Whether you are planning to haul tons of heavy machinery across the country or transport your lawn tractor to a nearby town using a utility trailer, it is critical to have your load fastened down safely. Although you can use nylon strap tie-downs, you should always know that they can’t come close to chains that are pulled tight using chain binders.
For people who are hearing the term “chain binders” for the first time, these are chain tensioning devices that are commonly used to fasten chains or tie-downs used to anchor down huge loads or cargo for transport. Also known as load binders, they are made of steel and have grab hooks on each end. Like other hauling devices, they come in a variety of sizes, styles, and working load limits.
To get the most of these devices, you need to know how to use them, maintain them, and how to choose the best for your cargo fastening needs. Without further ado, here are a few tips you should keep in mind when it comes to using chain binders the right way.
- Know their capacity
Capacity is one of the most critical considerations when it comes to choosing chain binders. To find binders that have enough capacity to do the job, it is important to know the weight of the cargo you plan to transport and the total number of chains that you need to tie your cargo down. If you are using four chains of about 2000 lbs WLL each, the binders that you use should also have a WLL of 2000lbs each. A good rule to follow is to use chain binders that have equal or more capacity than the tie-downs that they will tighten.
- Maintaining Binders
To reduce friction and prolong the life of your binders, you need to routinely lubricate their pivot and swivel points. You should also lubricate the pawl parts and screw threads if you are dealing with ratchet binders
Additionally, store them in safe and dry places that are free from harsh chemicals that can cause corrosion. Toolboxes and chain carriers are highly recommended for this.
- Safety Tips
Here are a few safety tips that you should keep in mind when using chain binders:
- Wear gloves when handling binders to have a firm grip of the binder handle
- When using lever binders, ensure that they are fully locked. The cargo shouldn’t shift after the binders have been applied.
- Stay clear of the binder’s handle when releasing it to avoid any kind of kickback.
- Never be tempted to use cheater bars to increase the tension of the tie-downs because the cheater bars can put unnecessary force on your tie-downs. Excess force can damage or break your tie-down. Even worse, the stored energy resulting from the force may injure somebody nearby.
Chain binders offer lots of outstanding features and benefits, especially when it comes to tightening tie-downs. However, to enjoy all the perks, you must stay safe, care for them, and know how to use them the right way. Most importantly, you should know the current performance criteria stipulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (or FMCSA).
