AMAZING Tire Chain Hack For Winter 

As I get older, I dislike the cold weather more each year but when a good snow storm covers the trees, bushes and land. It reminds me how beautiful nature can be.

To get the chains on the rears easier: - lay the chains down - drive a short distance onto them - hook the end cross chain over a tire lug behind tire - drive forward The tire pulls the chain up and over for you and tightens it at the same time. Still have to tighten after a short drive, but the tractor does most of the up front work. Chained mine up this week in 45 mins this weekend.

I deflate my tires when putting on chains, seams to work well on keeping tight,

Ahh you brough up my terrible memories from the Finnish army, i drove a big four axle offroad truck, imagine putting eight of those big ones on in a hurry on site! 😪 The wire trick helps alot though, place the chains behind the tyres, attach them to the tyres' tread with a wire/cord loop, drive forwards until the chains are wrapped around. Helps alot with heavy chains 😊

I saw how you did it last year and assumed since I've never used or installed chains before in my life, that YOU were the expert. (Joke's on me, huh?) I really appreciate your self-deprecating sense of humor and your transparent ability to laugh at yourself. I love your stories... and your videos.

Honestly I love your content. It's like back when my grandpa was still alive and I would help him out around the farm. Always getting into something. You give the same kind of talks in a lot of your videos as my grandpa did. Philosophy that can be applied to almost anything. thanks for all you do

Watching you struggle with tire chains makes me very thankful to live where I don’t have to deal with that.

I like deflating the tires and using a chain binder to tighten the chains up. Latching them in place and then re-inflating the tire. No need for cross binders or anything. Chains will be very very tight and will not walk off the tire.

I’m just now starting this video and I do t know if you cover this or not but I air down the tractor tires before putting the chains on. Then after getting them as tight as I can , I air back up to help tighten them further. You don’t want the tires to be too tight because more air equals less traction. But doing this in moderation really helps

Air down the tires, tighten chains as much as you can, reinflate. That is what we do.

Can you imagine how bad we would all feel for Jack if RU-vid didn't exist he would never get a break from all these lessons and stories this guy tells lol

I'd never seen a binder before until I worked for a landscaping company where we had to move huge equipment on trailers, and needed to secure it with no slack. It did take me a few times to get it straight in my head how to set them up right the first time. The ones we used were a lot bigger, and were intended to be kept on for the duration of the drive. That little one is a really cool assistant.

When I used to put chains on a 4wheeler to plow snow.....I would always let air out of the tire, once the chains were as tight as I could get then.....add air, and everything was tight.

The one set of chains you put on the rear tire and showed us is possibly on backwards. Should have the clips to the front and the loose ends to the rear when you drape them over the tire. I believe it has something to do with once your chains are on and you spin the tires, the clips don't have the extra bit (where the locking clip attached) forward with rotation where it could grab something. But they may still work fine all season and never grab anything... but maybe a note to self for next year.

I had a similar hunting camp story from decades ago. My 4 wheeler broke down so I got the bright idea to take my moms Chevy Chevette to deer camp. I somehow managed to make it up the logging roads on the mountain, but most of the exhaust was still on the mountain when I left. Chris

+Wranglerstar I know this is 7 months late but I figured I would chime in anyway. Trucker here. I have used the blocks many times to get chains on. The thing I di differently is I place the chains on the ground with one set of cross-chains laying thru it. I lay the resty of the chain in front of the block. Then drive the wheel unto the block. Afterwards all you have to do is put the chains around the tire and tighten. Drive off the block to let the chains settle, retighten if needed, and put the bungies/springs on the chains. I never understood putting the chains on the top of the tire and then driving over the loose end.

As a trucker for 22 years! You would get your chains with cam locks on them so you can wrench them down so tight. That would save a bunch of time. I can throw 6 sets on in 15 min.

For chaining our lot trucks we used solid rubber bungee cords. Once installed, bend the hooks closed. Break a cord, no big deal, 2 bucks and put a new one on. Plus you are only pulling one cord tension instead of all the spring tensions on your star configuration.

