Forum Discussion

K_Mac's avatar
K_Mac
Explorer
Dec 23, 2014

Safety Chains

I'm curious if twisting your chains in order to gain some clearance, is in fact taking away any strength of the chain. I 've taken links out over the years with different set ups to get my preferred length. I ask because I've seen people twist them so much they looked like there tied into a knot. Could you be causing more harm than good with so many twist's? I'm comfortable with a few twists, but not like some I've seen. Just curious.
Truck Campers
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 23, 2014
    Twisted chains will snap easier when subjected to torsion.
    Under tension they will attempt to unwind (torsion)......which they can't do.

    Zip ties can shorten chains.
    Wire can shorten chains
    After market products can shorten chains

    Until the chains are actually needed........then devices snap and shorten chains instantly become too long chains which do not work as intended.

    Physically shorten the chains to proper length.
  • bka0721's avatar
    bka0721
    Explorer II
    Dec 23, 2014
    No, but I just use a Truckers Hard Solid Rubber Shock cord to pick them up and take up the slack.

    b
  • rooney77's avatar
    rooney77
    Explorer
    Dec 23, 2014
    Shouldn't effect the strength at all. It will change the pattern of the loading/stresses if they are ever needed but the strength/effectiveness won't change any. Twist it and forget it.

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