Snow chains for your car that you can easily build at home… made entirely from zip ties.
RELATED: 17 Clever Winter Gear Organization Ideas
In this article:
Usually made from steel, snow chains are attached to car tires to provide maximum traction in the snow, making the process of driving less of a headache. While every resident that lives in a snow-filled community probably has at least one set of snow chains, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a good idea to know how to build your own snow chains and how to put on snow chains in case of an emergency.
But you might be surprised that you can make your own chains…with just zip ties. Not meant as a replacement for actual snow chains, but these DIY-models from Instructables’ user movemaine, can provide some quick traction in an emergency.
For One Tire
Make sure to check how many openings your rims have. One “snow chain” will go through each opening, so if you have six openings, you’ll need six chains.
If you have more or fewer openings, simply adjust the number of zip ties you use, but the process will be identical for all types of rims.
InstructionsStart by tying a small zip tie to the long zip tie (which we’ll call the chain) about 6 to 8 inches away from the head. Tighten the small zip tie as hard as possible without damaging it.
Add a second small zip tie about an inch away from the first small zip tie. Continue this pattern until you’ve got six small zip ties attached to your chain.
Trim the Zip TiesUsing a pair of scissors, trim the small zip ties to about 1/4 of an inch in size. You would not want some excess zip ties to be stuck and in the way of making driving complicated.
Repeat these steps over to complete as many snow chains as needed. Do this on all others and make sure every zip tie is trimmed properly.
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Once all your chains are finished, it’s time to attach them to your tires.
As a tip, turn your wheel all the way to the right. This will make the entire process much easier.
Now insert your chain through any of the openings of the rim, with the head in first, and then pull it around the other side of the tire, back to the front. Pull the chain towards the end of the opening that it would naturally slide over to help prevent it from moving around.
Connect the zip tie and tighten it, all while keeping the smaller zips (which is the grip) on the tread of the tire.
Once they’re set, tighten the chain as best as you can.
Repeat this process for all the openings on the tire. Around 5 to 6 zip ties will work for each tire of your vehicle.
They will stay on your tire when driving with snow chains through snow and ice, but they will likely break off if you drive for a long period of time on concrete alone.
Go ahead and watch the video provided by Jason Day and see how the zip tie snow chains are being used in a 6-inches of snow field:
Winter comes and goes, but there are many places across the world that have snow all year ’round, leaving many with no choice but to stock up on tools that make life easier in the snow and ice. One such winter accessory that many people heavily rely on to literally get through snowstorms are snow chains.
While they provide traction, these snow chains are by no means a permanent solution to driving on snow.
So make sure that this coming winter season you are all set for your gear and for your own safety!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 18, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Some motorists may not be familiar with them, but tire chains for snowy, icy, and steep mountainous roads are common in some states. In some cases, particularly in the steep mountain passes of the Rockies, or slick lease sites tire chains are even required at certain points, never mind in some places it is legislation. You dont have to be a trucking company to learn from this one!
When obtaining your tire chains, you must first make sure they will fit your tires. Most tire chain packaging has a guide that indicates which tires it fits. Never try to attempt to use chains that are too large or too small for the tire, as this could result in dangerous driving and damage to your vehicle.
Follow the Manufacturer’s instructions on the Tire Chain packaging during installation.
1. Practice installing your Tire Chains during dry conditions to make installation during winter conditions easier and to confirm that there is sufficient clearance and proper tire fitment.
2. ALWAYS pull off the roadway to a safe place to install or remove the Tire Chains. Set your vehicle’s handbrake and block 1 tire during the installation procedure.
3. Lay the chains on the ground beside the tire with the traction part of the chain facing upward and remove any tangles.
4. There are 2 common procedures to install Tire Chains:
· a) Lift the tire chains from the side closest to the vehicle and place the Tire Chains over the tire as centred as possible. Ensure the traction side of the tire chain is on the outside of the tire and stretch the chains, preventing tangles. Fasten the inside fastener as tight as possible and then fasten the outside fastener.
· b) The alternate procedure to install the tire chains is to drive your vehicle onto a small block of wood 2” x 4” (approximately 10” long) and repeat the instructions in 4a.
5. After the end fasteners have been attached drive the vehicle slightly forward so that the tire chain is now underneath the tire. Retighten the end fasteners to assure maximum tightness. Attach the Spider Bungee or the Rubber Tightener.
A few little reminders:
· Install Tire Chains as tight as possible as this will lengthen the life of the tire chains. Loose tire chains will also damage the vehicle.
· Do not exceed 50 km/h as the tire chains may break from excessive speed.
· Do not drive on bare pavement while using tire chains. This will cause premature wear and breakage.
Even on larger trucks we need to talk, The “Primary” drive axle is always the rear axle of a 3 axle tractor. The second set of chains go on your trailer axles, staggered.
