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.

Products Referenced in This Question
Titan Chain Multi-Arm Rubber Tire Chain Adjuster for Passenger Vehicles - 1 Pair
- Accessories and Parts
- Tire Chains
- Adjusters
- Titan Chain
more information >
Konig Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Self Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Tire Chains
- Tire Chains
- Steel D-Link
- Rim Protection
- Deep Snow
- On Road Only
- Automatic
- Class S Compatible
- Drape Over Tire - Make Connections
- Konig
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Titan Chain Cable Tire Chain - Ladder Pattern - Roller Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Tire Chains
- Tire Cables
- Steel Rollers Over Steel
- No Rim Protection
- Light Snow
- On Road Only
- Manual
- Class S Compatible
- Drive On and Connect
- Titan Chain
more information >
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