Winter’s icy grip can turn your snow blower from a powerful ally into a frustrating liability if its tires lack adequate traction. You know the scene: the snow is piling up, and your trusty machine is spinning its wheels, digging itself deeper into the drifts. This is where snow blower tire chains come in, offering a significant boost in grip and control.
But before you can conquer the snow, you need the right chains. And getting the right chains starts with knowing exactly how to measure for them. It might seem straightforward, but a little precision goes a long way in ensuring a perfect fit, maximizing effectiveness, and preventing damage to your equipment.
Why Tire Chains Are Essential for Your Snow Blower
Let’s face it, snow blowers, especially single-stage models or those with less aggressive tread patterns, can struggle in deep, wet, or icy snow. Standard tires, while adequate for light dusting, often lack the bite needed to push through challenging winter conditions. This can lead to:
- Spinning wheels: Wasting time and energy without making progress.
- Loss of control: The snow blower sliding sideways or becoming unmanageable.
- Damage to your lawn or driveway: As the tires dig in and churn up the surface.
- Increased strain on the engine: The machine working harder than it needs to.
Snow blower tire chains, also known as tire chains or traction chains, are designed to wrap around your existing tires, providing aggressive, biting edges that dig into snow and ice. This dramatically improves traction, allowing you to:
- Move through deep snow with ease.
- Maintain control on slopes and uneven terrain.
- Prevent your snow blower from getting stuck.
- Reduce wear and tear on your machine.
Understanding Tire Sizes for Snow Blowers
Before we get to the measuring, it’s crucial to understand how snow blower tires are sized. You’ll typically find this information printed on the sidewall of your tire. The standard format looks something like this: 13 x 5.00-6.
Let’s break down what each number means:
- 13: This is the overall diameter of the tire in inches. It’s the height from the ground to the top of the tire when inflated.
- 5.00: This is the width of the tire in inches, measured from sidewall to sidewall at its widest point.
- 6: This is the rim diameter in inches. It’s the diameter of the wheel (rim) that the tire fits onto.
Example: A tire labeled 15 x 6.00-6 has an overall diameter of 15 inches, a width of 6 inches, and fits a 6-inch rim.
Why is this important? When you’re looking for tire chains, they will be designed to fit specific tire size ranges. Knowing your tire’s dimensions is the first step in finding compatible chains.
How to Measure for Snow Blower Tire Chains: A Step-by-Step Guide
Measuring for snow blower tire chains is a straightforward process, but it requires accuracy. We need to determine three key dimensions of your tire: diameter, width, and sidewall height. Most chain manufacturers will provide charts that use these measurements to recommend the correct chain size.
Step 1: Identify Your Tire Size (the Easiest Way)
As mentioned above, the most accurate and easiest way to get the necessary dimensions is to read them directly from your tire’s sidewall. Look for the numbers in the format we discussed (e.g., 13 x 5.00-6).
What if the numbers are worn off or unreadable? Don’t worry! If you can’t find the printed size, you’ll need to take some manual measurements. This is where a tape measure comes in handy. (See Also: how much is a blower motor for a furnace)
Step 2: Measure the Tire Diameter
This is the overall height of the tire. To measure this accurately:
- Ensure the tire is properly inflated to its recommended pressure. A deflated tire will give you an inaccurate reading.
- Use a flexible tape measure (like a tailor’s tape measure) or a standard tape measure.
- Measure from the ground directly up to the very top of the tire.
- Alternatively, you can measure the circumference of the tire by wrapping the tape measure around it, and then divide the circumference by pi (approximately 3.14159) to get the diameter.
Tip: For a more precise measurement with a standard tape measure, you can place a straight edge across the top of the tire and measure from the ground to the straight edge. Make sure the straight edge is perfectly level.
Step 3: Measure the Tire Width
This is the distance across the tire from one sidewall to the other at its widest point.
- Place a straight edge (like a ruler or a piece of wood) across the top of the tire, ensuring it’s level and touches both sidewalls.
- Use your tape measure to measure the distance between the two points where the straight edge touches the sidewalls.
- Record this measurement in inches.
Important Note: For snow blower tire chains, the width is often the most critical measurement after the diameter. Chains are designed to fit a specific range of tire widths.
Step 4: Measure the Sidewall Height (if Necessary)
The sidewall height is the distance from the rim to the tread. This measurement is less commonly used for basic chain sizing, as many manufacturers base their recommendations on diameter and width. However, if you’re dealing with very specific chain types or your tire size is unusual, it might be helpful.
- Measure the distance from the edge of the rim (where it meets the tire) up to the tread.
- Do this on both sides of the tire and take an average if there’s a slight difference.
Understanding this measurement helps understand the ‘aspect ratio’ of your tire, which is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire width. While not always needed for chain selection, it helps paint a complete picture of your tire’s dimensions.
Step 5: Consult Chain Manufacturer Sizing Charts
Once you have your tire’s diameter and width (and possibly sidewall height), you’ll need to consult the sizing charts provided by the tire chain manufacturer. These charts are usually found on the product packaging, the manufacturer’s website, or in the product description on retail sites.
How to use the charts:
- Locate your tire’s diameter in the chart.
- Then, find your tire’s width within that diameter range.
- The chart will then indicate the specific chain size you need.
