Blair Coil Setup and Securement

1. Setting up coil racks
2. Slinky coils
3. Steel coils loaded shotgun
4. Steel coils loaded crosswise (suicide)
5. Steel Coil Securement- Eye Vertical (Eye-to-the-Sky)
6. Steel Coil Stacked Eye-Vertical (Eye-to-the-Sky)
7. Steel Coil- Narrow Upright Shotgun
8. Steel Coil- Narrow Upright Suicide
9. Steel Coil Securement- Banded Slit Coils Eye Forward (Shotgun). Hogtie.
10. Steel Coil Securement- Banded Slit Coils Eye Crosswise (Suicide). Hogtie.
11. Aluminum Coil Securement- Eye Forward (Shotgun)
12. Aluminum Coil securement- Eye-crosswise (Suicide)
13. Aluminum Coil Securement- Eye Vertical (Eye-to-sky)

Setting up coil racks

1. Use one coil rack for every 10,000 lbs of coil. Always round this number up.
2. Rubber mats should be placed between the deck of the trailer and the coil racks.
3. Place beveled coil timbers inside the racks.
4. Rubber mats should be placed on top of the timbers before the coil is loaded.

Points to remember:

• Only beveled hardwood coil timbers should be used inside the coil racks.
• Timbers should be inspected before every use for signs of rot, damage, deep cracks, or weak points such as knots in the wood grain. Any timber that shows these signs should not be used and replaced as soon as possible. 
• When setting up for eye crosswise coils (suicide) do not place the coil racks on the wood stripping on a trailer. 

A five-coil rack set up for a 40,000lb or larger coil. Rubber mats should be added to the top of the timbers before loading. Do not put Rubber mats between the timbers and the coils if loading narrow or slitted coils

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Slinky Coils – Rolled Wire/Rolled Rod Coils

1. Set a coil rack up on the front of the trailer. The first coil should be loaded into this rack. 
2. Secure the first slinky with a butterfly wrapped 4-inch strap. This strap (pictured as orange below) should go through the eye then back across the top of the coil, then go back through the eye before being secured to the far side of the trailer. 
3. Have the remaining coils loaded tightly against the first coil. 
4. The rear most coil should be loaded into a coil rack and secured in the same manner as the first coil on the trailer.
5. On the front half of the load:   Bring a strap under the rub rail at the rear edge of the coil, take it through the eye of the first coil, back across through the eye of the next coil behind it, then back through the eye of the first to the far side of the trailer. (Pictured in red below) Continue this process until you secure the front the centermost coil.
6. On the rear half of the load: Starting at the coil 1 behind the center bring a strap under the rub rail at the front edge of the coil, take it through the eye of the coil, back across through the eye of the next coil in front of it, then back through the eye of the first to the far side of the trailer. (Pictured in green below)
7. An additional butterfly strap should be included on the middle coil.

Points to Remember: 

• Winches used for the horizontal wraps (green and red straps below) should be on alternating sides as you move down the trailer. 
• Note that the configuration of the red and green straps pulls all the coils towards the center of the trailer as they are tightened. 
• Butterfly wraps are in place to keep the coils from leaning over during transit.

Steel Coil Securement- Eye Forward (Shotgun)

1. Set coil racks as described in coil rack section. 
2. Secure the load with two 4-inch straps before moving.
3. Add two chains in an X configuration inside the eye.
4. Add additional chains until aggregate working load limit requirements are met. (FMCSA required plus one)
5. Use edge protectors under all chain so that the chain cannot touch the corners or front and rear face of the coil

Points to remember:

• 4-inch straps over the top do count full working load limit toward but do not do anything to prevent forward motion. It is recommended to use 6 chains + 2 straps on any shotgun coil larger than 30,000 lbs. 
• Chains that are put on in a “C” configuration (also called a “U” chain or a “Horseshoe”) Only count ½ the working load limit of the chain. 
• Chain angle on the front side of the coil is very important. Chain should exit the coil and come straight over to the edge of the trailer. If the chains go too far forward from the front face of the coil they will not prevent forward motion.  (See Figures 1 and 2)

How many chains and straps do I need?   (WLL for chain: 4700 lbs.  Straps = 5400 lb WLL)

Figure 1: Chains close to coil face preventing the coil forward motion.

Figure 2: Chains are too far out and will allow to slide forward. 

“Stack Back” method for chain- 3 sets of X chains.

