What is a Chain Binder?

A chain binder is a tool used to tighten chain to secure cargo for transport. When shopping for chain binders, there are commonly two styles: the ratchet binder and the lever binder.

How to Use Chain Binders?

Ratchet Binders

A ratchet binder, or a ratchet chain binder, includes a ratcheting mechanism to create tension in the chain in order to safely secure the load. It has a handle, two tension hooks, and a cam and prawl mechanism to create a smooth, ratcheting action.

When you are using a ratchet binder, the lever and screw will work together to increase the force applied to the tie-down assembly. This will provide the least amount of work to bind the chain tightly to secure the load. Also, its handle takes much less pulling force than you would need with a lever binder.

Lever Binders

A lever binder, or lever chain binder, is the easiest to unbind quickly to unload your cargo. The lever binder has a lever and tension hook on each end, and the lever can increase the force when applying to a tie-down.

The lever binder will require more pulling force because it stores energy in the handle. With added tension, this can make it harder to tighten because it requires more strength.

What are lever load binders?

Lever load binders are used as leverage to help tighten and secure chain and cargo onto a trailer. This equipment have long been used in the trucking industry. The reason why they are one of the common causes of injury is explained in the following scenario:

• Level      load binders have the tendency to develop high recoverable energy levels      and large chain tensions. This tension and energy level makes the standard      chain lever load unable to safely maintain these.

• Due      to the inherent inability of the handle slack of the standard load binder      to be fine-tuned, the end result is either a too tight or too loose chain      that is impossible to secure using the binder handle.

• Essentially,      the force required to effectively use a lever load binder is 170 pounds.      Such a force is sufficient to cause strains and sprains to the body.       Usually, such a case motivates drivers to use a cheater bar

   

Instructions – Lever Type Load Binders

•       Hook load binder to chain so you can operate it while standing on the ground. Position load binder so its handle can be pulled downward to tighten chain (see photo). Be aware of ice, snow, rain, oil, etc. that can affect your footing. Make certain your footing is secure.

•      Specifically recommends AGAINST the use of a handle extender (cheater pipe). If sufficient leverage cannot be obtained using the lever type load binder by itself, a ratchet type binder should be used.

•       If the above recommendation is disregarded and a cheater pipe is used, it must closely fit the handle and must slide down the handle until the handle projections are contacted. The pipe should be secured to the handle, for example, by a pin, so that the pipe cannot fly off the handle if you loose control and let go. The increased leverage, by using a cheater pipe, can cause deformation and failure of the chain and load binder.

•       During and after tightening chain, check load binder handle position. Be sure it is in the locked position and that its bottom side touches the chain link.

•       Chain tension may decrease due to load shifting during transport. To be sure the load binder remains in proper position: Secure handle to chain by wrapping the loose end of chain around the handle and the tight chain, or tie handle to chain with soft wire.

•       When releasing load binder, remember there is a great deal of energy in the stretched chain. This will cause the load binder handle to move very quickly with great force when it is unlatched. Move handle with caution. It may whip – Keep body clear.

•       Never use a cheater pipe or handle extender to release handle. Use a steel bar and pry under the handle and stay out of the path of handle as it moves upward.

•       If you release the handle by hand, use an open hand under the handle and push upward. Do not close your hand around the handle. Always keep yourself out of the path of the moving handle.

When to Use a Chain Binder

If you’re wondering when to use a chain binder, the answer is anytime the cargo’s weight increases. Usually, the tie-downs’ working load limits add a minimum of 50% to the load’s weight. The required quantity of tie-downs to keep the load secure depends on the length, weight, and type of cargo.

What are the Advantages of Using Chain Binders?

After knowing what is a chain binder? It is also good to know its advantages for your cargo.

• Compared      to tie-down straps made of nylon, chain binders provide longer-lasting      securement. 

• Chain      binders are less susceptible to tears and cuts, whether these are used to      tie down a Bobcat bucket or any heavy machinery.  

• One      of the advantages of using chain binders is it tightens chains when      securing cargo for transport.

• They      are also best for tying down sharp objects.

How Do Chain Binders work?

Now that you know”what is a chain binder,” you must also understand how to use chain binders so you can operate it effectively.

Attaching the Chain

Step 1. Load the trailer with whatever equipment you are hauling.

Step 2. Locate the best places on the trailer to attach the chain to secure your load. Some campers have built-in rings or chain attachment points. On others, you need to connect the chain to the trailer’s frame. Remember to loop it over the heaviest framework of the railer. Axles, drawbars, motor mounts, and hitch supports are examples of suitable parts to attach your chain.

Step 3. Attach the chain to the trailer and over your cargo. You must use the hooks on the chains’ ends to adjust the chain as tight as possible.

Binding the Load

Step 1. To use a chain binder as cargo securing equipment, you must open the binder to its extended position.

Step 2. Hook the binder’s end near the handle lever to the chain’s link near the cargo being secured.

Step 3. Hook and tighten the opposite end of the binder by hand to the same chain. It will help if you pulled the lever handle on the binder to adjust the chain.

Step 4. Continue adjusting the lever as needed to get the chain tight. If the chain is still loose after adjusting the binder, reposition the binder’s attachment and try again. That’s how to use chain binders. You’ll have to reposition and adjust your cargo securely.

Step 5. If necessary, use a 3-foot length of 2-inch steel pipe as a cheater. Slide the pipe over the binder’s handle lever and use the extra length to lever the handle entirely to its closed position.

Step 6. Wrap 14-gauge steel around the chain and through the hole in the binder handle, then twist the wire ends together to ensure the handle doesn’t pop open from vibration or when the trailer hits bumps in the road.

Final Thoughts

When you do heavy cargo haulings such as machinery or vehicles, it’s essential to understand “what is a chain binder” and its types. Aside from familiarizing yourself with its types, you should also know when to use a chain binder. 

This knowledge is essential so you can use each chain binder appropriately, efficiently and safely. Using a chain and operating a binder will give you extra peace of mind when transporting large and weighty cargo.

If you are looking for a chain binder, you may check Toronto Trailers. We offer different cargo securing tools and equipment.

Find more information about wire rope clips :

https://www.huahanmachinery.com/product/load-binders.html