Steel Coil Securement – Eye Crosswise (Suicide)

  1. Set coil racks as described in the previous section. 
  2. Be sure the loader centers the load in the coil racks.
  3. Secure the coil with two chains before moving. If it is a larger coil the two chains should be in the center of the coil to provide the greatest amount of downward pressure.
  4. Add chains to get to the total aggregate working load limit required. (FMCSA required plus one extra)
  5. Tarp if needed and properly store all equipment.

Points to remember:

  • Only use chain to secure steel suicide coils.
  • Chains cannot cross inside the eye of the coil. 
  • Straps or chains over the top of the coil do not count toward aggregate working load limit.
  • The front and rear chains must be at a 45o angle or less from the deck of the trailer. See figure 2.
  • Metal edge protectors must be used under the chains. 

How many chains is needed (5/16” Grade 70 chain, 4700lb WLL):

Weight (lbs)0-9,4009,401-18,80018,801-28,20028,201-37,60037,601-47,00047,001-50,000
# of Chains234567

Figure 1: Eye crosswise coil with a weight of 45,000 lbs

Figure 2 secured with six chains.