Breaking chains

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Bdog, Feb 16, 2016.

  1. Bdog

    Bdog Road Train Member

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    I had a 18,000 lb tracked machine on my trailer today. Secured on four corners with 3/8 grade 70 made in USA chains bought new in November.

    I had them tight with ratchet binders but not overly tight. No cheaters or anything just ratcheted them up like I normally do.

    Drove about 40 miles and pulled over to check the load and the front left chain had broke right near the end where it was hooked to the trailer. Surprisingly the hook, binder, chain were all still there. It broke four links from the hook. I just removed the cotter pin and reattached the hook and continued on my way. It held to the destination. These chains show no damage whatsoever the finish isn't even worn. Just a freak deal and a bad link or something?
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Quite possible it was a defective link.
     
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  4. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Made in China.....
     
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  5. Bdog

    Bdog Road Train Member

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    It wasn't made in China. It was a Laclede USA chain.
     
  6. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Everything is starting to be made in China and at the same time companies are trying to keep the good old USA made thing going. I just found out a few weeks ago, even Red Wing boots are made in China. I went to a local distributor to verify and he confirmed, Only a a hand full are still made in USA, but 80% are made in China.
     
  7. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    redwing has been that way for close to ten years at least.
     
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  8. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    Ratchet binders can put a god awful amount of force on a chain. I've seen them rip spools off trailers before. Always pull on the chain as you tighten to check, just like you would a fan belt. You want it tight, but not so much force it damages anything.

    Edit to add. And never use a cheater bar on a ratchet binder.
     
  9. LindaPV

    LindaPV Medium Load Member

    Red Wing Worx made in China. High priced spread still made in the USA.
     
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  10. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    I settled for a pair of Thorougood. Pick up pair at almost half price from amazon $85.00(open box returned) with a tag that say's USA made.
     
  11. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    They have a mfg plant in red wing mn
     
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