Harbor Freight Ratcheting Chain Binders ???

[deerhunterf350]

Anyone use Harbor Freight binders?

Any problems , malfunctions , break ??

5400# capacity for $21.99 , Or would you spend more $$$ for binders from a known shipping supply store, to secure the $25,000 Toy , oops , I meant TRACTOR .

 

[Dargo]

Opinions will vary. I actually do own both. However, for my (counting tractor FEL and bush hog) $35,000 mowing rig, I use 3/8" Grade 70 US made chain and Durham (sp? - in St. Louis) binders. I use the grade 70 Chinese made chain and Chinese (HF) binders for other things. That way I don't mess up my "tractor" chains and binders hauling logs, scrap metal, I beams etc.

But, that's just me. I even called State Farm to make sure that my truck, trailer, tractor, and implements are covered in case of an accident. I have a separate policy that costs me about $38 every 6 mos. and all of that is covered and I have a 1 million liability limit if my tractor departs my trailer and visits an oncoming vehicle. But, as you can see from above, I'm doing everything I can to prevent that from happening anyway. Even so, using 4 grade 70 3/8" U.S. made chains with 4 US made binders, accidents can happen. Good luck and be safe.

 

[jjcc246]

I use the Harbor Freight ratchets and so far no problems. They stay nice and tight. Bu as stated accidents do happen.

 

[texasjohn]

I have HF binders and a binder I bought at JD dealer... it too is Chinese made... so, they seem similar to me... I use grade 70 chain and drive carefully. Am impressed with all the precautions that Dargo takes... I thought I was cautions, but he's amazing

 

[MotorSeven]

Right or wrong i bought them and the grade 70 chain from HF on sale. They will be used fo the occasional haul. If i were hauling alot, or for a living i would research the best chain and binders then go buy 'em.
Forgive me for being tempted by those dang HF sales..............
RD

 

[DK_Farms]

I use the HF grade 70 chains and ratchet binders, too. The only precaution I take is to replace the hooks with US made hooks like Crosby. Down here in oilfield construction country, these are real easy to find. I know a couple of heavy haulers here locally and I learned this from those guys. They told me that any failures they have had has been with chain hooks, not chain or chain binder parts. Of course, there is no scientific data to back this up so take it for what it's worth. The other point they stress, which is also a legal requirement in Louisiana, is to do a TRUE 4-point tie down. That means 4 chains and 4 binders. More parts sharing the same load enhances the safety margin substantially and makes using imported tie down gear less of a risk. If you do a search, you'll find that the subject of trailering and tie downs has been discussed many times on TBN.

 

[neverenough]

A word of caution with ratchet chain binders... they can very easily be over tighten causing damage to loads and trailers alike.

 

[margaritaman]

I've been using them for the last six months and loading loading twice each week. Have seen no problems so far. I do use good grade chain bu have found the binders to be more than adequate. I am comforted by using several on the load so that one failure isn't a crisis. I would do that regardless of the brand though.

 

[npaden]

Wait around and you might even find a better deal. I picked up 2 of the 9,200lb rated ratcheting chain binders from HF earlier this year for $16.99 each. They weigh about 10lbs each and seem to be very well made.

 

[Highbeam]

I use the red HF binders too. Four of them. I am pretty sure they are the 9200 lb ones and have worked extremely well for the last 10 months I've had them. One problem, the water gets into the mechanism and freezes the ratchet shut so that you can't tighten them or loosen them until it thaws out. Yes, I have thawed them with a lighter and no it isn't much fun. I now keep wd-40 on the mechanism. It is very possible to overtighten these ratchets. There is a large mechanical advantage when tightening them so it is easy to overtighten.

You can see them a little in the picture.