tire chains slipping off

[jam2004]

First snow forecast for the NY metro area tonight. I put my chains on for the first time and found the outside fastener kept coming undone. I tried attaching the fastener to a tighter link, but that seemed to make it come off even easier. Any tips, tricks, etc. from some of you veteran snowmen? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[JimR]

I've always used chain tensioners in the past on tire chains. This keeps them from coming loose. Try tightening up a link on the backside of the tire.

 

[beenthere]

Sounds like a problem with a bent outside fastener. Could you show us a pic of what it looks like fastened? Maybe we can help. If it won't stay closed then there isn't much hope that the chains will stay on.
Here is a link to what a couple outside fasteners look like, just for comparison.
http://www.tirechain.com/side-chain-fastener.htm

Is this on your CUT?

 

[normde2001]

That should not be a problem. I've never used tire chains, but any hardware store/home center should have a removable chainlink that can't come loose, (screw locking).

 

[jam2004]

Definitely not a bent fender. Only have 20 hours on it and have done nothing to bend it. I saw some of those tensioners.. Didn't want ti spend another $50 if I didn't have to. I may go to the hardware to pick up some other solution as suggested. They are on my BX 2230.

 

[beenthere]

What I was getting at was a reason for the "outside fastener" coming undone, as you mentioned in your original post. That fastener should not come undone, if it isn't bent, unless it is not hooked properly. (said nothing about a 'fender', but suspect that is a typo).

If putting on tensioners, I think one wants to avoid placing one at or near the 'fastener' latch, so it isn't pulled toward the center of the wheel, and instead is kept in tension. I think chains should run just fine without tensioners, if properly adjusted. But I've used them just to add some additional insurance that they stay snug and reasonably free from slop.

 

[SeymourBota]

Not sure what type of connectors you have. Attached is a pic of the chains on my BX- both the inner and outer chains are 1-2 links in and there is enough tension that I don't need tensioners.
You certainly don't need to spend $50 for tensioners. Short bungy cords will work, although the rubber bungies are better, if you can find them that short.
Even a purpose-made set isn't that expensive:
http://www.tirechain.com/ADJUSTERS-ATV-GARDEN_TRACTOR.HTM

 

[chim]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I saw some of those tensioners.. Didn't want ti spend another $50 if I didn't have to. I may go to the hardware to pick up some other solution as suggested. They are on my BX 2230. )</font>

While you're at the hardware store, pick up a set of $1.98 tensioners. When I was running a 2WD tractor w/ chains, the simplest way to tension the chains was with a screen door spring and a couple "S" hooks. I would hook an "S" at 12:00, then loop the spring around the outer side chain at points near 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 finishing by having both "S" hooks at 12:00. They self-adjust on the chains.....................chim

 

[RalphVa]

One of the fasteners on my chain set used to come loose. Put a bungi cord right on it and attached the bungi across and around the perimeter to pull on the fastener.

(To those who suggested one of those screw chain things: think the fastener being talked about is like a long bar with a bent tip on the end of it. You can put the bar into a chain link and use it as a lever to tighen the chain. Can't do this with one of those screw-type connectors. You'd just end up with a chain flopping around loose. Loose chain can catch on things. I know it happened to me.)

Because I had the chain catch something and broke a link, I've gone to ag tires with screws into the lugs. Trouble is, I haven't gotten any snow or ice since to try these out.

Ralph

 

[jam2004]

BeenThere- Sorry about the "fender" thing. I was reading too fast and "fastener" looked like fender.

 

[beenthere]

I still don't think we have touched on your original question (problem) of why the outside 'fastener' is coming undone. Have we, in your mind, identified the problem you are having so it isn't happening anymore? I'm curious to hear what, if anything, has helped you. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[jam2004]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I still don't think we have touched on your original question (problem) of why the outside 'fastener' is coming undone. Have we, in your mind, identified the problem you are having so it isn't happening anymore? I'm curious to hear what, if anything, has helped you. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )</font>

Nope. Still having the problem. Both chains came off today, but I was still able to complete the job. I'm going to try short rubber bungees. I think that might do the trick.

 

[dwenham]

A thing which worked for me in the bad old days of a Craftsman 1-wheel-drive was to wrap baling wire around the fastener after mounting the chains and driving around the yard to make sure they were tightened adequately. Until I started doing this, they fell off frequently, wrapping with wire stopped the problem. Tie-wire twister from Harbor Freight is more elegant and tidier than baling wire... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Dave

 

[bugstruck]

On my garden tractor I always use bailing wire to hold the fastners in position. Double it up (so you're working with two strands as one) and it is less likely to break on twist up. Another trick, since either my chains vary in length or my tires are slightly different inflated sizes, is to reduce pressure one or two pounds on the large one (definitely not to the point of squatting any) install the chains and bring it back up a pound or two. Doesn't take much. This tensions the chains properly in IMO when chains hit the in-between size and seem either to loose after the connection or too tight to get connected. If yours are fairly even this could be done for both tires.

Again, it doesn't take much air change to move the tire size rather noticeably on the smaller turf tire but I can't speak to your tires.

Haven't lost a chain on my JD325 yet and my alpine slope of a driveway works them to death. In fact my 4 year old set is nearing wore out and they are a quality set of Deere chains.

Good Luck,

 

[frank_f15]

i did the same thing on the chains for my ford 2n, the locking links were a bit worn so just wrapped good wire around them.