1. First set of X chains (Blue chains below) are attached to the trailer at the front and rear faces of the coil.
2. Second set of X chains (green chains) are attached one spool behind the attachment points for the blue chains.
3. The third set of X chains (red chains) are attached one spool to the rear of the attachment points for the green chains.
4. This configuration makes all six chains wrap around the front of the coil, meaning all six chains must break before the coil can move forward.
5. Edge protection must used under all chains at the eye and on the front outside edge of the coil. Chain cannot contact the front or rear face of the coil. 

Figure 3: Front view of “Stack Back” method showing all 6 chains crossed inside the eye of the coil. 

Figure 4:  Side view of the Stack Back method. The front face of the coil is on the left. This shows the wrap around of all six chains on the front of the coil. 

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):

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

Figure 2 secured with six chains.

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Steel Coil Securement- Eye Vertical (Eye-to-the-Sky)

1. Coils typically weigh less than 20,000 lbs. and can either be loaded on dunnage provided by the driver or loaded on skids or pallets provided by the shipper. 
2. Chains should be used for securement unless specifically prohibited by the shipper. 
3. Chains should always be crossed in an X pattern over the tops of the coils
4. Chains on the forward side of the coil should attach to the trailer 12-18 inches in front of the edge of the coil to prevent forward motion.
5. All eye-to-the-sky coils must have a trip or toe strap or chain around the front to prevent forward motion.

How many chains do I need? (Grade 70, 5/16” WLL 4700lbs)

Figure 1

Single 18,000lb coil showing 3 chains crossed over the top and a single trip chain (red). A 4-inch strap can be used instead of a trip chain

Figure 2

2 18,000lb coils. Three chains crossed over each and a trip chain (red) front and rear. 4-inch straps can be used in the pace of the trip chains

Stacked Eye-Vertical Steel coils

• When hauling stacked eye-vertical coils, add the weight of each coil in the stack together and secure the stack like an individual coil. 
• Use a vertical chain holder to keep the trip chain up on the upper coil to keep the top coil from shifting.
• Vertical Chain Holders are made of aluminum and direct downward pressure from a chain or strap will cause them to bend. They are not designed to be load bearing. 

Steel Coil- Narrow Upright Shotgun

Coils taller than 3ft but narrower than 2ft

1. On coils that require Hogties, friction mats should only be used under the coil racks and not between the timbers and the coils. We want the coils sitting as solid and flush as we can get them to prevent them from leaning one way or the other
2. Place a chain across the top of the coil and bring it back through the eye, hooking it into itself. (Yellow chain, Figure 1). 
3. Chain through the loop on each side with chain (purple chains, Figure 1).  Tighten each side to create even pull front and back on the coil. 
4. Add cross chains to the coil to reach FMCSA aggregate working load limit plus 1.
5. Add a 4-inch strap across the top of the coil.

Points to remember:

• Hogtie must be done first. The crane or forklift must hold the coil until this process is completed. 
• Edge protection must be used on all contact points for the chain. 
• Hogtie chains do not count toward FMCSA required securement. 
• Coil racks should not be positioned outside the width of the coil. Failure to do this can result in too much stress of the coil timbers causing them to fail in the middle.

Figure 1

Illustration representing a 15,000lb narrow upright shotgun coil. The hogtie is done first (yellow and purple chains). These chains do not count toward FMSCA required securement. The coil is secured with 2 chains (blue) and 1 4-inch strap. Notice the coil racks are set up under the coil.

Steel Coil- Narrow Upright Suicide

Coils taller than 3ft and 2ft or less across. 

1. Set up friction mats and coil racks according to weight. On coils that require Hogties, friction mats should only be used under the coil racks and not between the timbers and the coils. We want the coils sitting as solid and flush as we can get them to prevent them from leaning one way or the other. For narrow coils the racks do not need to be set up outside the width of the coil.
2. Once the coil is placed in the racks a hogtie must be completed before the crane or forklift release the coil.
3. Throw one chain over the top of the coil bringing the hook back through the eye and hook it back into the chain. Repeat the process from the opposite side.
4. Tighten the binders on the left and right side of the coil to insure equal pull on the two chains. 
5. Secure the load with FMCSA required chains plus one extra as described in section ***

Points to remember:

• Hogtie must be done first. The crane or forklift must hold the coil until this process is completed. 
• Edge protection must be used on all contact points for the chain. 
• Hogtie chains do not count toward FMCSA required securement. 

Figure 1: 18,000 lb narrow steel coil secured with a hogtie (red & orange chains) and 3 chains through the base of the eye.The red and orange chains do not count toward FMCSA total aggregate working load limit.

Figure 2: Front view of the coil from figure one showing chain configuration.

Steel Coil Securement- Banded Slit Coils Eye Forward (Shotgun). Hogtie.

