snap vs rachet chain binder

I like the price of snap binders. I only buy USA made red ones. I have two of the chinnese junk orange ones try and never use them.
snap 45.00 compared to 68.00 rachet ones. I do remember about two monthes ago I was pulling the binder bar and it slipped and launched about a 100 feet,
luckily it didn't hit another truck.

 

I never release a snap binder that someone else tightened. If I absolutely had to, I would use a rope, not a cheater bar.

 

See, this is the part where I think the education and application aspects differ for people's understanding. I use the "90 degree or less" rule as the guide after having taken all the slack out, to get the chain/binder to the point that you can set it up for the 90 degree or less rule. At this point, more than 90 degree is too tight usually, for a driver to "reasonably" close that binder safely, hence the opportunity for damage/injury etc. Maybe I'm just lucky, but when I've properly pre-tested my chain adjustments etc, and then final set the binder, I rarely have to adjust them again down the road, and if I do, well that's part of the job. Believe me I'm no light weight either so I can use my weight if I have to, which is why I stick with the 90 degree or less rule. You're correct it's vague if not fully explained/demonstrated, but that's why I made the point that maybe proper training/education would make them less 'dangerous'.

 

I carry 12 3/8 chains 12 ratchet binders and 6 snap binders, 6. 1/2 chains and 6 ratchet binders. I have no reason to carry anything lighter than 3/8. I have tied down a John Deere riding mower with them. Over kill ya but I don't mess with carrying lighter chain I can only use once in a while

 

I have 4 ratchet binders and 10 snaps. The advantage to a ratchet is it can come loose but "not that" loose. They're a must have for equipment with tires which can bounce and rebound when you hit bumps. a good bump can potentially release a snap binder.

Snap binders are okay if you know how to use them properly. If you're a large man (like most of us are) you should not need to put all your weight on the bar to close the binder. If it's that tight you should know how to relieve a half-link not by moving the binder hook (that's a full link) but by moving the chain hook. If you absolutely can't get it tight without jumping on your cheater bar, then you need a long pipe or something to get more leverage.

You should never be pushing on your cheater bar more than so you can catch yourself if the chain breaks or slips. Remember, there's little guys who chain and haul loads successfully all the time, so especially if your 250# or bigger you really shouldn't have to put that much force to secure. I see guys standing on the trailer leaning on their bars with all their might and I just have to shake my head. If something slips (their feet, a chain link, etc..) they're falling off the trailer and on workman's comp.

 

The more I use my ratchet binders the more I like them.[h=1][/h]

 

I hate snap binders and yes........they should ban them!!!

To anyone who wants or has to use snapbinders,i wish you well and allways be very carefull.
Remember that if you tighten 10 000 a snapbinder (which over a whole driving career is possible),it only has to "catch" you once to really mess you up.

A ratchet binder will never injure you.
Something to think about.

 

Where the hell are you buying your binders!!!! I can get US made Durabilt ratchet binders for $30 each, and snap binders for $16

They are only $27 at Tarp Stop

 

You don't think Lowe's lets those bags go out the door for free, do ya?