To chain, or not to chain?

I used straps as often as the nature of the freight would allow. Much lighter, much easier to handle, easier to put away, etc... In other words, if the freight itself, or law governing securement devices allowed me, I'd use 4" straps every time.

 

There is no one answer. Ask the shipper, look and see what other drivers are using when loading. Look at the loads at truck stops.

You can do open deck for 30 years and you will still get a load that you say to yourself. How the heck am I going to tie that down?

Each load, think about the pros and cons of each tie down method.

 

That sums it up very nicely.

 

Chains are for snow....straps are for mama!

 

I haul dies, if they are open dies with no punches or metal contact surfaces exposed to a tie down, then I use chains. If they are punches or metal contact surfaces, I use straps with padding (high durometer rubber) under the strap to protect it.

Why?

The metal contact surface is usually polished and dings transfer to the metal when it goes through the restrike process. Some times it is a mess if a chain leave a deep ding or pit. Some dies have hard chrome finishes and if they get dinged, they have to be rechromed for that area.

 

That's at the shipper and receivers.