we had back then. Always had a 1 1/2" alum pipe for cheater and never had issues. Always wrapped chain around binder when done. This all changed when we got a new driver. He wasn't the sharpest pencil in the box.............he was undoing a load one day in the shop and instead of holding onto the cheater pipe, he just PUSHED it and it promptly thru the cheater across the shop. Luckily I saw it coming and ducked, unfortunately a co-worker wasn't so lucky and he got it in the forehead:eek:. He got knocked for a loop, but since the cheater was thin wall alum pipe it wasn't deadly(not quite). Lucky he didn't stay a driver for long :rolleyes:

[HeavyHaul4Life]

Hello everyone,

I drive over the road for a company doing heavy haul(over dimensional loads - height, width and weight). When I was just a plain linehaul driver I used the snap binders the company issues everyone. These binders come with a disclaimer(videos in orientation of folks with half their face torn off and the like), use at your own risk. When I started heavy haul, I was given the option to purchase my own ratchet binders. I use Dixie Industries by Columbus McKinnon Forge Group. I picked them up at the Utility trailer dealer in Columbus, OH for $18 a piece. I use 5/16 gr 70 chain and the matching binders. 12 of each on the truck here. These binders were well worth the cost and I would gladly do it again knowing how easy and much more secure my cargo is now than before.


Matt

[Countryboy]

Welcome to Heavy Equipment Forums HeavyHaul4Life! :drinkup

[fhansen]

We like Columbus-Mckinnon ratchet binders but also have snap binders on the trailers so we often use both-snap binders on one end of a piece of equipment and ratchets on the opposite end.

[Boots]

Everyone around here says the rachet binders are or will shortly be illegal from the DOT, (don't know why?). Just got a delivery from a trucker in Penn and Ill and he said the same thing. Has anyone else heard this?

The truckers who move our tractors always use snap over. On rubber tire machines, you compress the tires when you snap the binder over with a cheater and the air pressure in the tires hold the machine in place. Can't get one tight without a cheater.

Obviously I'm in the minority in this thread, but if what we hear is true everyone is going to have to learn how to get them tight. There have been millions of loads held down with snap over binders.

Everything we do is dangerous to somone.

[Cat420]

The truckers who move our tractors always use snap over. On rubber tire machines, you compress the tires when you snap the binder over with a cheater and the air pressure in the tires hold the machine in place. Can't get one tight without a cheater.

A ratchet binder will do the same thing with a pipe on it, so this shouldn't make a difference in which one you use.


Everything we do is dangerous to somone.

True, but how often would you drive the wrong direction in traffic and expect to stay in one piece? Not every situation needs to be pushing the limits, just because "bad things happen to everyone". With that said, I race quads, so don't think I'm terrified to take risks. There just doesn't seem to be much of a benefit to the risks taken in this case:beatsme

[bobcat ron]

The only thing I ever hated with ratchet binders is when you start cranking them at first, the chain also starts to twist, this always makes me start using foul language.

[texascadillac42]

Everyone around here says the rachet binders are or will shortly be illegal from the DOT, (don't know why?). Just got a delivery from a trucker in Penn and Ill and he said the same thing. Has anyone else heard this?


Interesting, out here in IL, and also in NY, I have heard from DOT officers that snap over binders are soon to be illegal, and ratchet types will be mandatory. :beatsme I personally run ratchet binders when moving my equipment (all smaller stuff, up to 18k) because the few DOT officers I have talked to seem to be happier seeing those.

[Camarogenius]

Ratchet binders have their place, and I have a few. I prefer snap binders, but not the normal kind. I have what are called "Safety binders". The handle is free floating, so if it pops loose, the handle won't hurt you, even with the cheater pipe on it. Also, they have a cam action on the release, so even if they're super tight, you can release them by hand. I'll take some pics tomorrow if anyone is interested.
As to the made in China thing. Get a clue. I don't care how much their quality has "improved". I buy American, because I'm an American. Somewhere in America, there's a guy that feeds his family by going to work every day, and making binders, or [insert any item you want here] That guy's job depends on me caring more about my country, than saving a couple of bucks. If you'd rather give your money to china, maybe a cheater pipe in the forehead will be of some service to you.

[Preppypyro]

I myself prefer quality over where its made. If its ten times better quality, and made in south africa, its got my vote!
I could care less about another fellas job, I got myself to worry about first.

[7AXLES]

Thats probably because Canada don't make anything except French toast!

[Preppypyro]

Cmon now lets be realistic.


French toast is from france!


All we make up here is igloos!! :D

[bob b]

Ive seen several drivers with missing teeth due to snap binders rachet binders are the way to go

[Colin Doy]

Ratchet binders have their place, and I have a few. I prefer snap binders, but not the normal kind. I have what are called "Safety binders". The handle is free floating, so if it pops loose, the handle won't hurt you, even with the cheater pipe on it. Also, they have a cam action on the release, so even if they're super tight, you can release them by hand. I'll take some pics tomorrow if anyone is interested.
As to the made in China thing. Get a clue. I don't care how much their quality has "improved". I buy American, because I'm an American. Somewhere in America, there's a guy that feeds his family by going to work every day, and making binders, or [insert any item you want here] That guy's job depends on me caring more about my country, than saving a couple of bucks. If you'd rather give your money to china, maybe a cheater pipe in the forehead will be of some service to you.


