OT: Tire Chain Question

JDNewbie · Sep 24, 2017

This is for my truck, but I think could just as easily apply to tractor chains.

I bought a set of 4 matching tire chains several years ago at an auction ($1). I'm not sure what size they are, but they won't fit the tires on my current truck (too short).

Would it be possible to take my set of 4 and make 2 that are long enough? Truck is 4WD, so 4 would be nice, but I don't think chains are recommended for the front anyway. I would like to have at least two in the truck for an upcoming elk hunt. I probably won't need them otherwise. Is that something that is done, or am I just time and money ahead buying the right size?

Roger in Iowa · Sep 24, 2017

If the cross bars are the same, go for it and if they are long enough to go side to side on your tires.

Local hardware store should have chain links that you can use to join side chain lengths to extend them.

mmfan55 · Sep 24, 2017

My experience: chains on the front axle are
more benefit than on back of a 4x4 truck

Russ from MN · Sep 24, 2017

I agree, put one set on the front if they won't rub on anything. There is a farm supply store ( Mimbach Fleet) in St Cloud MN that used to have all the parts to repair or extend tire chains. My FIL gave me a set years ago, I extended them to fit the truck I had, since then I shortened them to fit my 4-wheeler.

2x4 · Sep 24, 2017

done it many times. Good as new ones. At a parts store, buy a cheap link spreader $4, to spread the links & close them after cutting. makes it a lot easier.

SVcummins · Sep 24, 2017

Took 3 sets to make a long enough set for my
tractor

Northvale PA · Sep 24, 2017

I have a set of chains which I put on the front wheels. Snow, ice and mud. Even gives great traction pulling a fullyloaded wagon of firewood.

mj · Sep 25, 2017

(quoted from post at 19:10:18 09/24/17) This is for my truck, but I think could just as easily apply to tractor chains.

I bought a set of 4 matching tire chains several years ago at an auction ($1). I'm not sure what size they are, but they won't fit the tires on my current truck (too short).

Would it be possible to take my set of 4 and make 2 that are long enough? Truck is 4WD, so 4 would be nice, but I don't think chains are recommended for the front anyway. I would like to have at least two in the truck for an upcoming elk hunt. I probably won't need them otherwise. Is that something that is done, or am I just time and money ahead buying the right size?

When you can't steer on mud chaining up the 'lead team' makes a world of difference!

DoubleR · Sep 25, 2017

I took two sets of semi truck chains and made one set of tractor chains. Used them for years and still sold them for a hundred bucks after I sold the tractor. So to answer your question, yes, I'm sure its done allot.

Brian G. NY · Sep 25, 2017

I've done it many times.
I simply cut the side chain link, twist it sideways to disconnect and then connect to the side chain I want to lengthen, bend back to original shape and weld back together.
In the old days, I used to put the chain in a vise and use a cold chisel to spread the cross chain connectors for removal and then place them on the proper side chain link and hammer closed again.
Over the years I have since picked up a nice set of "Pliers" for doing that job.

OT: Tire Chain Question

JDNewbie

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Roger in Iowa

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mmfan55

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Russ from MN

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2x4

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SVcummins

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Northvale PA

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mj

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DoubleR

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Brian G. NY

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