OT: tractor tire chains

Anybody ever make a set of chains? Does it come out cheaper in the long run just to buy a set? My tires are 14.9x28. I've been looking for a set of used chains but have not found any yet. I sure could have used them this weekend! We had 14" on the ground and I pretty much could not move in it.

I've not priced new chains, or even repair parts for several years now, but I imagine the cost of buying all the parts needed would be just about double the cost of buying a pair of chains ready to go.

Take a look here.
tirechain.com

Purchase is cheaper by the cost of labor and headaches determining the lengths and spacings needed as well as the construction time. My Cj3B is covered in snow right now, so I will need to use care in digging it out. (I'm doing body work on it so I am not driving it) Jim

Or here (which is ultimately cheaper may depend on shipping)

http://www.tractortirechains.com/

Edit - add another:

http://www.kenjones.com/

Used chains are best found and bought in summer, for reasons that might be obvious. Complete chains are cheaper than chain parts, unless you can find collections of used chains free or cheap (some guys get them from the town/county/state snow plow when they are retired off the snow plows)

If your labor is worth anything, buying complete chains wins.

If you need to run on pavement without tearing it up, ladder chains are best at that. If you don't, duo-grip or double-ring chains are better.

Yes, you are correct on that. Also, a sight others have suggested here is tractortirechains.com

I have used chain that where made for road graders to make chains for tractors. Years ago the local road dept would let you have the old broken chains from the graders and I would pick up a few sets of them and then use them to make chains. It is a lot of work but I had the time and didn't have the $$

Cheap isn't everything in chains....

I make my own. They cost more money, but I also have better chains. If you want to make them, shop around a bit at your local industrial suppliers or truck parts suppliers and see who has chain. Some will be soft chain. Some will be hard chain. Aim for harder if you can...
The next thing is the J-Hooks or swivelloyd hooks as they're properly known. They're going to cost you a bunch of money, which is why making chains costs more than buying ready made.... BUT, you can easily repair a chain made with j-hooks and reuse the hooks... which you can't so easily do with the one use type crush hooks.
Other than that, measure the diameter of the wheel where you want the chain to ride, figure out the circumference, then measure from that point over the tire to the same point on the other side to get the length of the cross chain. Figure up the number of cross chains and buy the appropriate amount. It's not hard to figure out or do the work. I always cut the chain with the gas axe. Saves time and effort.
I could probably have those chains made up and on the tractor in under 3 hours from arriving home with the necessary pieces...
Again, this is for ladder type chains that I use on the road frequently. If it was more occassional use or simply not on the road, the Duo-Trac chains will give better grip in most cases and they'll be cheaper to buy. Just remember that if you do go on asphalt with them, they're going to go to pieces in SHORT order.

Rod

I had a John Deere H years ago and I made chains for it by connecting two 7.50 X 16 truck tire chains together end to end. They were just the perfect length.

My cj3b is in the garage (safe, sound, heated) and getting some minor work done this winter.

a word of advice- once the chains get worn enough to require a link to be repaired it wont be the last and if you use them muck you will keep breaking them, then it's time for new cross chains , a new set or some better used ones. Run an add, 14.9x38 is common someone should have some good used ones or do as others suggested modify some for the size you need.

Come shop here, all thats available used is various 28" tire chains. I have 2 sets myself already.

I want some 14.9x24 and 18.4x34 chains but can't find a thing locally.

Chains aren't as expensive as a lot people think. I bought some new Duo-grip tractor chains, a couple years ago, for 14.9x24 tires and they cost around $380 Canadian if I remember right. I got them at Strongco supply and they are made by Leclede. Good hardened chains. I think they're the same as the ones that tirechains.com sells. Dave