Tire Chain Topology Problem
December 31, 2019 5:25 PM Subscribe
Okay, so I have some tire chains (that my neighbor hand-made for me). When not on the tire they are laid out like a ladder -- one chain on each side, with a large number of 'rungs' across (i.e. like this. This is great, they are super heavy duty.... but it's somewhat important I don't let them loop through themselves. Is there a topologically sound solution to preventing them from ever accidentally looping through themselves?
I suspect there's probably no way to make them completely tangle proof (i.e. while putting on/off) but being able to carefully remove them and then apply a thinger-ma-bob would be workable. Would simply fastening the ends of the chains together do it?
I mostly want to avoid a "oh god it's dark and cold and how the fuck do I untangle these" situation.
I suspect there's probably no way to make them completely tangle proof (i.e. while putting on/off) but being able to carefully remove them and then apply a thinger-ma-bob would be workable. Would simply fastening the ends of the chains together do it?
I mostly want to avoid a "oh god it's dark and cold and how the fuck do I untangle these" situation.
For each chain I might try sewing a sturdy piece of rectangular fabric, perhaps 8" x 48", with two 2" industrial velcro strips running down opposite long sides. They should form long fabric tubes when the velcro is secured. Wrap one around each chain, snug, and fasten the seams when storing. Unfasten the seam to remove a chain. It would prevent tangles and would be easy to store and remove.
posted by RichardP at 5:57 PM on December 31, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by RichardP at 5:57 PM on December 31, 2019 [1 favorite]
Leftover scrap(s) of carpet, or bath mats. Chains laid flat and rolled up inside become a tangle proof 'log' or 'biscuit'. And when you find out too late that you need the chains, you can use the carpet as temporary traction to get out of a jam.
posted by bartleby at 1:47 AM on January 1, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by bartleby at 1:47 AM on January 1, 2020 [5 favorites]
The trick I saw in Chicago was to lace a rope through each chain, over one rung and under the next. Turn around at the end and come back through, s.t. the rope passes over and under each rung, and tie the two ends of the rope together.
When you pick up the knotted end of the rope loop, the chain will bunch up at the other end. Tie a second knot to keep it bunched up. Now you have a wad of chain on the end of a double strand of rope.
To unpack the chain, untie the middle knot. You can now shake the chain out to the full length of the rope and pull the rope out.
Try this at home, because I've never had to do it myself and might have missed something important.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 3:44 PM on January 1, 2020
When you pick up the knotted end of the rope loop, the chain will bunch up at the other end. Tie a second knot to keep it bunched up. Now you have a wad of chain on the end of a double strand of rope.
To unpack the chain, untie the middle knot. You can now shake the chain out to the full length of the rope and pull the rope out.
Try this at home, because I've never had to do it myself and might have missed something important.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 3:44 PM on January 1, 2020
On second thought, it's possible the rope went through the links in the rungs of the chain.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 3:47 PM on January 1, 2020
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 3:47 PM on January 1, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by rodlymight at 5:38 PM on December 31, 2019 [7 favorites]