Testing the Strength of Our Chain Binder Handles
At US Cargo Control, we continuously improve upon our equipment as part of our commitment to providing quality products. Our team of experts strive for excellence in getting you what you want, when you need it.
We recently encountered inquiries about the integrity of our ratchet chain binders--specifically, how well our handles hold up under higher pressures. Our customers experienced issues with chain binders from other brands where their handles bent or broke off during use. This can lead to a slew of damaging events to the binder itself, the transport chain, the cargo, and the personnel handling the binder.
To put their minds at ease, our expert Dane Denker worked with the Iowa State University's Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) to test the break strength our chain binder handles. The goal was to provide a metric that our customers can rely on when it came to the strength of our forged steel handles.
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We needed to determine the maximum force it took to find the break strength of our chain binder handles. It should be noted that no industry standard test exists for the strength of the handle; rather, it only exists for the break strength of the chain binder itself.
To get reliable testing, we worked with the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University, which works with more than 4,600 businesses in Iowa to create solutions specific to their desired needs.
Ratchet Chain Binder Handle Testing
We decided to test three samples of our 5/16" x 3/8" Ratchet Chain Binder--one of our most popular binders--by applying loading to the end of the handle to evaluate the maximum force obtained.
For the test itself, a fixture was designed and fabricated to secure each ratchet binder. The binder was connected to the test fixture using the two ratchet binder I-bolts inserted through holes of the fixture. The pictures below show solid models of the test fixture. The ratchet binder handle was raised to approximately 45° then an increasing downward vertical force was applied, increasing tension to the I-bolts or until the handle became horizontal. This process was repeated until the ratchet binder failed. The maximum force causing failure was recorded, along with the time it took for the binder to reach failure.
Below shows what the testing setup looked like:
Ratchet Binder Testing Results
Our three tests yielded impressive results on the amount of pounds per force needed to determine the break strength of our chain binder handles. Our minimum break strength achieved reached 799 lbs/force on our first test before it failed at the roll pin. The second binder reached an even higher force of 835 lbs/force before failing at the device's sprocket. Lastly, the third binder reached 916 lbs/force before failing at the device's sprocket. This brought the average break strength to 850 lbs/force.
Below are the results from our three chain binder tests:
As a reminder, this test was on the ratchet binder handle specifically and is not a reflection of the overall working load limit of the binder itself. Always adhere to the posted working load limits (WLLs) of these devices for safe and compliant use.
Reliable Tie Down Equipment from US Cargo Control
Our tests highlight the importance of rigorous testing for our products. The results demonstrate the strength of our forged steel used in our chain binders. By prioritizing safety and investing in high-quality equipment, customers can rest assured the safety and reliability of our handles and and load securing operations.
Besides chain binders, US Cargo Control provides exceptional tie down equipment for all your needs to secure loads safely and get your cargo where it needs to go, including:
US Cargo Control works to keep the trucking and transportation industry moving forward. Talk with our product experts for more information on our trucking and transportation equipment, carefully selected for performance and quality.
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