I remove the air and then install the chains, get the tension correct and then air tires back up and they are tight. Works for me. I use bungee cords for chain tensioners.

you know that caster tip is really good cause it all ways happens nice one Cody.

Just got that tensioner set w/binder tool for my JD2025R. Could have just used it first and prob figured it out without too much difficulty. But often it’s better to see someone doing it first. So your demo was definitely helpful. Basically watched the part about using the binder tool for the 6x tension spring set up. Got the Diamond Stud chains on back and the Vbar on front, both from Tire.Chain in Johnstown, PA. None of this stuff was cheep but now I can GO ANYWHERE IN MY BACKYARD THAT I NEED TO!!! (And I have a few acres of backyard and about a foot of snow!!!) Thanks for the video!!

If you go fast enough with your 12 foot mower, your 10 foot door is suddenly bigger!

LOL I understand your frustrations Cody. The wheels find everything on the floor.

I'm ready for the snow!

Grab one of those timbers by Jack's bridge, knock a corner off lengthwise, put it at the slab edge for your bldg, and have an easier time pulling equipment inside. It's hard to pull up that vertical stepped edge.

place chain on tire . drive forward a quarter of a wheel rotation and hook the cam to the chain . drive forward a three quarter of wheel rotation and tighten cam on the chain inside first and outside last . takes two minutes to install chains no jack required . did it that way on my semi for 20 years . i can chain all 8 drives in 20 minutes and chains stay very tight no play in them at all

1/4 ton come along from harbour freight will do wonders. in Canada we use snappi hooker tarp straps for cross tighten.

Right tool for the job, like I told you last year when I recommend the binder to you, glad to see you got the right tool!

Those blocks are a brilliant idea. I must make some and try them for this year on my lorry when I cut the grass. Thanks.

I used to drive a semi from Denver to Gypsum CO all the time. Had to chain up a couple hundred times. First time I put chains on it took close to and hour. By the end of the winter I could put all 4 on in less than 20 minutes. Your absolutely right tighter the better.

Our 1964 Massey is ready for the snow, the plow is done from the rebuild we did this summer and we have the blower fan and shoot rebuilt as well. Bring on the 6-8 foot drifts!

You need to hang them on a wall to keep them separated . And color coded the chains for the equipment you use. As a truck driver I have put a set on the truck and trailer in a half hour I put out on the ground in front of the tires ( Straight) than drove on to them but your back tire is bigger. If I was you I would give it a try. And with the ramp blocks I would put some metal studs in it so if you had to drive onto them you won’t slip as much.

Use narrow tires in the snow with a lot of pressure to open up the tread and dislodge the snow. Big tires good only for showing off.

Like the block suggestion, Thanks. Flat pry bar works great on the mower-crete. I hang my chains, no rust (light coat of oil) and out of the way.

Try laying them out behind the tire and then back on to them. Then it is a simple task to just pull them up onto the tire.

Same tip applies to dropping nails or screws in the driveway. Drive brand new tires across ONCE...

Just watched a 16 minute video of chains being put on a tractor tire... Love this life... Lmao.Keep up the great video though man! Support from NY!

I agree with the previous comment definitely deflated the tires snug the Chians reinflated you will have tight chians

It's crazy how a whole days work only makes a 20 min video. Thanks for the hard work Cody.

Chaining up, at night, in subzero(f) snow, is hard. On big truck tires, the chains weigh 20+ #. And sometimes they get twisted in storage......Thanks for bring it all back!

My dad was a lorry driver in the UK for most of his working life. He used a tool for putting tension on chains (like the one you used, but bigger) and called it a 'warwick'. There'd be a warwick on each chain used to secure a load.

To tighten tire chains I deflate the tire, install the chains as tight as I can, then inflate the tire. Presto! Chains are super tight.

My dad used to be a logger. Big cleated paw chains were a necessity in the winter. we found it was easier to use the cleats on the tires and a couple of bungee straps to drive them up on and over the tire, much less work than lifting them by hand which alone would take atleast two people.

Those are nice spring binders. I deflate my tires when tightening the chain, and run wire from links across the center, and twist them tight.

