snow chains?

[Dano]

Has anybody thought about making your own snow chains? I live in flagstaff and have a 2 mile drive way with 2.5 ft snow accumulation. yesterday we had to dig out 3 four-by's, because the day before the weather was warm and melted the surface and then froze, and then the wind moved a foot of snow onto the road. chains would have helped a lot. HOWEVER, we didn't have any so we got to dig all day. Chains here in flag cost $120 to $160 and i am too cheap to pay that much so i think i will make my own. if any body has any experience your input will be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[calphi27]

try shopping at a 2nd hand store like arc or goodwill. chains are cheaper there and you can mod them if needed.

 

[Dano]

Well I thought about that, however I figure bulk chain can be bought a home depot or ace for $0.50 a foot and at second hand store if i buy chains i am still in some round about way supporting the bast.rds that are selling chains for $150. The way i figure it i could make a brand new set for all four axles for less cash than that. But thank you though.

 

[Mace]

Start looking at the lengths you will need. I bet it adds up really quick..

Also, how are you going to join the links together?

 

[MtnClimber]

Don't bother. It takes a lot of time to do that and if you don't get it right, you could end up hurting someone when they fly off or getting wrapped around your axle tearing off your brake lines. My suggestions would be to get better tires or tough it out till the snow melts away. I used to make and fix tire chains for my uncles tractors and the trucks for a logging company I used to work for. It sucks, time consuming, and you need the right type of chains, rings etc.

 

[mudlover]

Cleaning the garage out and I have several sets-all unused. I may have one that fits. Send your tire size if interested to greenbizco@yahoo.com . Located in CO
RG

 

[climber8483]

Have you tried your local auto parts store? I have bought the good highway chains from Schmucks for $70 for 33" tires. If they don't have them they can probably order them in.

 

[Dano]

chains

Well I did infact make a set for the tacoma. I will post a picture when I get home. I went to home depot and buaght a spool of 2/0 chain for 37 bucks. some carabiners for about 3 bucks and adjustabe bungie and hooks for 6 or so bucks. took them out an found they are good to 40mph for about 20mi on dry asphault. they didnt break or wear excessivly I just got scared they would.

 

[Mace]

aluminum carabiners?

 

[Dano]

And no not aluminum carbiners. steel zink plated.

 

[JJS]

You've put a lot of faith in bungie cords.

 

[mano002]

I've heard of guys using semi chains and shortening them to fit. This is often the cheapest way to go if you have big tires.

 

[Rich07Expy]

You've put a lot of faith in bungie cords.

That is for sure. Real tire chains don't rely on the bungie cords to keep them on. The diameter of the circles of chain on each side are small enough to keep them from flying off when the bungie breaks. The only thing that the bungie does is to tighten the cross links a little.