Load Securement - Chains, Chain Binders - Straps

Would you rather have a chain stretch...or break suddenly?

 

Yep.

Not sure if you're addressing this to me but the issue isn't a weak chain. The issue is having to replace perfectly good chains just because the GR70 has worn off and I need to be able to prove to the DOT it's GR70.

 

Because the 70 wore off?

 

We have both, but most are integrated hook. The only time i ever removed the hook was trying to get it unhooked with wire mesh. The mesh expanded and made the snap binder difficult to remove. I could have restraped it and removed the chain with strap holding it down. As for machinery, we only haul sprayers and tractors (unless on dedicated accounts.) The hooks fit through everything we haul. I like the integrated hook, because there is no cotterpin to snag on your glove.

 

That is where you have to take into consideration what Martin was talking about. What kind of trailer are you pulling and what is your securement point on the trailer rated for? What's the point of spending 180 bucks on a 16' grade 100 chain rated at 8800 lbs when your pocket, spool, or pop up point are rated at say 6000 lbs? Why not go with a grade 70 3/8 that is rated 6600 and cost 46 bucks instead? Those are both made in USA chains not cheap china crap!

Martin I don't know why anybody in there right mind would have 1/2 chains if they only pulled a flat or step with securement points rated in the 6000 lbs range! That is way to much work to pull those out and put them away! My body hurts just thinking about that!!

 

1/2" chains will make a man out of ya!

 

I couldn't even tell you the last time I pulled a flat/step mate. Must be at least 6-8yrs I guess.
For what we haul, it works great. I would rather lug that 2@ 1/2"x5' chain and matching binders to the rear of the trailer, than 4 3/8" chains and binders. Like I said, I dont even, nor have I ever, owned any 5/16 stuff.
If hauling weight, that 1/2" is actually less work! This is of course assuming the load tie down and the trailer are both up to the task though, like I said earlier.

Martin

 

Darn right! We have some at my work and we have one that's got to be like a 1 inch if not bigger! Its wrapped around the weight on the back of one of our loaders to pull out our trucks and stuff if needed. Its maybe 10-15 feet and has to weigh every bit of 250 pounds maybe more! All I know is it sucks getting stuck and having to get that thing out! But you can trust a small chain when your pulling 70K+ around!

 

Yeah lugging around my 3/8xwhatever length they were sucked!!! I would never spend the money on anything less then 3/8 though and 3/8-1/2 ratchet binders. Of course they all have to be made in the USA too! My swifty flatbedder friend has his china made 5/16 junk break all the time! It almost seems like its every couple week thing! JUNK JUNK JUNK!!! He wants to buy his own stuff but last time he had his own stuff in his truck Swift tried to take it from him when they inspected his truck....