One chain on the front, left, outside tire and one on the right rear, outside tire.
Always hook the inside of the chains first and then tighten chains from the outside, and make sure they’re tight or you’ll lose them on the highway or they will beat up your fenders. Run for a mile or two, then re-tighten and you should be good to go.
Lock in your power divider, also called the "Interaxle Differential".
This will Provide maximum power to both drive axles. If your heavily loaded, you got it made when maximum chains are Installed. You can run through deep snow without a problem, even going uphill. If your running empty, it's best to get a little run for hills.
Move a little extra weight to the steer axle by moving the fifth wheel forward a couple notches.
This will provide maximum traction for steering on slick roads. Also, use motor oil to lubricate the fifth wheel in cold weather. It makes it easier to turn on solid ice.
Always look far in the distance when driving in the snow and ice.
Especially look out for Morons... keep your distance from them or get around quick choosing your passing location strategically.
Always Remember to keep your chains tight.
When you install chains on your tires, make sure that you are properly attired and protected. You don't want to risk getting frostbite or getting hit when working on a road's shoulder. A good pair of work gloves and a reflective vest can help.
Remember to set your truck's brakes properly before attempting to install chains. Don't risk having your rig start slipping or rolling.
If you are installing snow chains on your truck as part of a team, always make certain that both of you are well away from the tires when the truck is pulled forward to finish installation.
1. The first thing I do is place the chain flat out on the ground as you can see. I’ve found this is the best way to start. Be sure the adjustment cams are placed facing outward on the outside of the tire, so they are easily accessed.
The tire chains have locking clips, which are a simple configuration. They’re relatively easy to hook up. They are used to fasten the entire chain down at the end of the process.
Some truckers place the chains on the tires by rolling ahead on the tire chains, and then fasten them up. I find it easier to just take a few seconds, by placing them down on the ground and draping them over the wheel.
2. I pick up the chain on the side farthest from me and then drape it up over the tire. When I pick it up, I grab it around the middle. Pick it up and drape it over the wheel, so the chain is distributed as evenly as possible over the tire. Be sure that the clips that secure the the cross chains are facing outward, in order that they don’t rub on the side wall of the tire.
3. Then, I reach in behind the duals to hook the inside clip of the tire chain. I find the fifth wheel hook a handy tool for this step. I use it to hook the inside clip, between the tires.
I move the mudflap out of the way if necessary and reach in with the hook and grab the hook from the far side, and pull it forward, and clip the inside clip with the chain, so it’s fastened on the inside of the dual now.
4. On the front face on the tire, I tighten the cams up snugly with an adjusting wrench. The wrench is inserted into the cam and turned to increase the tension in the chain.
Try to tighten each cam, to help snug up the chain. You probably won’t be able to get a turn from each cam…. probably just one or a few of them.
For extra security and tension for the chains, you can use regular bungee straps. However, I bought a specialized set of tire straps, out in Wyoming at a truck stop. They are very handy for securing tire chains. The rubber straps can be hooked onto the chain, evenly spaced to secure and tighten up the entire configuration.
Test your chaining installation When I have all the tire chains installed that I require and well secured, I’ll drive perhaps an 1/8th of a mile, stop the truck, get out and double check everything to make sure they are secure.
By driving slowly for a short distance, you can test the security of the chaining. The last thing you want is for the chains to come off while you’re driving. The chains can cause serious damage to the truck if they come loose.
When to remove the chains Tire chains are designed to run on snow. Once you hit wet or dry pavement, it’s time to stop and remove them. Hopefully, once you’ve chained up and you’ve reached the the top of the hill, the road will be dry and you can take the chains off.
Speed A truck with chains, isn’t meant to travel fast. They are meant to get the truck through rough spots. The chains can break away, fly loose and damage the equipment. I don’t like to exceed 30 or 40 mph with a set of chains on.
Chain Requirements It is necessary to check the states and provinces where you’ll be traveling, to find out what chains they require. Some states only require that a truck carry them, some indicate that it’s necessary to chain up under certain conditions…when chain requirements are in effect.
So be aware of what the chain requirements are, or else you’ll be forced to wait out the road closures.
Number of Chains The maximum number of chains which states require are six chains. However, six tire chains for a tractor trailer can add up to a lot of weight. So when you put your chains away in your truck storage box, be aware that you’ve potentially gained almost 1000 pounds in weight as a result. Remember, that will add to your gross vehicle weight, so be aware of that before you pick up your next load.
Types of Chains The chains I used in the demonstration are single chains. A single chain will cover one tire. Double chains will wrap around both tires. Triple chains will wrap around both tires but align in the middle to hook up between the duals, which helps to secure them.
Chain Weight Chains are very heavy. They are awkward to install, store and handle. The welded cleats on the cross-links gives them great traction, but also adds to the weight.
