Do I Really Need To Use an Extra Tensioner With My Snow Tire Chain?

Question:

Do we need tighteners for Titan Chain Cable Snow Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Steel Rollers - 1 Pair Item # TC1034

asked by: Jitendra

Expert Reply:

While the Titan Chain Cable Snow Tire Chains # TC1034 'technically' don't need chain adjusters or separate tensioners, I highly recommend them. Especially since they don't have a self-tensioning system like the Konig CG9 # TH00023100 or even cam tighteners.

These cable tire chains are designed to be tightened by adjusting only the front and the back connections. Without a tightener, you'll have to go back and forth until you fine-tune the tightest fit, and even that fit has a wiggle room between each of the metal stops on the chain. Rolling the tire forward will shift the chain and you'll have to re-adjust again.

Speaking from experience, having to crawl behind the tires more than once to fine-tune the tension gets old quick! That's why I love using the tensioners # TCMA1. You can see in the test fit video I attached below how the tensioners still brought the chain in even though it was already a passable tight fit. The bungee design also adapts as the tire rolls forward and chain shifts around.

The tire chain # TC1034 will work on its own as is, but the extra chain adjusters # TCMA1 add a peace of mind, extra tension, and ease of install that I highly recommend.