How to Install Laclede Tire Chains
Laclede specializes in manufacturing chains, including a line of chains for tires of all varieties. Laclede makes traction chains for cars, SUVs and heavy industrial vehicles. Chains manufactured for use by the general public include a diamond-style Alpine brand, as well as cable chains. The process of mounting these chains is similar to other traction chains, and you only need to install two chains, one for each drive tire.
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Instructions
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Alpine Chains
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1
Lay the chains flat on the ground, near the tire, and remove any tangles. Slide the cable behind the tire, so both ends of the cable are pointing at you.
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2
Lift both ends of the inner sidewall cable over the tire, and join the ends behind the tire.
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3
Inspect the chains, and ensure they lay flat. Remove any tangle you may have missed, and hook the outer side chain together. There is a red hook at one end of the side chain, and it will fit into the link at the other end.
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4
The chain cross sections must be centered over the tread.
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5
Pick up the red fastener/tensioner chain at the bottom of the tire. Feed the red chain through the red connection.
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6
Cross the chain over the hubcap, and hook it to the other side of the outer side chain. The chains must be secure. If you find loose areas, dismantle the chains, and start over. If they still do not fit tightly onto the tire, check the size of the chain against the size of your tire. If the chain is too big, you will need to return it, and buy the correct size.
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7
Feed the red chain through the red hoops, and pull it to eliminate the remaining slack.
Cable Chains
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8
Lay the chains out flat, and remove any tangles. Drape the chains over the tire, with the ends of each hook facing away from the tire. If they face inward, they can damage your tire. Also, the snap-lock needs to be at the front of the tire.
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Tuck the front cable cross section under the front of the tire. Climb into your vehicle; start the engine, and move forward approximately two feet. Park the tire at the center of the cable chains.
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10
Pick up the inner side cable snap lock, and connect it to the other end of the cable. Eliminate slack while doing this. Do not to thread the cable through the snap-lock, the way a sewer threads a needle. The cable features a series of studs at regular intervals. Place the bottom of the snap-lock between two studs, and adjust it, so the studs hold the snap-lock in place. Once finished, repeat this fastening process with the outer side cable.
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11
Inspect the chains. If the cross sections are slanted for any reason, you will need to readjust the cable chains for a tighter fit. To do this, undo both snap locks, and move them to the next set of studs.
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12
Repeat the installation on the remaining tire.
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Tips & Warnings
Whether you are using Laclede's Alpine or cable chains, you should drive your vehicle for a quarter of a mile. Reinspect the chains, and retighten, as necessary.
Never try to install chains that are not a perfect fit for your tire, as it can cause damage to your vehicle. You can look up your needed chain size through Laclede's Website, where they feature a tire-to-chain sizing reference.
References
Resources
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