When you’re carrying a full set of triple chains, you’re carrying a lot of weight. It makes the truck difficult to maneuver, and they’re especially tough to install.
Contents
Design and types of anti-skid means
Making the simplest home-made chain for car wheels
Installation method without jacking up the machine
Alternative solutions
Points to remember
Any motorist with experience had unpleasant moments when the driving wheels of the car began to slip in mud, ice or deep snow. It is often almost impossible to get out of such situations on your own - only with the help of another vehicle. How are our colleagues doing? Some people buy studded tires after such incidents, others simply put the car on a "fun" during natural disasters. But there is another category of motorists that uses homemade chains for wheels and, I must say, quite successfully.
These devices are based on a simple design consisting of steel links or reinforced wire . A successful application lies in the uniform distribution of the elements along the entire radius of the tire. Failure to comply with this condition threatens to break the product and loss of anti-skid properties. The classic scheme, proven by more than one generation of motorists, consists of internal and external components that run around the entire circumference of the tire. They are interconnected by transverse parts, the so-called " grouser ". The manufacturing technology of do-it-yourself wheel chains is available even for beginners. Depending on the layout of the structural elements, there are three types of devices :
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In terms of labor costs, the first option is the most accessible - "ladder" .
It is not always possible to purchase an anti-skid device - the high price and lack of availability of the right size makes car owners decide such issues on their own. I must say that this is a pretty good choice - all the necessary components are always available in hardware stores. In a critical situation, you can try to simply wrap the tire with a cable or a piece of metal rigging , but not everyone carries such a set with them. Moreover, for a disc type brake system, this option is absolutely contraindicated - such a design will disrupt the operation of the mechanisms. Therefore, it is worth preparing in advance homemade chains for wheels , for which will need :
The dimensions of the workpieces depend on the dimensions of the tire used, so it is important to measure the desired values in advance.
The number of transverse parts is also individual - craftsmen recommend making sure that there are two "crossbars" at once in the plane of contact between the tire and the ground. Thanks to this scheme, traction characteristics and reliability of the entire product will increase. Preparatory action process and do-it-yourself assembly of chains on wheels consist of the following items:
As can be seen from the description, with a certain skill and tool, the operation will take no more than 40 minutes. Those who have welding experience can put it into practice and refuse threaded connections, which will certainly affect the quality of the equipment.
Having checked the reliability of the finished product, it remains only to install it on the car.
The anti-skid device is mounted first of all on the drive pair and this is done using two methods :
The choice of method is up to the driver, but it is worth focusing on one recommendation - you need to think about installation in advance, even before entering the difficult area . Only in this way will it be possible to avoid annoying mistakes and save a lot of time.
Before proceeding with the operation of installing homemade chain on car wheels , carefully lay it, not allowing the links to twist. Further, we act according to the points:
Do-it-yourself installation of the chain on the wheels of a car using a jack is similar to the technology described above, its only advantage is to facilitate the task. For a better installation, you must first reduce the pressure in the tires, but after the operation, do not forget to restore normal parameters. This procedure will allow the product to fit as tightly as possible to the tire.
The idea of folk craftsmen does not stand still - and now they offer an alternative solution: anti-skid bracelets .
In principle, these are the same home-made metal chains for wheels , only with a difference in the absence of longitudinal elements . The advantages of bracelets are as follows:
So what is needed for the manufacture of :
For 195 and 205 mm tires you will need about 4 meters of chain. As you can see, the costs are minimal, and you only need to cut the material to the required length. Another alternative is kits for DIY wheel bracelets using chains , they are quite affordable and of good quality (except for Chinese ones).
Set consisting of:
The kit is very easy to use and does not take up much space.
An important plus is the possibility of using machines with disc brakes . Judging by the reviews, owners of expensive SUVs do not disdain to use them, which once again speaks of the practicality of the device.
For more information on how to make your own anti-skid bracelets, see the video:
Anti-skid chains must not be used when driving on paved roads (concrete, asphalt). In conditions of loose snow or soil, it is recommended to adhere to a speed of 10-20 km / h. Wheel slippage must not be allowed.
After installing the anti-slip device, after driving the first 100 meters, you should stop and check the reliability of its fixation, as well as the tension around the entire perimeter. A loose chain can cause damage to suspension and steering components.
Experienced motorists can give thousands of examples when mud, ice or deep snow prevent the successful completion of a trip. The power of the driving wheels is powerless in such situations - only a tug or a winch. After such unpleasant moments, some owners refuse to travel in bad weather, others put studded tires . However, there is another category of drivers who prefer to independently manufacture additional equipment to increase cross-country ability.
Contents
The basic scheme is an elementary design, which consists of a set of steel links or reinforced wire.
The uniform distribution of components over the entire area of the tire is the key to the successful operation of the product.
