Ratchet Straps, Load Binders and Transport Chain in Nairobi

A lashing capacity is not a lifting figure

Is a 5 tonne ratchet strap the same as a 5 tonne sling?

No. Both numbers are printed in tonnes, so people mix them up and use a strap to lift.

A lashing capacity, marked LC on the label under EN 12195-2, describes how hard a strap may be tensioned to hold a load down onto a deck. The deck carries the weight. The strap only stops it moving.

A working load limit describes what a sling may carry with the whole load hanging off it and nothing underneath. It is tested differently and has a different safety factor.

We do not sell a strap as a sling, and we do not convert one rating into the other. To lift a load, use webbing slings.

How many straps, and where

How many ratchet straps does a load need?

These basic rules apply to every load.

• Use at least two straps. One strap lets the load turn around it, even though it looks secure.
• Run straps over the top. A strap across the top presses the load into the deck. A strap around the sides only stops it sliding one way.
• Protect every edge the strap crosses. A sharp steel or timber edge can cut a tight strap. Use edge protectors.
• Tighten again after the first few kilometres. The load settles and the webbing stretches a little, so a strap that was tight at the yard can be loose by Mlolongo.

Load binders, lever or ratchet

What is the difference between a lever load binder and a ratchet load binder?

A load binder tightens a transport chain. The two types behave differently when you release them.

A lever binder is quicker and has fewer parts. The handle stores energy, so it can kick back hard when you release it under load. Never stand in front of the handle when you release it.

A ratchet binder is slower, but it releases the tension a little at a time. It is the better choice for long trips and valuable loads.

The binders we supply are drop-forged steel. Do not use a cast binder.

Grade 70 transport chain

Can Grade 70 transport chain be used for lifting?

No. Grade 70 is the gold or yellow chromate chain made for securing loads on a vehicle. It is stronger than general purpose chain and it is not a lifting chain.

Grade 80 alloy chain is for lifting, and it is on the chain page with its own fittings. The two are kept apart on this site because they can look alike.

Tell us the size you need, and we quote the end fittings with it: grab hooks, clevis hooks and shortening hooks, so one chain can suit different loads.

What else we can supply

Do you supply container twist locks in Kenya?

Yes. We can also quote the items below.

• Container twist locks. Screw and dovetail, cast or forged, in the common footprints. Tell us the pattern and the size.
• Pintle hooks and towing jaws. By capacity and mounting pattern.
• Weld-on lashing points and D-rings. Quoted with your fabricator in mind, because the rating depends on the weld.
• Anything else you can name and size. Ask, and we tell you quickly if we cannot get it.

How long it takes and how we quote

Ask for the price and the date together, and we reply with both.

• The three standard sizes at the top of the table have the shortest lead times.
• For items not in the table, allow one working day for a price and a date.
• Large orders and imported items take longer. We give you a date we can keep.
• A quote holds for seven days. Upcountry orders go by bus or courier to your town, and the delivery cost is included in the quote.