Modifying chains

[crazyal]

I'm guessing you can't just cut the excess chain off because of the pattern of the cross links? Is it possible to modify just the end of the chain and leave the rest as is?

 

[jimmer2880]

Been There, Done That. Go - buy the tool. You'll be thankful. It really makes a difference.

 

[crazyal]

Answered as I was typing, lol.

 

[whistlepig]

I like the chain tensioners. I installed the tensioners using a ratchet tie down strap hooked through the center ring on one end and the other hooked to the tire chain on top of the tire. I worked around the tire tightening each spring a chain link at a time. These chains have stayed tight for six weeks now. I have done a lot of dirt and gravel work with the loader with these chains on.

 

[Sumpter]

They are called chain pliers. You can get them at tirechains.com. there are three different sizes.

 

[jimmer2880]

I like the chain tensioners. I installed the tensioners using a ratchet tie down strap hooked through the center ring on one end and the other hooked to the tire chain on top of the tire. I worked around the tire tightening each spring a chain link at a time. These chains have stayed tight for six weeks now. I have done a lot of dirt and gravel work with the loader with these chains on.

Wow - that is one serious set of chains you have there. :drool:

 

[varmint]

I had to tighten my chains last winter... the photo shows them BEFORE I took out some slop, etc. In my case, the circumferential (if that's the word) chains were not hardened, but the cross chains were. The hardened links will crack when you try to open them/close them, so be sure you know what you are dealing with before you start opening them. I had good luck with a vise and various prying tools. The earlier poster who mentioned getting them tangled is right on. Getting them the right size is good, once you get there.

 

[mwb]

Would bolt cutters work to spread these? They might tend to only open one side but maybe by adding a steel spacer between the two hooks you could force the second side to open.

Could a couple of clevises placed stategically around the side chains take up the slack?

 

[beenthere]

varmint
I think they are referred to as "side chains" vs. cross chains.

Do you have a pic of the chains after you made them to fit? That must have been a real challenge. Simple ladder chains can be headache enough keeping the ends from knotting up.
I've found that the cross chain double hooks are pliable and haven't had them crack when opening (just enough to unhook them) and closing. Maybe there are different steel and agree that the side chains are not hardened for surface travel.

 

[simonds]

Get a tool that Sumpter suggested. I borrowed a chain plier from my neighbor and made chains for my lawn tractor from an old set of truck chains. It was an old set but really worked great. That's the way to go.