Tire chain repair link question.

MTboatguy

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I had to repair one of the chains for my plow truck, got a couple of repair links, put them in place, squeezed them closed, but when done, they are still open a small amount, I have never worked with this repair links before, so I was wondering, is there anyway to close them completely? I was thinking maybe a small tack weld, but really hate to dig out the welder for two little tack spots that are going to be maybe an 1/8 of an inch. Any ideas?
 

Tim Frank

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On the side chains or cross chain?
If the side chain I wouldn't worry.

If the cross-chain, I'd replace the whole piece.
 

MTboatguy

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On the side chains or cross chain?
If the side chain I wouldn't worry.

If the cross-chain, I'd replace the whole piece.

It is on the side chain, I replaced a cross chain as well, but didn't have the same issue. Guess I will give it a try and see what happens.
 

Bob_VT

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Yes the side chains are not as critical and I used to use rubber bungees to take up slack (which I made from an old truck inner tube but you gcan google it and see now they sell commercial ones tire chain bungees
 

MTboatguy

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I have chain tighteners, that is not a problem, they fit tight with the tighteners, I just didn't want to catch one of those partially opened links. The conditions I deal with in my area, as you have seen can be extreme!.
 

Tim Frank

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Last time I repaired side chains I used a right-size quick-link....I've also used a shackle.
http://www.tirechain.com/QUICK-LINK.HTM

If you ARE going to get out the welder, cut a link off a piece of side chain and then weld it closed after you use it to make the repair.
 
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MTboatguy

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In this application, I would trust the repair links I have way more than a quick link. As far as regular links, they have those at the local Farm and Ranch store for less than a buck each, I might pick a couple of those up and just replace the repair links I have now, I would rather do it now, then after the snow starts flying. This repair is actually replacing one of the tighteners that was destroyed by the previous owner, I cut that off the chain and put the repair links in its place that were the same diameter and length as the adjuster, each one of these rear chains have/had 4 adjusters in them. Then I will use the tighteners to cinch everything down. This will actually be the first time, I have ran chains on this rig. Unfortunately with my neighbor breaking his back, there will be no one to pull me out if I get stuck, so don't want to get stuck this year. Until he gets better, I will have to do the plowing.
 
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MTboatguy

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Why not replace the tightener?

Have not been able to find one locally, it is a center pivot with a slide slot across the top. These are old chains and I seriously doubt I can find one. And being honest, using the rubber tighteners, they are really not needed.
 

Bob_VT

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These are the chains I used on a 1 ton when I was a road commissioner...... pricey but worth it. They had cam tighteners and studs. Do you have a local town/county garage? Visit them and ask where they get thier supplies from. The municipal supply places are better stocked.
 

MTboatguy

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No Title

Ok, here you go, the first image is the adjuster that is not broke, the second is the adjuster removed and shows the repair links.
 

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rbh

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Yup, weld them, lots of torque applied to the side chains when grinding your way up a steep driveway, did you get the T handle tool to twist the cam locks tight, find one if you can.
 

MTboatguy

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Yup, weld them, lots of torque applied to the side chains when grinding your way up a steep driveway, did you get the T handle tool to twist the cam locks tight, find one if you can.

I can make a T-Handle with no problem, I ain't paying as much as the local shops want for them!
 

MTboatguy

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Well crap! The V Bar chains I have finally got repaired, won't fit the rear tires! This is a dual wheeled 4x4 truck and the V Bar chains are to thick to fit between the duals! I have two sets of chains for this truck that came with it and what I thought was the front chains look like they will fit on the rear duals and the V bars on the front tires!
 
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