Added a like to this video within the first minute... you speak the truth about finding dropped items!🤣🤣🤣

Ive always layed out the chains, drive over and hooked em up. Blocks seem good.

On The Dalton Highway in AK we were throwing chains daily. Its all how u hang them on the rack. Some guys get both on in 5 min.

"Fun" video , I have not installed chains on a tractor for over 35 years and am thankful . In the 80s when I was a fireman we had steel tracks instead of chains . They had bars that went across both dual tires and dipped down between with super heavy duty links . If I remeber they weighed about 540 pounds each . Easy to install , lay them out and drive over them , then pull them together with a come along . They were great in deep snow , but on pavement they would shake you to death . Over the years I had an extra set of steel wheels with mounted studs for winter driving . Also an extra 2 wheels with lugged snow tires with cross bar commercial chains installed when tires were deflated and perminent connecting links . Inflate and no slop or rolling . Those were for my full size van ( that also had limited slip rear end ) . Can hardly wait to see how the new snow blower works .

you are more prepared for winter than most; cutting those tails actually makes the chains harder to get on; I put the chain over the wheel ; letting the ratchet ends of the chains (just touching) the ground (to the back)pull ahead until you can grab your tails and clip them to the ratchets than tighten and like you say in the video you have to move your vehicle a couple times to really snug up your chains; this method we use in the oilfields out west and in the north; very fast and no crawling under truck or tires; I am used to putting on doubles on both sets of duals, a steering and a trailer chain for bush driving; also carry cheater links in your tractor; very handy if you break a cross link or have to repair a chain or tails or whatever, another great video Mr Wranglerstar looking back at your video again you hung those chains perfectly

That is what that's for ,I got some of those tools an I would've never known thanks for that

I was a trucker and generally avoided having to have to put chains on. Sometimes it was unavoidable, but it was rare as state DOT organizations pretty much started to shut down interstates and you don't use chains on the flats. only mountains.

Can I use trampoline springs

Now that's what I'm talking about. Getting rid of those small annoyances makes everything SO much more pleasant to use. Even if there was no real difference in the usability. It's the state of mind that matters the most.

I remember last years snow chain saga. Glad to see it’s going better this year

Got to tell you, it just doesn’t come up much in Jacksonville, Fl. I have hunted with friends in the Judith Mountains near Lewistown, Mt. This Year, for the first time, we had to use chains and I learned about installing chains. Wish we’d have had your chain tensioner.

The moral of the story is Check The Weather . I love those Broncos . Had a old Toyota Land Cruiser myself . Wish I still did .

AMAZING Tire Chain Hack For Winter thanks for the videos Cody. Gods blessings to all...

that first part is so true. seems to always happen to me when using a creeper or whatever

Why not let the air out of the tire, put the chains on, and fill the tire back up?

Boy am I excited for Wranglerstar winter videos!

I don't know but personally I'd be jacking the rear tires up too. Seems the front tire chains went on a lot easier by taking the tire off the ground. : )

I got this tool with my chains, tried it and thought it was OK... Then I thought of using a ratchet strap instead. It worked much better in my opinion. I don't think it would work on smaller tires though. I used it on just the rear tires of an old tractor.

Nice tutorial on the chains. I have used chains once in my life and I remember it being a big hastle.

Great video Cody. Most truck drivers in my area have an old addage When the roads get too slippery to have to chain up its time to find a rest area or truck stop and get off the roads until the highway crews can do their jobs. Most companies in my area do not give their driver's tire chains.

Watch as never know when a piece of information is going to be needed and with Cody, always unrelated nuggets of knowledge and wisdom mixed in.

Those are going to be awsome with the snow blower on the tractor, at the moment I've only been afforded a 2wd f150 and 2 chains that I fount at the flea market but it worked pretty good last year as long as my front tires have good tread.

On our work trucks we just hook the ends of the chain back in the lock assembly that hooks the chain together and it keeps it from floping around. We have to put the chains on in the snow so it's best to keep the extra length so they are easier to put on in bad weather. I'll have to carry a small chain binder too. Great idea!

