SCC QG20074 Quik Grip Light Truck Traction Chain Rubber Tightener - Set of 2 , Black

Far superior to using bungee-cords to tighten tire chains.

So this winter I had to put tire chains on my truck it comes with chain tensioners but I like to double up on them for the fact that I don't like my change to pop loose at any given time. They worked 100% the way they're supposed to be working if you don't have chain tensioners I would suggest getting some of these for your vehicle even if you do have them it's always good to double up on them to ensure that your chains do not slip.

These are simple and effective at quickly snugging up the tire chain to ensure it stays where you want it. I recommend these even for cam-style chains, as they take any remaining slack out of the install. For the price, just get an extra pair now as backup!In terms of fit, these work perfectly for full-size pickup tires (or SUVs with equivalent sized tires), but would likely not be effective for smaller vehicles (compact and perhaps even mid-size SUV or similar). In terms of installation, I agree with reviewer "E. Richards" in that you should install at 4 and 8, then 12, then 10 and 2 for the easiest/quickest install possible.Please note that while these might help keep oversized chains on the tire, it is critical to get the right size chain for your application both for performance and safety. Tire chains can cause substantial damage to a vehicle when they come loose, not to mention the risk associated with a sudden loss of traction.Update Jan 6, 2012: One "con" I found with these tighteners is that the "C" style connectors are likely to fall off the rubber ring during removal in cold temps. Because the rubber is stretched and stiff, it has a smaller diameter than at install and can easily slip through the opening. Drop one of those little buggers in some snow, and good luck finding it! I lost two on the first one I removed (I wised up after that and was far more careful). After removing, if you take the tighteners indoors for a few minutes, they will quickly shrink back to their original size and be ready for another installation.Update Jan 4, 2017: The quality of the rubber on these seems to be on the decline. Whereas I used to be able to get a season's use out of them, I am finding that I am now "lucky" to have them not break after being on the truck for a couple of months. Keep in mind that this is a couple of *winter* months in Fairbanks, Alaska, so UV degradation from sunlight should not be an issue. I was okay with spending approximately $20 per year on a set of four, but doing so multiple times a season just isn't acceptable. I am purchasing one more set today just to see how they do, but it will be my last if they break prematurely. I am also dropping my review to four stars (it may go lower with the next update!).

I ordered the chain tensioners for my Land Rover Defender several weeks ago and they are AMAZING … since they arrived Wisconsin has not had a single snowflake, the temperatures are in the low 50s, there is not one bit of black ice … truly an amazing product! Seriously, I did a trial fit on the Defender and they work extremely well … good product and well priced.

Too small to fit my ford truck chains. Sent them back

wurks

I ordered chains that did not come with such a tightener, so I ordered the tightener separately. Then when I read the instructions with the tire chains, it suggested I not use the tightener because the chains need to move relative to the tire, so you don't wear holes in the tires where the connectors on the chain ring meet the tire. The chains should be able to move relative to the tire to get uniform wear. I have to admit that this makes some sense. I have always used tighteners before, but I have noticed wear spots on the sidewalls of the tire where the metal pieces that connect the traction chains with the circle chain meet the sidewall. I think the trick is to get the chains on fairly tight, but not too tight and NOT use a rubber tightener. At least this is what I plan to do. Now that I have the tighteners I can take them along for insurance. The actual construction of the tightener seems fine, a fat rubber band with stout metal hooks.

I've used a bunch of types of chain tensioners, including the spider/multi-arm style, this kind, and just plain bungee cords. This is my favorite. They're super cheap, go on easily, and seem to deal better with not needing you to put them on precisely. Pro tip: before using them the first time, take a pair of pliers and tighten each hook around the cable a bit more. They fly off really easily if you slip while attaching the last one or two hooks, they don't include any extras, and they are IMPOSSIBLE to find. If you lose one, four hooks still provides decent tensioning, but if you lose more than one you're in trouble...Of course at this price it's probably worth getting 1-2 extras anyway...