when i do need them; which style is better? Ladder or Diamond pattern? I'm assuming the diamond pattern for better lateral traction
The biggest advantage to the ladder style is that they are easy to repair, or mod.. If you have the cross links and a set of chain pliers, you can replace a broken cross link, more them around, or add more to fill in gaps in the patten. I build my chains myself from transport truck tire chains. They are bulletproof. If you want you can even add cross links between two cross links so it around the curve of the tire not across it.
And the guys are right, they are not for snow. They are for ice. Ice on the road, ice on the lake/river, ice under snow that is not deep enough etc. That is why the right name for them is "ICE CHAINS".. P.S would you guys be interested in a write up on how I build my own chains?
Well I don't BUILD them from scratch( I could I know how) I start with chains made for a big rig called "singles" that fit on steering tires.
