Can someone give me more details on differences between lever and ratchet chain binders? What are the benefits of each, the differences? How to stay safe with each? Is there a big price difference? Thanks!
Hi Bay, well, ratcheting binders are a lot easier, as your load shifts, a simple few cranks of the ratchet binder, and you are good to go. A lever binder, you have to undo the binder, grab a new link, and pull it down again. I can't believe lever binders are still legal. Also, here's a little tip, when chaining something down, make sure all the links of the chain line up ( chain not twisted) and the chain will not loosen. I'd go with the ratchet binder. Be careful.
As usual, there aren't any hard, fast rules in securement. I myself prefer ratchet binders in most my chain securement, BUT there are certain loads where ratchet binders are better. Certain loads do not give you the room to swing the handle to tighten ratchet binders. Snap binders will do the trick. So I would recommend carrying both instead of just one type of securement.
Just be sure to get the new style of snap binder. Or you might be looking like you done prison time as someone's girlfriend real quick.
I have both. I prefer snap binders. I don't chain nor haul anything real big or heavy. Never busted teeth out yet (nor come close) nor had any other problems. Bigger n heavier stuff ratchet binders are better in my experience.
I believe, years ago, flatbed loads ,like tractors and machinery, didn't have "D" rings or load fixing points, and that's where the problems came in. I heard, cheater bars on lever binders were illegal. Is that true?
