Sparky-(Admin) 21,312 #1 Posted April 19, 2020 Is there a chart or some way (other than mounting them) to figure out what size tire that tire chains fit? It’s garage cleaning day and I came across a couple sets I didn't know I had. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,711 #2 Posted April 19, 2020 Here you go Mike. First, measure the width of your tire...say it is 8". Now measure the width of the chain...if it is 14", you should have about 3" of chain hanging on each side of the tire. 14-8 = 6 6/2 = 3. Now measure from the center of your axle to the outside edge of your tire...say it is 12"...now remember you have 3" overhang on each side 2*(R - 3)*Pi = Circumference so...2 * (12 - 3 ) * 3.14 = 56.52". 2 * 9 * 3.14 = 56.52 Now measure the length of your chains. If they are 56.52" or a few inches longer, your chain will fit that tire. Pretty easy, without even moving that chain on the floor. Plug in the numbers that the chain measures and you can figure out what tires it will fit. 1 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #3 Posted April 19, 2020 good to know, I got buckets of old tire chains I need to get rid of from tractor restorations over the years 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,711 #4 Posted April 19, 2020 The above should give a pretty good idea of the thinking behind the math. You may only have 2" hanging on each side, so adjust the formula accordingly. One neat trick to putting on chains, let most of the air out of the tire...put on the chain and then air the tire back up. Makes the chain nice and tight. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,493 #5 Posted April 19, 2020 54 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: Here you go Mike. First, measure the width of your tire...say it is 8". Now measure the width of the chain...if it is 14", you should have about 3" of chain hanging on each side of the tire. 14-8 = 6 6/2 = 3. Now measure from the center of your axle to the outside edge of your tire...say it is 12"...now remember you have 3" overhang on each side 2*(R - 3)*Pi = Circumference so...2 * (12 - 3 ) * 3.14 = 56.52". 2 * 9 * 3.14 = 56.52 Now measure the length of your chains. If they are 56.52" or a few inches longer, your chain will fit that tire. Pretty easy, without even moving that chain on the floor. Plug in the numbers that the chain measures and you can figure out what tires it will fit. C'mom man, it's Sunday, the sun is out for a few hours, it's warm and we are still in lock down... and you had to say the word "math"... 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,028 #6 Posted April 19, 2020 All this aljeeb is makin my noggin hurt. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,442 #7 Posted April 20, 2020 18 hours ago, stevasaurus said: Here you go Mike. First, measure the width of your tire...say it is 8". Now measure the width of the chain...if it is 14", you should have about 3" of chain hanging on each side of the tire. 14-8 = 6 6/2 = 3. Now measure from the center of your axle to the outside edge of your tire...say it is 12"...now remember you have 3" overhang on each side 2*(R - 3)*Pi = Circumference so...2 * (12 - 3 ) * 3.14 = 56.52". 2 * 9 * 3.14 = 56.52 Now measure the length of your chains. If they are 56.52" or a few inches longer, your chain will fit that tire. Pretty easy, without even moving that chain on the floor. Plug in the numbers that the chain measures and you can figure out what tires it will fit. Steve. I have not even had a coffee yet. And I am reading this! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
