How to Repair a Tire Chain

A broken snow chain can leave you stranded in the middle of a dangerous snowy landscape. With the proper tools and knowledge, you can mend the broken chain and drive to safety. You can easily store the materials you need to repair a chain in the trunk or back seat of your vehicle. Even after a competent repair, though, you should still replace the chain. An emergency repair job cannot match the stability of a new snow chain.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement links
• Snow chain repair pliers

Instructions

1. Remove the tension device from the chain on the front of the tire. Release an outer link on the front and the back of the tire to disconnect the chain loop.

2. Slowly drive forward 5 feet to leave the chain rolled out behind you. Turn off the vehicle and return to the rolled out tire chain.

3. Pull the broken link of chain out of the rest of the links. Connect the two sides of the chain together with an open replacement link (a link of the proper size with an open end).

4. Pinch the open replacement link in your fingers at the opening in the link. Lift the chain so that the closed links fall to the back of the replacement link, making the replacement link stand out from the rest.

5. Squeeze the open ends of the link shut with tire chain repair pliers. Pinch them shut until both ends of the link meet fully. Put the chain back on the tire and proceed at a pace not exceeding 30 mph.

Tips & Warnings

• If you break more than one link, connect the links to one side of the chain one at a time. When you reach the last link (the link that fully replaces the number of links broken), use it to connect the two ends of the broken chain.

• Never leave home without replacement links and pliers.

References

• Learn 2: Install and Remove Snow Chains
• Tire Rack: Tire Chains for Winter Use