Do-it-yourself classic snow chains in video look like two elements that are located longitudinally along the radius of the wheel from the outside and inside. Between themselves, they are connected by transverse parts, the so-called lugs. The manufacturing technique is not difficult even for novice motorists. The layout of parts is carried out according to three schemes:
Each of the above types has its own advantages and disadvantages. The first option with a "ladder" in terms of financial concepts, as well as labor costs, is the most accessible. No less interesting is the solution with bracelets, which are also convenient when mounted on a wheel.
The inability to purchase factory devices that increase cross-country ability, as well as their high price, push motorists to solve the problem on their own.
It should be noted that this is quite a reasonable choice - the necessary components can be found in any hardware store, and every self-respecting driver has a minimum set of tools.
It should be said that information about how to make snow chains with your own hands and video does not always include a list of design elements. Let's dwell on the simplest model, made according to the "ladder" scheme. For its implementation you will need:
On average, it will take about 15 meters of chain to assemble chain devices for driving wheels of a passenger car, more exact figures will be known only after specific measurements. It is recommended to use stainless metal hardware as chains. The preparatory process ends with the collection of tools:
Experienced motorists assure that a cable or even simple rigging helps out well at critical moments. They can simply wrap the wheel, another question is that such things are not always at hand. Moreover, this method is categorically contraindicated for machines equipped with a disc-type brake system. Therefore, it is better to be patient in advance and make a “chain kit” yourself.
When making snow chains with your own hands using accessible videos, where the footage of the blanks is not always indicated, it is important to make accurate measurements of the radius and width of the tire. Based on the results obtained, calculate the parameters of the future product. The number of cross members ( grousers ) is also selected individually for each car model. Masters recommend focusing on the fact that in the plane of the contact spot of coated rubber there should be two transverse parts at once.
The procedure for assembling the cross-country device is to perform the following steps:
With certain skills and tools, the operation will take about 40-60 minutes. It will be useful to have experience in welding, which will allow in practice to abandon threaded connections, which will positively affect the quality of the device.
In the manufacture of traction control devices in the garage, drivers most often use the following types of locking mechanisms to fix them on the tire:
Some homemade chains for wheels are equipped with an S-shaped lock design, which is closed with a four- or hex key. However, many complain about the unreliable fixation and the lack of adjustments for this option. In addition, the installation of such equipment is a complete inconvenience.
The second way of fixing the chain device is more common and holds quite well. With a properly laid chain, fastening is done with a screwdriver without any problems. For a full guarantee, motorists are advised to tie the contact point with a soft wire of 1-3 mm. Dismantling of the equipment also happens quickly without much effort.
Model of ratchet lock used to be used on trucks. Differs in high reliability and simplicity in operation. The sample provides fixation without the use of additional materials.
Experts recommend mounting anti-skid equipment on all wheels, and not just on the drive ones.
Incorrect installation can lead to damage to the ABS sensors, brake system components and fender liner, as well as side cut tire . On SUVs with a connected second axle, the device is placed primarily on the pair that is constantly in operation. The installation operation is carried out in two ways:
The essence of the question is not only how to properly make snow chains on a car with your own hands from the video - you should think about installation work even before entering the problem area. This is the only way to enjoy the operation, save your time and avoid annoying mistakes.
It makes no sense to describe the first method using a jack - the procedure is elementary and will not cause any difficulties even for a novice driver.
The only recommendation is to reduce the pressure in the tires to facilitate the work.
Another question is when this device is not at hand. In this case, you can install chains on snow wheels with your own hands using the following technology:
Important! To evenly distribute the components of equipment , drive 20-30 meters and then make the final adjustment. This event will guarantee the maximum fit of the product to the rubber.
Auto shops sell traction control straps - a worthy alternative to chain equipment. Differ in the possibility of quick installation and low price. But here, too, the engineering thought of our motorists does not stand still, they skillfully learned how to copy factory copies.
The bracelets are the same as self-made snow chains , but without longitudinal elements, their advantages are as follows:
For the manufacture you will need a modest set:
To equip wheels with a standard size of 195 and 205 mm, 4-5 meters of hardware products will be required.
The stores also sell ready-made kits for self-assembly of bracelets, with the exception of Chinese kits, they are quite decent quality and inexpensive. It consists of:
The kit is easy to use, transported in a special case and does not take up much extra space. An important advantage of metal bracelets is the ability to install on wheels with disc brakes. And if you take into account the reviews, then the owners of expensive foreign cars do not disdain to use such devices, which also says a lot.
Any anti-skid equipment adversely affects the safety of tires, as well as the condition of the chassis. You need to be especially careful when choosing locks for homemade chains for car wheels , since trouble-free operation of the machine depends on them.
Walking on hard surfaces is not allowed. When driving on loose snow or mud, you should maintain a driving mode of 20-30 km / h, it is not recommended to allow wheel slip.