Hey Camarogenius I'm with you on the "home grown" issue. :usaCould you maybe take a few pics of those binders for me? The manufacturers name would be helpful too.
Cheers:drinkup

[catchick]

I've used both , and in my humble opinion , ratchet binders are the safest . And safety comes first and foremost for me . After many near misses , usually with a cheater bar , I switched over and can't really ever see myself going back . I've also gotten to know a few heavy haulers , and they all seem to of switched over to the ratchet type too . Years ago , the guy over at our local Bobcat dealer was actually amazed that I was securing down a rental skid steer with a snap binder . He told me the pain to his jaw was excruciating when he got smoked by a snap binder once , on the farm he grew up on . Spent two weeks in the hospital and fistfuls of cash putting his face back together . But , what it comes down to , is you do what you gotta do . You could be the safest guy on the job , only to slip on some ice and smoke your noggin . Life can be funny like that sometimes .

Rob

I have always used ratchet binder.....my bro used to move houses, he was using a snap binder and cheater to tie something down, I can't even remember what now, anyhow he was in a hurry and wound up crushing the orbit around his eye and splitting over a 1/4 of his face open. I use the ratchet because of that accident but like blademan said you could be the safest guy....and it still doesn't mean you won't get hurt.

Thats probably because Canada don't make anything except French toast!

We make better beer too:p

[cat320]

I have always used binders but I think I would spend the extra for the ratchet just because of the saftey factor.

[Camarogenius]

Hey Camarogenius I'm with you on the "home grown" issue. :usaCould you maybe take a few pics of those binders for me? The manufacturers name would be helpful too.
Cheers:drinkup


WOW!! How did this escape me? I'll post some pics and specs this weekend.

[7AXLES]

The only thing I ever hated with ratchet binders is when you start cranking them at first, the chain also starts to twist, this always makes me start using foul language.

Yea, that happens, but usually cause they are dry....I use that spray on lithium grease...last for days.

[TriHonu]

These are available from Safeland Industrial Supply (http://www.safelandindustrial.com/app/stx.productdetail.asp?did=85).

[IH270A]

well I must be another oddball ...... around here every one has been in the logging buisness for years .. and we have all used snap binders for years , and I have never seen an accident with them except once when a chain link actually broke , I saw some trying to use those ratchet binders but once they got full of pine tree sap they were usually thrown
along with a few choice words .. however I am not saying they aren't used , just the people I know .....

[OCR]

well I must be another oddball ...... around here every one has been in the logging buisness for years .. and we have all used snap binders for years , and I have never seen an accident with them except once when a chain link actually broke , I saw some trying to use those ratchet binders but once they got full of pine tree sap they were usually thrown
along with a few choice words .. however I am not saying they aren't used , just the people I know .....

Ratchet binders can be a real pita... but they will crank down a load tight...
but so will snap binders and they're faster.

And as you say...once they got full of pine tree sap they were usually thrown... I think that's the worst part about them.

Here's a twist on a different use. This is a Flexi coil 300A chisel plow... and any one who has one, knows how hard it is to get them leveled... especially after you break one of those roller chain links... this solves the problem...
and you don't even have to take the hooks off.

Another thing a ratchet binder can be used for sometimes... is a jack or spreader... don't use it to pull in...sometimes you can place them just right and push out. I like and hate them at the same time... :)


OCR

PS: I'm not completely done with the mods. here... that's why nothing is painted... it's still in the " proof of concept phase"... ;)


22978

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22980

[OCR]

This adjustment is critical... if it's not right, sections of the plow dig deeper than the rest... and you can carry an extra one... :cool:

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[IH270A]

WEll is that an old KONGSKILED chisel plow , we had one similar when I was young and , we
used to plant soy beans ........ seems like the one we had also had clod breaking rollers
on the back that was spring loaded .

[OCR]

WEll is that an old KONGSKILED chisel plow , we had one similar when I was young and , we
used to plant soy beans ........ seems like the one we had also had clod breaking rollers
on the back that was spring loaded .

HelloIH270A,

This is a Flexi coil 300A chisel plow.

Take care,


OCR

[imbzcul8r]

We are using ratchet cinches, but they are far from being the final answer. We had a driver eat the handle on a regular cinch so we switched, but here's my opinion of them: they are SLOW, they bind up with dirt & road spray, freeze up in winter use & you have to be careful when tightening because if the chain gives slack you will overextend your elbow. When being used on logging roads you better pack lots of spray lube cause you'll need it to get them loose.That being said, I like them better when tying down rubber tired machines or loads that have no give at all. jmho

[Deerehauler]

I do exclusively local hauling--it is a rarity for me to be more than 120 miles from home. I average 350 miles per day so that is a LOT of loading and unloading. I use snap boomers mainly for the time I save. I am VERY careful with them and I am the ONLY one who chains or unchains things on my truck. So far no problems. I also wire the handles but the wire gets to be a pain after a while.

I have been thinking about making a small clevis that would go over the handle and be pinned through the chain when the load is secured. This would eliminate the wire problem and would be very secure and quick. If we get another spring blizzard I may get a little time to come up with a prototype.