By Cris Pasto
Chain is an excellent option for base restraints when it comes to vehicle stabilization. Right from the start you have a restraint that can handle sharps, chemicals, and heat without worry. I like to use chain as secondary backup restraints and in some cases where easily applied I’ll use them in my primary setup. Tightening the chain requires a take-up device unless your using the a Res-Q-Jack® jack stand in a fashion in which the chain will be tightened. Chain can be shortened with a chain shortener, however this device will not tension the chain. Chain binders, on the other hand will tension the chain. I employ both the ratchet type binder and the lever type binder. The ratchet type binder takes more time to operate than the lever type, however I prefer to use this as the take-up is variable allowing more control on the degree of tensioning. The lever type takes up a fixed amount of chain which may be more or less than desired. It is also a good practice to wire or otherwise tie the lever to avoid accidental release. These different devices are pictured here.
In the case of a roof-resting car where a jack stand is placed at one fender and a jack stand or adjustable stand is placed at the opposite fender, a simple chain connection between bases shortened with a chain shortener may be applied as the jack or jacks should perform the tensioning.
On the other hand, an adjustable stand without a jack may require a binder as the means of tightening. If straps were used in the first phase of stabilization, a chain and binder may be used as a secondary backup. Include chains and binders in your next drill. You’ll find many other applications for these tools as well.
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