1. Secure the coil according to the shotgun coil section. On coils that require Hogties, friction mats should only be used under the coil racks and not between the timbers and the coils. We want the coils sitting as solid and flush as we can get them to prevent them from leaning one way or the other.
2. Place a chain around the top of the coil, bring it back through the eye and hook it back into itself (yellow chain on figure 1)
3. Place an additional chain through the looped chain on each side of the coil (purple chain figure 1) 
4. Tighten the binders on the A-chains (purple) a little at a time to insure equal tension to both sides.

Points to remember:

• The banding material that holds these coils together will break under stress, causing the coil to fall forward. This hogtie technique eliminates this issue.

Figure 1

45,000lbs cut coil showing a 6-chain, 3-X configuration with a hogtie. Notice the yellow chain looped around the top of the coil and the purple chain pulling on each side of the loop. 

Figure 2

This shows the same coil above from the side. The front of the coil is on the left. 

If the coils together have a width of more than 4′ and will extend past your short timbers as shown by the red arrows, then 8′ timbers must be used

Steel Coil Securement- Banded Slit Coils Eye Crosswise (Suicide). Hogtie.

1. Set up friction mats and coil racks according to weight. On coils that require Hogties, friction mats should only be used under the coil racks and not between the timbers and the coils. We want the coils sitting as solid and flush as we can get them to prevent them from leaning one way or the other.
2. Take a chain (yellow below) over the top center of the coil, loop it through the eye and hook it back into itself.
3. Take a second chain (Orange below) and repeat step 2 from the opposite side.
4. Tighten each side a little at a time to pull even pressure in opposite directions. 
5. Secure the coil with FMCSA required chains plus 1 extra as described in section ***.

Points to Remember:

• Edge Protectors must be used anywhere the chain touches the coil.
• Do not count the hogtie chains towards your total aggregate working load limit of you tie-downs.

Figure 1: 

45,000lb slit coil secured with six chains (green) and hogtied with two additional chains (yellow and orange) and binders for a total of 8 chains. 

Figure 2: 

Front view of the coil in figure 1. This shows the configuration of the hogtie chains (yellow and orange).

If the coils together have a width of more than 4′ and will extend past your short timbers as shown by the red arrows, then 8′ timbers must be used

Aluminum Coil Securement- Eye Forward (Shotgun)

1. Set up friction mats and coil racks according to weight.
2. Once loaded, secure the coil with two 4-inch straps (orange below) before moving to the securement area. (Never throw straps across aluminum coils.)
3. Add one additional strap over the coil (yellow below).
4. Add two chains in an “X” configuration. (Do not throw chains through the eye of the coil.)

Points to remember:

• Straps over the coil do count toward total aggregate working load limit but do very little to prevent forward motion during hard braking. Crossed chains are required. 
• Ratchet binders must be used on the chain. Snap binders are not allowed.
• Felt padding must be used under metal edge protectors on the chain. 
• Chain can never touch the front face or outside edge of the coil. 

Aluminum Coil securement- Eye-crosswise (Suicide)

1. Set up friction mats and coil racks according to weight.
2. Secure each coil with 2 4-inch straps before moving out of the loading area. (Straps must never be thrown across aluminum coils)
3. Once in the securement and tarping area 2 chains must be added to complete securement before departing the shipper. (No not throw chains through the coil)

Points to remember:

• Coils usually weigh between 22,000 to 24,000 lbs but can be heavier. They are often hauled in pairs. 
• Straps and chains must not be thrown through the eye of the coil.
• Felt edge protectors must be used under the straps.
• Felt padding must also be placed under the metal edge protectors used under the chains.
• Only rachet binders can be used on chains. Snap binders are not allowed.
• The chains must be at a 45o angle or less from the deck of the trailer.

Aluminum Coil Securement- Eye Vertical (Eye-to-sky)

1. 4-inch straps must be used for securement. Straps must never be thrown over the coils.
2. Place two crossed straps over the center of each coil before moving from the loading area. (Orange straps in Figure 1)
3. Place two more crossed straps over each coil. These straps should be hooked to the trailer 12 to 18 inches forward of the front edge of the coil to help prevent forward motion.
4. A trip strap (red strap in Figure 1) should be added along the base of the coil to further assist in preventing forward motion. 
5. Shipper provided edge protection should be used under ever strap and across the front face of the coil for the trip strap.

Points to remember

• The trip strap does not count for DOT required aggregate working load limit.
• Trip straps should not touch the pockets on the sides of the trailer. The pockets are sharp enough to cut straps when under tension. 
• The straps on the front side of the coil should be attached 12-18 inches forward of the front edge of the coil. 

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