Building ring chains

tessiers · Feb 19, 2010

I would like to build a set of ring chains for my tractor. I saw in a recent thread a set a guy made with 3/8" round bar. I have acess to miles of rebar drops. I wonder how some #4 (1/2") rebar would be for some rings? They would be already studded. Thinking maybe a 5" dia ring for 11.2x38 tires. I already have a lot of 1/4" welded link chain, do you think it would be heavy enough for the side chains, its for an International H.

bobodu · Feb 20, 2010

There "might" be some stretching,but I made my side chains a bit long and can adjust them by just moving a 1/4 X 20 bolt to the next link. I really don't see a problem though. Think about it....a five inch ring being pulled at four equal points around it is really gonna take a lot of power.....and TRACTION!! Plus, the treads on the tire tend to hold the chain in place. I know this every year when I try to put them on!

bobodu · Feb 20, 2010

There "might" be some stretching,but I made my side chains a bit long and can adjust them by just moving a 1/4 X 20 bolt to the next link. I really don't see a problem though. Think about it....a five inch ring being pulled at four equal points around it is really gonna take a lot of power.....and TRACTION!! Plus, the treads on the tire tend to hold the chain in place. I know this every year when I try to put them on!
#4 would be a lot stronger then my 3/8 round too. If in doubt....weld a bar across them...like the first cut on a pizza.

JB4310 · Feb 20, 2010

Rebar might be good due to it's designed rough surface, but man it would be alot of bending and welding. Rebar is pretty hard I think, harder than avg bar stock?

Rebar? got me thinking, you could come up with all kinds of ideas, Like a solid link across the tire bent to the shape of the tread and rings on the ends for side chains to thread through.

JB.

Chilly807 · Feb 20, 2010

I'm not sure 1/2 inch stock would handle the strain. Most ring chains I've seen use at least 3/4 inch stock for the rings, if not heavier. I went with studded ice chains, primarily because I don't like the way ring chains grab and then slip.

They're also play **** with paved surfaces, at least the kind with teeth do.

Chilly

beenthere · Feb 20, 2010

I'd worry about rebar failing and then having a piece that may puncture the tire. A chain that fails will likely not have danger.

bobodu · Feb 20, 2010

I'm quite willing to bet the clutch would burn up before an H would spin the rebar.

tessiers · Feb 21, 2010

I don't believe that old H could break a #4 bar, so you must be questioning my welding. LOL My father does a little recreational blacksmithing so He is going to make the rings for me in his forge. He says let them cool slow and they will work fine.