Abstract: An overcenter load binder to be connected to and tighten toward one another two chains or the like, and including two tension elements connectable to the chains respectively, and an actuating lever pivoted to the tension elements at different locations to attain an overcenter tightening action, with one of the tension elements having a bifurcated portion with two arms between which the lever is received in a load tightening position, and with those arms containing two aligned apertures for receiving a padlock or the like at a location blocking load releasing swinging movement of the lever.