Extending tire chains

[L3700SU]

Hi Guys, new here. I just replaced my old reliable B1700 with an L3700SU.
I had just purchased tire chains last year and now I need to extend them.
They are 71" long now(22" dia.x 11" tire) and I need to extend them to 119" to fit the bigger tires(38" dia x 13"). They are the 2-link style(23" cross link) so I thought I'd buy (4) 48" extentions pieces and remove every other crossover and reattach to the extensions. My question is, what's the easist way to remove all those crossovers without buying the $150 tool they want? Or, should I buy extension pieces to match the chains I have? Or, just sell these chains and just buy a new set?
My time working on it is a non-issue as I enjoy tinkering or is this just too much of an undertaking? Your thoughts welcome.

 

[meanjean]

Can you post pics of the cross overs?
I was able to remove them with pry bar and a screw driver.

 

[L3700SU]

Can you post pics of the cross overs?
I was able to remove them with pry bar and a screw driver.

This pic is from the place I bought them. Typically I need to pry two ends of a link open.

 

[meanjean]

I can't clearly see the connectors for the "rungs" but am confident they are similar to the ones I have.
Not hard to remove. A couple of pry bars and the right technique and you can remove them quickly.
Use a hammer to close the connections although an air chisel is MUCH easier.

I would hesitate to move every 2nd "rung"
Maye try and source more connectors and add more rungs.

I will post a pic in about 2 hours.
It is of the connectors.

 

[Orange Tractors]

A large vice that is solidly mounted will help a whole lot, also. Bolt cutters will remove the links, but you won't be able to reuse them.

Personally, I haven't intentionaly removed the crosspieces from tire chains; but I have reattached and added them. I usually get whichever chain splicing link is cheapest and easiest to use, and is close to the size of the chain if I can.

I have used several wraps of baling wire for a temporary fix on broken chains when I was out and about and still needed them to get somewhere.

Robert

 

[meanjean]

Here is the connector I have on each rung.
Easy enough to open up when you get the hang of it.

 

[L3700SU]

Here is the connector I have on each rung.
Easy enough to open up when you get the hang of it.

Yep, that's what mine look like. I'll try them in a vise with a prying bar and/or screw driver. If it gets to be too cumbersome, I guess I'll have to break down and buy the tool.

Thanks for the help guys. Hopefully I will not need them anymore this year.

If anyone has a pair of chain pliers I can borrow for a couple weeks, I'll gladly pay the freight

 

[meanjean]

I tried with the vice but it was allot of work for a little guy.
Need to lift the set of chains, place the link into the jaws, close the vice.
Sweating like a bulldog having pups.
Would be easier if I wasn't a sissy...

Try both ways.
I'm confident you won't need the tool.

 

[L3700SU]

I tried with the vice but it was allot of work for a little guy.
Need to lift the set of chains, place the link into the jaws, close the vice.
Sweating like a bulldog having pups.
Would be easier if I wasn't a sissy...

Try both ways.
I'm confident you won't need the tool.

Well you are absolutely correct on two statements.
(1) I didn't need the tool
(2) I sweated like a bulldog having pups.

I went through my tool box and found a pair of ceramic tile trimming pliers ($8-$10) Haven't used them in 15 years
and an 8" straight screw driver.
The trimming pliers fit the rung end perfectly and with the screw driver placed underneath, I'd pry a little, reposition, pry a little until I got it open enough to remove.
Oh yea, I put an old blanket on the floor and laid the chain on that to work.
Believe me, it saved my knuckles numerous times.
From start to finish it took an hour and 15 minutes to take off 14 crossover chains.
The lengthening process should be easy.
I liked saving $150 on a tool and I didn't even draw blood

 

[meanjean]

Didn't draw blood?
You must have been doing it wrong!