Quick-Action Chain Tensioners??

[hotponyshoes]

I'm trying to secure a hog-roasting machine into the back of a van.

Gets pretty warm so just bunging some ratchet straps over the top isn't an option

So, plan is, to fit 4 stainless eyes to each corner of the machine.

I already have 4 load eyes on the floor of the van.

What I would like to do is have 4 chains to secure it. 8x carabiners on the ends so easy to fit & remove.

I'll need enough slack in each to allow the carabiner to clip onto the eye so I'm thinking clip on the 2 chains at one end, roll the machine so they are tight then fit the other 2 and tension them up somehow?

Best option I have come up with so far is short lengths of chain connected to 2 short ratchet straps.

But what I would really like is some sort of quick-action tensioner.
Something like an over-center toggle clamp with a hook on each end?
Struggling to find anything off-the-shelf though?
I don't really want to be fiddling about with winding threaded tensioners and I'd ideally like it to be able to be mounted in the middle of the chain rather than onto the van.
I could use wire rope rather than chain if that helps!

Any ideas?

 

[8ob]

You can buy mini load binders, those over the center things.

Bob

 

[addjunkie]

Diall Zinc-Plated Turnbuckle 8mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Ideal for general use. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Or google quick release turnbuckle!

 

[gaz1]

i believe your after something like this

so sit down on price

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dolezych-Lashing-Ratchet-Shortening-Capacity/dp/B08HNLHN56/ref=asc_df_B08HNLHN56/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696451130834&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17294427157700101523&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006884&hvtargid=pla-1001658761259&psc=1&mcid=fb0965c9e5b23ea4ad893cf0c440552a&th=1&psc=1&gad_source=1

you can use this type instead

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Electric-Tensioner-Ratchet-Fastener-Trailers/dp/B0CTF6WZJM

or adapt the ratchet strap to do the same

 

[bricol]

Whats wrong with a suitable rated ratchet strap or two at the end you can more easy reach to pull it against to fixed length restraints the other end?

 

[s410man]

Ratchet straps would be quickest if your putting 4 eyes on each corner surely the only part of the strap that'll touch anything hot then would be the metal hook?

 

[Erie Fred]

Standard trucker Jag binder.

Chain Binder Lever Style

Shop good quality ratchet straps, tie down straps, flatbed truck tarps, trailer tarps, e track straps and many other truck supplies & accessories from US Truck Supplies at best prices. Free shipping available.

store-gcx21rnydv.mybigcommerce.com

 

[Kram]

If the machine has eyes the lengths securing would not need to wrap over? Just to the nearest anchor point?

Its fairly easy to make spliced steel cable on the hot end, and can be spliced to normal rope and be much easier to quickly secure.

Alternatively, technora rope is good for 400c, samson ice tail is easily spliced to make an adjustable sling.

 

[Agroshield]

Standard trucker Jag binder.

Those are the item. The challenge might be finding them in a small enough size to suit a sensible size chain for the item in question. 1/4" chain would be more than enough.

You would also have to consider the ergonomics. The handle needs to swing through a 180 degree arc so you need twice its length of length between tie point in vehicle and tie point on item.

 

[Agroshield]

Its fairly easy to make spliced steel cable on the hot end...

If the splicing is difficult, he could incorporate a thermal break (perhaps tufnol) into the cable. It would be a bit like the insulator on power line stays (e.g. https://www.millsltd.com/default/insulator-stay-2.html) but hot-proof rather than pixie-proof. The ceramic one might work as-is.

 

[Kram]

 

[Erie Fred]

Those are the item. The challenge might be finding them in a small enough size to suit a sensible size chain for the item in question. 1/4" chain would be more than enough.

You would also have to consider the ergonomics. The handle needs to swing through a 180 degree arc so you need twice its length of length between tie point in vehicle and tie point on item.

They make a mini version, instead of forged chain grab hooks, it has bent rod hooks.
Twice it's length ?
look at the mini version, IIRC it's under 9" hook to hook.

 

[RonMig]

Another retailer to check out -
https://www.theratchetshop.com/lashing-towing-equipment/load-binders/ratchet-load-binder.html

 

[123hotchef]

is the pig going to be cooking whilst driving then?

 

[Arc Tourist]

Standard trucker Jag binder.

Chain Binder Lever Style

Shop good quality ratchet straps, tie down straps, flatbed truck tarps, trailer tarps, e track straps and many other truck supplies & accessories from US Truck Supplies at best prices. Free shipping available.

store-gcx21rnydv.mybigcommerce.com

If your not familiar with them, BEWARE ! they can be extremely dangerous if you don't know if they have been cinched tight with a cheater bar. On a job when I was an apprentice, I was told to release the chains on a delivery of steel. What I didn't know was that the chain binder was cinched down with a long pipe; so when I pulled the handle to release the chain, the tension as it snapped open "Almost Ripped My Arm Out Of Its Socket.

 

[Erie Fred]

If your not familiar with them, BEWARE ! they can be extremely dangerous if you don't know if they have been cinched tight with a cheater bar. On a job when I was an apprentice, I was told to release the chains on a delivery of steel. What I didn't know was that the chain binder was cinched down with a long pipe; so when I pulled the handle to release the chain, the tension as it snapped open "Almost Ripped My Arm Out Of Its Socket.

Yes, I always flip them with one hand unclenched, standing to one side.
The 1/4" mini does not have those problems, and the OP is the only person using them.

 

[Keith 66]

For light & medium duty Pelican hooks are good & easily released often used on guardrails, https://jimmygreen.com/guard-rail-f...sO7b9R-OJnuGH0pQ703GSqG8E9l2o5xUqjHHfGLWTEw3U

 

[George A2Y]

You could make one or two custom ratchet straps for the the tensioning end. Assembly the strap/s, work out how much slack you need, put an overhand knot in the strap to prevent any more slack going through, leave a short tail and cut off all the excess. You then have a custom strap that never comes undone and is easier handled.

 

[Migmac]

I think your on the right lines with using modified ratchet and chain, simple and effective

 

[hotponyshoes]

Cheers for the ideas,
The 2 tensioning straps will be about 500mm long and 200mm of that is partially obscured so something small is needed really.

I can braid or crimp wire rope but when not in use these will all get stored in a box in the van and chain seems to tangle a lot less than rope or straps.

I'm currently thinking of cutting the plastic coated hooks off some ratchet straps and replacing them with some shackles that I can clip a carabiner onto.

Those pelican catches look like they might well do the job and be small enough, I'll see if I can find a pair that will fit through 6mm chain (already have plenty of that!)