The tire chain business has been crazy lately as a result of all the snow storms that hit the Mid-atlantic states all the way down to Florida. Imagine that, snow in the Florida panhandle!?!? I keep telling my wife that New England will be the “new” Florida by the time we retire!

We get lots of calls from customers with questions on how to fit a tire chain, or that the chain seems too loose. The main reason a chain may seem too big is because most chains are made to fit a range of tire sizes. It’s easy to shorten or tighten a chain, but when it is too short, that creates a problem. Tires of the same size, made by different manufacturers, are NOT the same exact size. Some may be taller or wider than the same size tire from a different manufacturer. Now it makes a little more sense why chain manufacturers make tire chains a little over-sized. It is a crazy business!

Let’s start with how best to fit a tire chain. First lay the chain on the floor. Then drive the machine’s tire over the chain. Hook the fastener in the inside (back) of the tire first, then fasten the front clasp as tight as you can by hand. Next, drive the machine forward a foot or two. Do the same adjustments starting with the back, then the front. You should be able to tighten by a link or more. You can do this more than once if necessary. If you can jack up your machine with a floor jack, it makes the job even easier. (Note: on many chains the end fasteners do not match. Usually the simple fastener such as a hook fastens behind the tire. The more complex fastener, usually a clasp with lock, should be on the front of the tire.)

If the chain still seems loose, it’s usually the side chain. To tighten the side chain down you can buy tire chain adjusters, or rubber bungee cords work surprisingly well. (Bungee cords are readily available in any national brand home improvement centers or local hardware stores.) In the case of bungee cords, put them on in an “x” pattern. That should do it.

Although tire chains can be a pain to fit, they generally put a smile on your face when your machine is no longer slipping and sliding down the hill.

Have a great week!

Brian