Need Some Help, Truck Chains...

Bryce Frazier · Dec 20, 2015

Made myself a set of chains for my K1500 yesterday.

I had an extra set laying in the weeds that came on an 8N. They started out being semi truck chains, for a single 22.5 tire. THEN someone did a real "nice" job of adding onto them so they would fit on the Ford.

I just cut them back shorter again so that they would fit on my truck if I needed them.

Now, i KNOW what these things are, there are 3 of them per chain, and go on the OUTSIDE of the wheel. They look like half moons, and are for tightening the chains after you put them on. Very handy, I have used them before on log trucks.

I needed to know what the tool looks like that works with them though?! I don't have one, and either need to buy one, make one, or find something that works "good enough"...

The hole that it fits in is like a rectangle, but is rounded like an oval. Anyone know what I am talking about?! ;P

Thanks, Bryce

s,mac · Dec 20, 2015

Bryce the tool is T shaped about 5 in. with a 4in. handle. It would be best to buy one. They are hard steel or cast. Steve

Bryce Frazier · Dec 20, 2015

Have any idea what the actual name of one is? Thanks..

Den N Ms · Dec 20, 2015

Bryce,T handle I have made over sized ones to use when putting on a lot of semi chains before the fleet went out,to make things easier.

T handle

IAtractorKid · Dec 20, 2015

I think it's just a "cam tightening tool". Mine is an L shape, not a t-handle.

s,mac · Dec 20, 2015

I would go to a truck stop or a Co. sells truck parts and tell them you need a T handle for truck chains. Steve

Eldon (WA) · Dec 20, 2015

(quoted from post at 13:45:13 12/20/15) Made myself a set of chains for my K1500 yesterday.

I had an extra set laying in the weeds that came on an 8N. They started out being semi truck chains, for a single 22.5 tire. THEN someone did a real "nice" job of adding onto them so they would fit on the Ford.

I just cut them back shorter again so that they would fit on my truck if I needed them.

Now, i KNOW what these things are, there are 3 of them per chain, and go on the OUTSIDE of the wheel. They look like half moons, and are for tightening the chains after you put them on. Very handy, I have used them before on log trucks.

I needed to know what the tool looks like that works with them though?! I don't have one, and either need to buy one, make one, or find something that works "good enough"...

The hole that it fits in is like a rectangle, but is rounded like an oval. Anyone know what I am talking about?! ;P

Thanks, Bryce

Les Schwab will have them. I just use a big screw driver with a pair of vice grips.

mj · Dec 20, 2015

We just called them 'cam-lock' chains and the tool was a 'cam-lock wrench'. Should be easy to find. 8)

Bryce Frazier · Dec 20, 2015

I had that thought too, but the previous owner was doing the same thing, and has hogged a few of them out a little, don't want to continue that! Found them online for $3, but $15 shipping!!!

I will go into the local truck shop up here, I am sure they will have one...

You run them on your dually?

JD Seller · Dec 20, 2015

Bryce The other posters have the tool down pat. It is called a tire chain cam lock tool. There are several types. The tee handle ones are the nicest if your chaining a lot. If not then the simple "L" shaped ones work fine. I have made them out of small rod and just heat an flatten one end to where it fits the cam loose. I also have made them out of square key stock bent in a "L" shape. Grind the end to fit your cams.

Need Some Help, Truck Chains...

Bryce Frazier

Well-known Member

s,mac

Member

Bryce Frazier

Well-known Member

Den N Ms

Well-known Member

IAtractorKid

Member

s,mac

Member

Eldon (WA)

Well-known Member

mj

Well-known Member

Bryce Frazier

Well-known Member

JD Seller

Well-known Member

Similar threads