FAQs — Crosby Speedbinders
1. Who uses Speedbinders?
The main buyers are trucking professionals, but the product is targeted at anyone who operates, services, and maintains trucks and trailers. We have also sold them to people in equipment rental, manufacturing, haulage, recovery, and logging.
2. Do I need to own a drill to use the Speedbinders?
Yes, you have to use a drill to use Speedbinders. We recommend the use of specific Milwaukee and DeWalt drills, but a quality 18-20 volt, high-torque drill is perfect too.
3. Are there different sizes available?
Yes, three sizes: 5/16”-3/8”: working load limit (WLL) = 6,600 lb. (for 5/16” G70 chain) 3/8”-1/2“: WLL = 9,200 lb. (for 3/8” G70 chain) 1/2”-5/8”: WLL = 13,000 lb. (for 1/2” G70 chain)
4. Do you have to have physical strength to use Speedbinders?
No. Anybody, regardless of strength, can achieve higher tension than using a traditional binder. This higher tension is achieved by 24:1 gear ratio and continuous torque with equal pull on the chain, resulting in tighter tie-downs, less movement of loads, and reduced risk of binders loosening in transit.
5. How is the handle different to a traditional ratchet handle?
The handle is not a traditional ratchet handle; it is a reaction bar that is loaded with approx. 50 lb. of force. This helps keep the chain tension when driving over bumps.
6. Do you need to make sure that the angle of the handle to the deck / load is low?
Yes, this helps to stop it from flipping over. The handle is offset to one side to help make sure there is a low angle. If the handle cannot rest against the deck it may be flipped to rest against the load instead.
7. Is the product suited to use in confined spaces?
Yes, they can be used in confined spaces because there is no need to make sure there is enough space for a handle to move. This is useful when working in the middle of steel coils, over equipment, or flat against the deck, which cannot be achieved using traditional ratchet binders.
8. Do you have to tie-down the load in sequence?
With the increased tension achieved with the Speedbinder, it is important that the binders are tied down in sequence, tightening the slack first and then pulling to correct tension.
9. Is there a kickback when torquing down to final tension?
The drill will get a kickback when torquing down to final tension. You should hold the drill with both hands to avoid twisting your wrist or dropping the drill.
10. How are Speedbinders protected against tampering?
A tool is required to loosen loads, while longer life is achieved by a sealed gearbox that keeps dust, sleet, salt brine, etc. out.
11. What is the maximum ‘take up’ on the Speedbinder?
The maximum ‘take up’ is 8 inches. Note that there is a maximum tightening load for each of the three models:
- 6,000lb (3/8” chain)
- 9,200lb (1/2” chain)
- 13,000lb (5/8” chain)
