snap vs rachet chain binder

I use snap binders and always have. I keep a couple of them other thingamabobs around for just in case but they take up a lot of room and always need lube. If ya cant get a snap binder tight enough then you need to untwist your chain and get the slack out of it. Also, use a safety type of winch bar that will prevent slippage if ya cant handle them.

 

I use both, but prefer snap binders. I like having ratchets for the first two horseshoes on a coil, and certain other specialty uses or for peace of mind.

My preference stems from the fact that as long as the ratchet can move, I can tighten it and sometimes that can damage the load. With a snap binder the proper amount of torque is supplied by adjusting chain and binder to achieve the 90 degree or less angle and closing it.

Most times I've had a problem with snap binders or seen others have, is when it's not treated with respect or they attempt to tighten it past the 90 degree angle. I would not like to see them banned/prohibited...maybe people just being properly trained and respecting that process would make them less dangerous.

 

I carry both and use both based on the application and what I'm securing. I do however once a week take all my binders off the rack, unscrew the ratchets all the way and lube them with motorcycle chain lube as well as lube the pivot points on my snaps. I always transport them fully closed and hang a chain on the bottom hook to keep them from unscrewing themselves.

I have heard that you can get more force with a snap and I've heard your can get more force with a ratchet. Well I have never put them on a scale to find out but I believe comparing apples to apples (not using a winch bar on a snap) that the ratchet will win but turn that around and using a winch bar the snap will win and the ratchet handle will probably break or bend.

When either will work in a particular situation I grab the ratchets just because I like them and since I actually maintain mine they work almost as fast as a snap and much quicker to adjust 50 miles down the road.

 

I carry 8 of each, but I have the "easy-over" snap style binders which are by far better than the old style snap binders. I do use my rachet binders 90% of the time tho.

 

I really like those easy over snap binders SHC.

 

We used to get Crosby and Lebus snap binders imported and that is what we used.
Now we only get cheap imports from China and India.
On flatbeds some of the better ones work but on lowbed with oversize heavy loads they are to weak.
The cheap ratchet types are better than these cheap snap binders.
Many sites/mines here don't allow snap binders.

 

I carry 8 snap binders.

I remember busting one in Pittsburg, CA. Pulled the ball out of the socket and shot it 40' across the securement area. Luckily no one was in the way.

 

CatalinaFlyer, I use the small bottle of Lucas 5th wheel lube, just squirt a little in the ball/socket and hinge of the snap binders or run the screws up and back plus the ratcheting mechanism, and it lasts a long time, even hanging out in the elements. Maybe reapply every couple of months... I didn't do mine for like 6 months...but like I said it lasts a long time as long as they're being used.

I guess for mines, KingQ you make the point of what they tend to better for and specialty work. The prohibition plays a part of the reason for carrying ratchets, but like I said I hate the idea of them being banned.

 

I prefer my rachets. I can get those tighter than the snap binders. Plus Ive also heard the horror stories of snap binding gone wrong. I keep mine well lubricated, and they havent failed me yet. Do have a few snap binders for when rachets wont work.

 

The 90 degree rule of thumb on a snap binder is to vague.
When we secure high loads where you are trying to secure 30 ft of chain 90 degrees does not get that much tension in the chain.
On very short chains of about 3 ft if you are trying to secure a solid un-sprung item you can find a difference of 1 link can be too much.
This is where a ratchet binder is way better.