Snap binders

Your driver or you probably misunderstood. DOT probably said they loosen up so the handles need to be locked closed

 

I have never had any dot in the US say anything about having them tied or otherwise locked.
In Canada it is the law, and was told that it was 125 dollar fine a piece, they did let me tie them with mechanics wire. I always wrapped the excess chain around them anyway, if there was any.

I always carried a combination of both, I actually would rather use snap binders, but for some things, ratchet binders are better
I do and have for years told people I didn't need help when unloading, because of a near bad miss with a cheater pipe, where an idiot snapped one loose trying to help out. my cheater missed his chin by a hair and went so far up that it went out of sight for a second or two.

 

Mmm, whats the wording in the "bible" I'm thinking of... "prevented from becoming loose"?
Just using a snap binder as designed (the tension bieng enough to keep the lever closed) Doesn't seem to be enough. It needs something over the lever to keep it closed/getting bumped open.

Usually wrapping the excess chain around the handle is enough to satisfy DOT.

It leaves a lot open to interpretation... Not surprised someone would think they are illegal...

 

They will not bump open if the chain is tight, but certainly will if the chain gets some slack in it.
For example a load of logs will loosen up, and when it gets loose enough the binder will bounce open. There is no way a guy could ever tie down something loke a load of logs with ratchet binders.
To keep from loosing the ends with them hung on my rack, I hang chains on them

 

Back when I was a company man I was trying to tighten to lock down a snap binder and lost control. Sent my winch bar 40 feet. After going fully independent o/o and buying my own gear I only carry ratchets. Snap binders aren't illegal, but they should be.

 

Same thing happened to me when I first started. We used to use piece of pipe and I had one go 20-30 feet across the mill. Thankfully nobody was over there but a bunch of coils. LOL

I don't a problem with a snaps but only use ratchets

 

As I was saying above, any flatbedder....and any DOT man.... knows binders can and do some open and any flatbedder worth his salt knows they NEED TO BE LOCKED CLOSED. Just like I said

 

Ever hear that saying "slow and steady wins the race"? That's my policy. I don't throw the bar down on the snap binder, I push down steadily and don't relax or let go until that bar is off. I know that when I rush something's going to get missed or somebody's going to get hurt, so I take my time.

 

So we cure obesity by banning spoons?

 

Might I recommend getting some of this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0195UGSH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KUC6CbJ3HWWMA