Example Chart Entry (Simplified):
| Tire Diameter (Inches) | Tire Width (Inches) | Recommended Chain Size |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | 4.00 – 5.00 | 13×500-6 (Size A) |
| 5.00 – 6.00 | 13×500-6 (Size B) | |
| 6.00 – 7.00 | 13×600-6 (Size C) | |
| 15 | 5.00 – 6.00 | 15×600-6 (Size D) |
| 6.00 – 7.00 | 15×600-6 (Size E) |
Important: Always use the manufacturer’s chart for the specific brand of chains you are considering. Different brands might use slightly different sizing conventions. (See Also: how much is a blower motor for a car)
Step 6: Consider the Rim Diameter
While the rim diameter (the last number in your tire size, e.g., ‘6’ in 13×5.00-6) is important for the tire itself, it’s usually implicitly handled by the chain’s design. Snow blower tire chains are typically designed to fit a specific rim diameter range. When you find chains that match your tire’s diameter and width, they will almost certainly be compatible with your rim diameter.
Step 7: Double-Check Everything
Before you click ‘buy’ or head to the store, take a moment to review your measurements and compare them to the chain specifications. A small error could result in chains that are too loose, too tight, or simply don’t fit.
What to look for when double-checking:
- Exact tire dimensions: Ensure your measurements align with the chart.
- Chain type: There are different types of chains (e.g., ladder style, V-bar, diamond pattern). Ensure the type you choose is suitable for your typical snow conditions.
- Compatibility with your snow blower model: While rare, some very small or very large snow blowers might have specific chain recommendations. Check your snow blower’s manual if you’re unsure.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with careful measurement, a few common mistakes can happen. Being aware of them can save you a lot of hassle.
Pitfall 1: Inaccurate Measurements
Problem: Relying on estimates or taking measurements with a deflated tire. This is the most common reason for ill-fitting chains.
Solution: Always measure a properly inflated tire. Use a flexible tape measure for circumference or a straight edge for width and height for maximum accuracy. If in doubt, measure twice!
Pitfall 2: Ignoring Tire Tread Depth
Problem: Worn-out tires can effectively make your tire ‘smaller’ in terms of overall diameter when measured from the tread surface.
Solution: If your tires are significantly worn, consider replacing them before buying chains. Chains are designed to fit the tire’s intended dimensions. You can also factor in a little extra slack if your tread is very low, but this isn’t ideal.
Pitfall 3: Not Checking Manufacturer-Specific Sizing
Problem: Assuming all chain brands use the same sizing system. A size ‘A’ from one brand might be different from a size ‘A’ in another.
Solution: Always refer to the specific sizing chart for the brand of chains you are purchasing. This is non-negotiable for a correct fit. (See Also: how to use a snow blower)
Pitfall 4: Forgetting About Clearance
Problem: Chains that are too wide or have excessively bulky links can rub against the snow blower’s housing, frame, or drive mechanisms.
Solution: While direct measurement for clearance is difficult without the chains, most standard snow blower tire chains are designed to fit within typical clearances. If you have a particularly compact snow blower or have made modifications, it’s worth checking reviews or contacting the manufacturer. Ladder-style chains generally offer better clearance than full-coverage diamond patterns.
Pitfall 5: Buying the Wrong Chain Type
Problem: Purchasing chains that are too aggressive for your needs (e.g., V-bars on a paved driveway) or not aggressive enough for deep snow.
Solution: Consider your typical snow conditions. For general use on driveways and sidewalks, standard link chains are usually sufficient. For very icy conditions or steep slopes, V-bar or diamond pattern chains offer superior grip but can be harder on surfaces.
Types of Snow Blower Tire Chains
While the measuring process is similar for all types, knowing the options can help you choose the best chains for your needs:
- Ladder Chains: These are the most common type. They consist of cross-chains that run across the tire tread, resembling a ladder. They offer good traction and are generally easy to install.
- Diamond Pattern Chains: These chains create a more continuous pattern of links across the tire, offering enhanced traction, especially for lateral grip and on icy surfaces. They can be more complex to install and might offer slightly less clearance.
- V-Bar Chains: These are the most aggressive type, featuring V-shaped metal cleats welded onto the cross-chains. They provide exceptional grip on sheer ice and compacted snow but can be very hard on driveways and sidewalks. Use these with caution.
Installing Your New Tire Chains
Once you have the correctly sized chains, installation is usually straightforward. While specific instructions vary by manufacturer, the general process involves:
- Positioning the snow blower on a flat surface.
- Loosening the chains and laying them out.
- Draping one chain over the tire so the cross-chains run across the tread.
- Connecting the ends of the chain on the inside and outside of the tire.
- Tightening the chains using the provided tensioners or fasteners.
- Checking for proper fit and clearance by rotating the tire manually.
- Retightening after a short run as the chains settle.
Pro Tip: Always read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully, as they may have specific tips for your particular chain model.
When to Consider Replacing Old Chains
Tire chains are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. You should consider replacing them if:
- Links are broken or significantly bent.
- The tensioning mechanisms are rusted or damaged.
- The chains no longer provide adequate traction.
- You notice excessive wear on the tire or chain itself.
Investing in new, properly sized chains is far cheaper than dealing with a snow-covered driveway and a stuck snow blower.
Verdict on Measuring for Snow Blower Tire Chains
Successfully measuring for snow blower tire chains boils down to accurately identifying your tire’s diameter and width. By reading the sidewall or taking precise measurements, and then consulting the manufacturer’s sizing chart, you can ensure a perfect fit. This simple step will dramatically improve your snow blower’s performance, giving you the traction needed to tackle even the harshest winter conditions with confidence and ease.
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