Tire chain pliers, old school style.

[ebinmaine 67,508]

A few weeks ago in a thread around here somewhere we we discussing the ways of modifying tire chains. 

I've been wanting to add links to some of mine for years. 

Using this as an excuse/reason/justification for getting another new-to-me tool I went poking around the interwebs and found this VERY vintage set of 

"Weed Sturdy" tire chain pliers.  

 

When I got them here to home they were a tad sticky. 

I decided to drop em in the recently set up E-tank to clean the old paint and rust off.  

I forgot to get an in process pic but here's some before n after.  

Turns out after soaking for a few days I found some bright red paint inside the handles where it's unlikely to have ever been damaged by usage.  

Very close match to Rust-Oleum Apple Red Gloss. 

 

 

 

[ri702bill 8,323]

Nice! I scored a well used, but not used up pair at a flea market for $12. Similar, but different than yours. They DO make dealing with links so much easier - with gloves...

Edited December 31, 2023 by ri702bill

[ri702bill 8,323]

26 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

I've been wanting to add links to some of mine for years. 

Perhaps those ice grip cross links I gave you...??

[ebinmaine 67,508]

Just now, ri702bill said:

Perhaps those ice grip cross links I gave you...??

Exactly. 

 

I want to add crosslinks  and also make some connections between them. Makes a more linear better rotating set-up.  

[ri702bill 8,323]

Pictures - we just love pictures....

[ebinmaine 67,508]

44 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

Pictures - we just love pictures....

I'm thinking something like this.  

 

 

[ri702bill 8,323]

THAT is some serious ground rippin' traction.

AG tires & chains usually do not mix well - I like the idea of the pinch links - should they not be smaller to sit below the height of the cross links??

You could mount ice chains on a bald, worn out tire and still get great grip.

[ebinmaine 67,508]

4 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

THAT is some serious ground rippin' traction.

AG tires & chains usually do not mix well - I like the idea of the pinch links - should they not be smaller to sit below the height of the cross links??

You could mount ice chains on a bald, worn out tire and still get great grip.

 

 

I have a set of R1 AG tires that I've used chains in. The two link chains that I have here line up quite well to all the crossbars and still give decent traction even though a lot of the chain sits down inside the middle of the bars.

The chains are thicker in diameter than the height of the bars.

 

I've since switched over to a set of fluid filled turf tires. The entire chain sits above the surface of those of course.

 

I can see the logic of wanting the fore n aft links to be shorter in height than the V bar cross links. As long as they folded down a little bit as the tire was coming around I don't think it would matter much. I'm sure there's other types of links that could be used as well.

 

 

[ri702bill 8,323]

46 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

I've since switched over to a set of fluid filled turf tires. The entire chain sits above the surface

 

With good results, like mine on the C81

Edited December 31, 2023 by ri702bill

[pfrederi 17,739]

Eric you got it.  These are on 13.6 38  and work well Cheaper that duo ring chains

 

 

[Wayne0 457]

I've always used cut down car/truck chains on my 2 horses. More aggressive than "garden tractor" chains. Bigger cross links. I wouldn't mind finding a set of ring chains for my "mini skidder"

[ebinmaine 67,508]

9 minutes ago, Wayne0 said:

I've always used cut down car/truck chains on my 2 horses. More aggressive than "garden tractor" chains. Bigger cross links. I wouldn't mind finding a set of ring chains for my "mini skidder"

Judging from the cost of those I'm seeing you might be better off to MAKE a set. 

[davem1111 2,030]

Sort of on topic, I haven't put chains on my GT-1848 again this year yet, although I mounted my plow blade yesterday.  Last winter, apparently the chains destroyed my hydro fan and I have put a new one on but don't want to have to replace it again. I'm thinking that even if the clearance looks good after putting the chains on, the chains may shift under load and hit the fan again.

 

Any ideas what's the best way to avoid this problem, other than "not putting chains on" or "switching to an 8-speed"  ?   Should I get some spacers to move the wheel(s) out a bit?  Use some springs and/or wire to stabilize the chains more so they won't shift? 

[ebinmaine 67,508]

1 minute ago, davem1111 said:

 

 

Any ideas what's the best way to avoid this problem, other than "not putting chains on" or "switching to an 8-speed"  ?   

ONE.  Should I get some spacers to move the wheel(s) out a bit? 

 

TWO.  Use some springs and/or wire to stabilize the chains more so they won't shift? 

 

 

I'd do both. 

 

Chains will quite often loosen up some after they've been driven around on for a short period. Usually I find they'll take a set to where they want to be after being cinched up once or twice.

[Lee1977 6,661]

On 1/2/2024 at 11:47 AM, davem1111 said:

Sort of on topic, I haven't put chains on my GT-1848 again this year yet, although I mounted my plow blade yesterday.  Last winter, apparently the chains destroyed my hydro fan and I have put a new one on but don't want to have to replace it again. I'm thinking that even if the clearance looks good after putting the chains on, the chains may shift under load and hit the fan again.

 

Any ideas what's the best way to avoid this problem, other than "not putting chains on" or "switching to an 8-speed"  ?   Should I get some spacers to move the wheel(s) out a bit?  Use some springs and/or wire to stabilize the chains more so they won't shift? 

I would like to try these tires in the snow if I ever get a chance.

[peter lena 8,629]

@ebinmaine https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W175-Spring-Pliers/dp/B00BR1BV8Q/ref=asc_df_B00BR1BV8Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312061942313&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10267027089775835261&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvde, brake spring plyers , are also good for , chain / slide assist , HARBOUR FREIGHT , also has them . personally , like a 3" extension spring , to help settle in a tire chain , allowing you to drive around , while the spring is always pulling to the close point , use a  wide screwdriver , to help chain to end point , like a third hand , only me , Pete

[ebinmaine 67,508]

13 minutes ago, peter lena said:

@ebinmaine 

brake spring plyers , are also good for , chain / slide assist , 

Absolutely agreed Pete.

I have a nice old set of Lisle brand I've probably owned for 30 years or more.

[peter lena 8,629]

 @ebinmaine  like  having a 3 rd. arm , those chains don't   stretch , but need pull assist , Pete

[Wayne0 457]

On 1/18/2024 at 12:27 AM, Lee1977 said:

I would like to try these tires in the snow if I ever get a chance.

Hey, what's that truck? Looks like an old Datsun.

Edited January 31 by Wayne0

[Lee1977 6,661]

1 hour ago, Wayne0 said:

Hey, what's that truck? Looks like an old Datsun.

1980 Toyota

[Wayne0 457]

2 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

1980 Toyota

Dammit! I thought it looked familiar! I HAD one! Solid front axle with leaf springs. Bullet proof!!