Snow Tire Chains Truck Installation Instructions


(these instructions apply to all our tire chains with the exception of our
car chains and diamond truck chains for those instructions click here)

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION:Installation Instructions(PDF Format).
Click here for detailed installation instructions for Lawn tractor tire chains.
You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view the installation instructions.

snow chains videotire chains hook

1. Lay chains out flat, remove all tangles. When chains are placed on tire, cross chain hook eyes must face up. Damage to your tires could result if hooks face against tire.

snow chains how to

2. Lay snow chains over tire, cross chain hooks up and fastener on the outside of tire. Tuck first cross chain under tire.

tire chains install

note: cams face tire
tread before tightening

snow tire chain cam tool insert cam in slot, turn
the cam clockwise until stop
tire chains cam cam will face toward the wheel when turned to lock position

3. Move tire until lever fastener is axle high.

tire chains mounted

snow chains fold over fastener
open position

snow chains hook
locked position

4.Hook inside fastener first. Remove slack and hook outside fastener. Make chain as tight as possible by hand without the use of tools. Drive approximately 1/4 mile stop and retighten.

5. Install tensioner as shown below:
tire chains rubber adjuster

tire chains spring adjuster


fold over locking latch:


Outer tire chains fastener		 tire chains part 5315f
Outer snow chains fastener locked

the following applies to truck
tire chains with cams installed

cam detail

cam tool

securing cam on snow chains

insert cam in slot, turn
the cam clockwise until stop

cam locked

 cam will face toward the wheel when turned to lock position

Untangling Tire Chains:



CAUTION

ADJUSTMENT:Tire chains are designed to fit a range of tire sizes and tread designs. The overall length of the chains may be longer than necessary. As long as the cross chain width is correct, the overall length can be shortened by using repair links to eliminate slack or by removing 1 (or more) cross chains.

For repair couplers technique using forged pins or quick links, please see:
/Tire-Chains-Length-Adjustment-w-Repair-Links.htm

Or shorten the chain by prying the cross chain hook open and removing the entire cross chain. The hooks holding the cross chain to the side chain are not hardened and can be opened with a chisel or vise as shown below.


Do Not remove cross chain from the fastener side.


Remove cross chain from the tail end as shown above.


Common household tools Required - cold chisel, pliers, hammer, goggles.
We do offer chain repair tools, please click on Tire-Chains-Pliers.htm.


Turn cross chain hook to be removed on its side as shown above.


Carefully drive chisel into fastener, spreading it open.

tire chains tools
If necessary to reinstall cross chain, close fastener with pliers as shown above.

The extra length of side chain can be removed by cutting it off. But it is our recommendation, to wire tie the extra length to the side chain. This way if the additional length is needed in the future, it will be there.
Important!! Prefit prior to use.Maximum speed is 25 MPH.Buyer shall not be entitle to recover any incidental or consequential damages.No compensation will be made for labor claim, delays, or damages incurred by using our products. Caution: All traction products will wear out with use. If this should occur, stop immediately and repair or replace.Tirechain.com and South Fork Hardware are not responsible for injury or vehicle damage.




PERIODICALLY CHECK CHAINS FOR LOOSENESS AND ADJUST AS NECESSARY. TIRE CHAINS CAN BREAK IN USE. STOP IMMEDIATELY AND REPAIR A BROKEN CROSS CHAIN. CONTINUED TRAVEL WITH A BROKEN CROSS CHAIN CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE.