Chains Anybody modify and lengthen ladder chains - how to

[kco]

I just noticed in the picture of the heavy duty chain tool I posted that it too only has 1 rubber handle grip. And I thought mine was missing one because it had fallen off! Hmmpff! Wonder why they only come with one?

Mine has 2 rubber grips. Perhaps the one- grip assumes the handle without a grip will be placed on the floor while using the tool. The layout of the jaws seems to encourage using it that way.

At least that's how I mostly used the tool. To open the cross-links the chains were on the floor with the hooks up and the jaws to pry them open raised just enough to get between the hook's shafts. When reclosing the hooks I had the tool with the same handle on the ground and lifted the chain cross hook into the closing jaw.

 

[PILOON]

It is not impossible to modify chains.
The set that came with my tractor were always pulling apart where the 'S' hooks formed the squares in the center.
I cut into lengths to make ladders and created a ladder set.
Cut and welded the short leftovers to make new ladders and later purchased a length to add ladders at every 3rd link.
From a supplier I was able to get a quantity of hooks to add those new ladders.
Out of pocket I spent about $30-40. and never regretted the 5-6 hours it took to convert.
My set is now what would be called double ladder studded ice chains.
Since there is always 2 cross links in contact with the ground I never slip and my paved drive is not marked.
The ride is also nice without the bump bump of 5 link spacing.

It did help that I have the chain tool and that I weld as well.