How to remove twists from tire chains

[56servi 36]

I am trying to install a set of used tire chains on my 23" turf tires.  the cross chains do not hookup to the side chains the same on some of the crosses.  I have tried looping the end of the chain back thru the cross chain that is different but did not work.

On the closeup pictures the open end of the cross hooks are both facing up

Hope the pictures show what I am talking about

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,838]

The end hook on the right in the first picture is correct but rotate the side chain 1/2 revolution. That puts the hook on the side of the link closest to the crosser/tread. Ends of the hooks should be away from the tire sidewall.

If you can get the end hook on the crosser fixed in a vise you should be able to pry the hook ends open enough to remove it from the side chain link. Install it correctly and squeeze together using the vice. They do not need to be squeezed tight - just enough to keep it on there.

[Ed Kennell 43,720]

They will untangle.   Start at one end and pass the short end thru to get cross chain #1 and #2 laying correct. Then continue with #3,4,5, etc. untill they are all laying correctly.

 

Here is a correctly laying chain.

 

And by passing the red hooks thru #1 and #2 cross chains, you get this.  The same as your picture.     The cross chains appear to lay correctly, but the twist is in the side chains.    

 

[ri702bill 10,549]

Nice! Those crosslinks are V bar ice chains - great on grip but do tend to scuff up blacktop. And the Vees need to face away from the tire tread.

One of several reasons I have dedicated winter tires for both Horses. The chains stay on those tires all year round.

Edited 21 hours ago by ri702bill

[GeneB 5]

Is this what you’re saying to do. Loop red connector under chain and back out

 

[Ed Kennell 43,720]

23 minutes ago, GeneB said:

Is this what you’re saying to do. Loop red connector under chain and back out

 

 

Yes, that would correct the twisted side chains in my pic.   I did the reverse to create that picture.     It may help to hook the two chain ends together when you do this.        

If you pass only one side thru, you get a twist in that side chain and a twist in the cross chain.   If you pass both sides thru the cross chain is not twisted but both side chains are.  

 

If you can't get them untangled, come to the Big Show in Pa. in June  and I will fix them.  Or sell you a new set for $20.

Or, buy a chain plier like this.

 

[GeneB 5]

Going to try and untangle them tomorrow. Will post results

thanks everyone for the help

 

[702854boy 381]

2 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

If you can't get them untangled, come to the Big Show in Pa. in June  and I will fix them.

Would you be able to put a new hook on a set if we bring them to the show?

[Razorback 1,192]

The untangle instruction is exactly what I have to do, sometimes. I have gotten to where I hang my chains on the inside of the shed doors after I remove them from the tractor, to hopefully avoid a twist like that. Most times I succeed.

[JoeM 9,286]

You can find Ed at this location, conveniently located at the BIG SHOW.

[sqrlgtr 1,278]

1 hour ago, JoeM said:

You can find Ed at this location, conveniently located at the BIG SHOW.

 

he looks lonely and seems to be taking a nap

[Ed Kennell 43,720]

4 hours ago, sqrlgtr said:

seems to be taking a nap

Nah.  I'm laid back and waving to Joe's drone.

[Ed Kennell 43,720]

9 hours ago, 702854boy said:

Would you be able to put a new hook on a set if we bring them to the show?

Sure, or sell you a new set.