00:31 to 00:54 Words of wisdom.. right there, so true happens & all the time. Thanks for the vid.

Looks like a lot work to put those heavy tire chains on. Good luck with putting on the other two ! Thanks !

Those “no chains down in a dark canyon” stories are the ones we tell for a lifetime. Haha. Loved that story! Had a similar one goofing around one afternoon and ended up in a ditch that at least two other people had also found. By the time we found it the depth was about mirror deep. Took 3 come alongs, hours and several loggers to get our pickup out of the mud pit. My dad always said “4wd just gets you twice as stuck”. Hah.

For the rears, I jack up the wheels. I have trouble with the wheel rolling the chains off. As someone mentioned, I use a ratchet strap to pull the chain all the way around to hook the inside. Much easier than how I did it in the past.

i usually lay the chains on the ground drive over em hook the start on the wheel drive 3/4 of the wheel diameter forward, so its easy attachment and tightening sometime later when i remember.

i sure enjoy the old traditional pre chinisium-19 videos.

Do you still carry on the regular while on the homestead?

You could cut a small amount off of one of those hooks and it would be easier to hook on.

Where did you purchase this chain set up?

With bigger tires it'd be easier to let some air out and lash the chains to the tire then drive forward so they pull themselves on like a tank track

I have used one of those small boomers for years putting the chains on my tractor. A suggestion, forget the wood blocks for installing the rear chains. Get a 10 to 20 ton bottle jack and lift the rear tire off the ground. You can then rotate the tire the same as the front. By the way, lose the mower before you start chaining up.

that tool you have there looks like what my dad always called a comealong. He used bigger ones to take slack out of chains when hauling equipment when he had his pipeline company.

I do like your chain tensioners, sure beats rubber straps I was using.

I have same tool for my tractor chains. I also have same tensioner set up with springs and center ring. I hook the tool on the spring im working on not the center ring. Much easier to pull on one spring at a time then the whole ring under tension.

I just use a heavy duty ratchet strap, by placing the hooks where you need them, & ratchet them in.

Wranglerstar, would you prefer plastic or metal wedges?

I noticed that the caps of the hydraulic lines are tangeling around while having the lines plugged in. You can stick the caps together to keep them clean an not tangeling. Greetings from Germany!

I think that shortening the end of the hook on that small binder would make it work even better. You don't need to go 1/2-3/4 of an inch past the link you want to grab.

What is the reason you would remove the chains when it isn't winter? I mean.. there is no downside to extra grip if you don't drive on paved roads right?

Cool.

8:10 another great example of Cody trashing a tool before he knows how to use it! Love your videos keep them coming.

reminds me of putting the wrap around tracks on the skid steer.

In the volly halls up here we used to roll the rigs up on the blocking over the chains and drape the rest... first guys to respond would lock them up, or if not needed, slowly roll out and leave them behind. Then the new rigs with auto chains started coming into service which are alright if you are rolling... but do you zero good if you need to deploy them from a sitting stop, or when backing up.

So I just came across this videos! First off I like your videos clear and down to the point. Second you need one more tool for your chains for the connecting link. Little wrench that fits in the slot on the link. We use steel rod to make a L the pound the end flat to fit in the slot works great!!

Thanks for sharing the tool which you used to install the chain tighteners.

Sweet burnout! :)

You just need a second tractor, then you can leave the chains on one of them.

silly question...why do you not just hook the red tool to the actual spring and pull it up to the chain? that way you don't have to pull all the other chains around...

Video series for you, Build a truck with Jack for Jack, Make it old, make it cool, Lots of content, and it will teach your boy the mechanics

Looks like those tensioners in the back could use a couple of extra springs and chains Looks like you could add 4 more springs and chains to put two more points of tension on each side going around the tire.

9:12 Lol waiting for the next winter you'll say it was all bad (not implying its wrong setup, just the new tips and tricks you will learn day by day from subscribers)

If you do the bottom spring last you can step on the center ring instead of crowing your lugs.

Scraping off the mud from around the blades looks soooooooooo satisfying... i'd loce to do that haha