Securing down Devices to Empty Cars

TM 55-2220-058-14

spanner wrench, Mac-Lean-Fogg part number 61011, has a ratchet type action that markedly reduces tightening time.

(See app B.) Sources for this wrench are: L. L. & C. Inc., PO Box 74, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514; Mac Lean-Fogg Co.,

1000 Allanson Road, Mundelein, IL 60060; and John Sakash Co., 433 Romans Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

e. Tighten loadbinders of front and rear tiedowns at the same time to avoid disturbing the tank position. Tighten

each chain until only one eighth inch of rubber is visible between the metal rings in the compression unit. After

tensioning, strike the chain with a hammer or steel bar with enough force to eliminate any kinks in the chain. Retighten if

necessary. Tighten the jamnut against the loadbinder; torque to at least 70 foot-pounds. This requires two wrenches.

f. After tiedowns have been tensioned, lubricate exposed turnbuckle threads and jamnuts again with "Rust Veto"

Corrosion Preventative Compound MIL-C-16173, Grade 4 or equivalent.

WARNING

After tiedowns are completed, (1) shackle pins must be securely wired to the shackles to prevent

loosening in transit, (2) pintles must have pintle lock secured with a cotter key or wire, and (3)

unused chain assemblies must be stowed in channels.

2-5. Securing idown Devioes to Empty Cars

a. Chains, shackles, and rings on empty cars must be secured to the flatcar so they will not become free,

endangering material or persons along the railroad right-of-way.

b. The chain securement system is arranged in four assemblies: A, B, C, and D. These assemblies are illustrated

in figures 2-2 through 2-5, respectively.

(1) Assembly A.

a. Channel D-Move the chain that is closest to anchor position D7 to position D7-this will usually be

near position D19. If a spare chain is between D19 and D7, use it. (The chain placed in position D7 will be a crossover

chain.) Move the chain anchors of the chains on the B end of the car to positions 1, 2, and 3 of channels A, B, C, and D.

b. Unscrew the loadbinder (turnbuckle) of the crossover chain to its minimum length.

c. In the middle of the crossover chain, attach two shackles with a ring in between. Tighten the shackle

pins, and place the shackles so their pin eyes are against the desk.

d. Arch the crossover chain so the apex is nearest the B end of the car, and insert the hook end in the

end of channel A near position A7.

e. Hook the three chains in channels A (positions 1, 2, and 3) to the shackle nearest channel B on the

crossover chain.

f. Hook the six chains in channels B and C (positions 1, 2, and 3) to the ring in the center of the

crossover chain.

g. Hook the three chains in channel D (positions 1, 2, and 3) to the shackle nearest channel D on the

crossover chain.

h. Shorten and tighten the crossover chain as much as possible with the claw hook. Do not tighten the

other chains at this time.

i. Ensure the shackle pin eyes are against the deck.

j. Screw up the loadbinder on the crossover chain until it is taut and the shackles cannot be moved by

hand. (All chain hooks must be in their respective shackles and rings.)

k. Pull each of the remaining chains as short as possible, and hold them in place with the claw hooks.

Tighten the loadbinders on each chain to make then taut.

Assembly B.

a. Channel A-Move the chain that is closest to anchor position A12 to position A12-this will usually be

near position A19. If a spare chain is between A19 and A7, use it. (The chain placed in position A12 will be a crossover

chain.) Move the remaining middeck chains to form two symmetrical arrays, with anchor position 22 as the vacant

midpoint. Place the B end array in positions 21, 20, and 19 of channels A, B, C, and D. Place the A end array in

positions 23, 24, and 25 of channels A, B, C, and D; these chains will be used in assembly C.

b. Unscrew the loadbinder (turnbuckle) of the crossover chain to its maximum length.

c. Arch the crossover chains so the apex is near the middle of the car, and insert the hook end in the

outside pedestal hole adjacent to position 12D.

d. Attach four shackles in the middle of the crossover chain. Tighten the shackle pins, and place the

shackles so their pin eyes are against the deck.

(e). Hook the chains in channel A (positions 21, 20, and 19) to the shackle nearest channel B on the

crossover chain (two to three chains subject to spare).

2-4