DIVE   ASSEMBLY

​  Operators have a number of options with regard to the size and

power of the driver and components of the assembly that can be

used to operate the binder.

   A power driver with between 120 to 250   ft. lbs. of torque can

tension the binder to a tension equivalent to or greater than that

most ratchet binders are manually tensioned to, during day to day operations. 

    A 1/4 inch drivers can do the job, are usually lighter and less

costly, however, require a longer operating period to achieve an

adequate binder tension, the connection to the HEX extension

bar is not as robust as the square on the 3/8 wrenches, the battery

charge is used more quickly and the wrench is not as robust.. 

       A 3/8 in. impact wrenches appear to be the ideal

     driver for tensioning speed, battery life, weight and

     the operator physical requirements.

This size wrench is usually close to the same weight as a 1/4

driver/impact wrench, the square 3/8 connection to the extension

is stronger than that of the 1/4 inch drivers and tensioning is faster.    

   A 1/2 inch or higher capacity impact wrench could be used but is

NOT recommended since there significantly heavier, could easily

exceed the WLL  of the chain, the drive assembly parts or the.binder.​​​​

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​​​​​     The optimal drive assembly consists of a

       - an 3/8 impact extension ( length to that chosen by the operator)

       - a 3/8 ball impact universal joint and

       - a 3/8 drive 15/16 in (24 mm)  medium depth impact socket.

     This is the lightest combination and although a standard depth socket can

     be used and is easier to engage with the bolt, the medium depth socket         provides a more positive engagement with the bolt and helps to

     minimizes any possible rounding of the bolt head.

                

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  There are several alternate combinations of parts that can make up a           drive assembly.  

           A  standard 1/2  in. ( 24mm) drive socket can be used with a  1/2 inch 

   ball impact universal joint,  a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter and a 3/8 extension, however, 

   this is a heavier assembly, and  the  standard socket is less robust and may 

   not stand up to the  repeated impacts..

 

 

 

 

 

           

                                                    

 

     

       The extension bar length chosen by the operator  would be based on 

  the  safest and most comfortable positioning of the operator relative to

  the binder.

      The extensions used can be  as short  3 inches or as long as combinations

   of a couple joined  together to reach binders installed in confined  spaces.

              

       

NOTE 

​​        - A ratchet wrench handle can be used to operate

     the binder when an impact wrench is not available,

    workable or the battery is drained.

         - A speed wrench is a good backup tool for quick

    manual closing or opening the binder..

         - It is recommended that a spare  backup universal

    joint and socket be  available  in case of a part failure

    or is lost.

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