Frequently Asked Questions

General

Hardware & Industrial

Tire Chains

Q: Which national organizations or associations is your company part of?

A: We are members of the National Association of Chain Manufacturers, the Association of Wire Rope Fabricators, the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Associations, the American Hardware Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers. View our associations page for links to these organizations.

Q: Is your company ISO certified?

A: Yes, Laclede Chain Manufacturing, LLC is ISO 9001 Certified.

Q: Where can I find your return policy and warranty information?

A: Click here for our return policy and warranty information.

Q: Where can I find your shipping policy?

A: Click here for our shipping policy.

Q: Where are your headquarters located?

A: The main headquarters is located in Fenton, Missouri just outside of St. Louis. Our Tire Chain Division is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington. Click here for H&I contact information. Click here for Tire Chain contact information.

Q: Which grades of chain can be used for overhead lifting?

A: Only grade 100 or grade 80 can be used for overhead lifting.

Q: Can I get a certification on the chain that I have already purchased?

A: Yes, call your customer service rep. Click here to find the CSR for your area.

Q: What is an acceptable elongation (stretch) for grade 80 or grade 100 chain?

A: No stretch would be acceptable as any amount of stretch would indicate an overload of the chain assembly. This includes the fittings as well as the chain. This would be considered sufficient to remove the chain from service.

Q: What does the trace code mean on your alloy chain?

A: The trace code provides information about the manufacturing history of the chain as well as the origin of the steel.

Q: Which grades of chain can be used for load securement?

A: Grade 70 chain is specifically designed for load securement in the transportation industry.

Q: Can I use grade 43 hooks with grade 70 chain?

A: Yes, however, the assembly will be rated to the WLL of the weakest component, which in this instance would be the hook. We recommend an assembly have equal grade rated components.

Q: Where can I find D.O.T. regulations for load securement?

A: Department of Transportation regulations can be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Q: How can I obtain a wear guage?

A: Call the CSR for your region. Note: Laclede Chain gauges only for use with Laclede Alloy Chain.

Q: What is a working load limit (WLL)?

A: Working Load Limit (rated capacity) is the maximum load that can be applied in direction tension to an undamaged straight length of chain.

Q: What is a minimum breaking force (MBF)?

A: Mimumum Breaking Force: the minimum force at which the chain, in the condition which it leaves the manufacturer’s plant, has been found by representative testing to break when a constantly increasing force is applied in direct tension. Breaking force values are not guarantees that all chain segments will endure these loads. This test is a manufacturer’s attribute acceptance test & shall not be used as a criterion for service or design purposes.

Q: How do I find out of a chain meets RRC-271D?

A: Refer to the applicable tables as published in RRC-271D specification & compare to catalog tables to verify compliance.

Q: What is the best finish for outdoor applications?

A: Hot Galvanized.

Q: What is powder coating? What colors do you offer?

A: Powder coating is an advanced method of applying decorative & protective finish to a wide range of materials & products that are used by both industries & consumers. The powder used for the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment & resin, which is sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until heated & fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality, & attractive finish. A CSR would be happy to email you a powder coat chart to pick your color.

Q: Do you sell roller chain?

A: Yes, we can provide roller (conveyor) type chain. Contact your CSR.

Q: Do you sell log chain?

A: Yes, log chain is carried by Laclede Chain but the size/grade required must be specified as any other type of chain.

Q: What are the chain regulations for my state?

A: Tire chain regulations vary from one state to another and we recommend directly consulting with your state’s Department of Transportation for the latest guidelines. Here are links for some states with the most stringent tire chain regulations:

California: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

Colorado: http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/winter-driving

Oregon: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/pages/winterdriving.aspx

Washington: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/

Q: The salesperson sold me a pair of chains that do not have my vehicle’s tire size listed on the packaging. How do I know they are the correct chains?

A: To verify specific listings check the application information on this site.  Our size listings are continuously updated and your package may not include the entire list of current tire size applications.  Due to variances in tire manufacturing and tread patterns it is imperative to test fit your tire chains prior to actual use.

Q: Can I use chains on my vehicle?

A: Always consult and follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual for guidelines regarding tire chain usage.

Q: Within a pair of chains is there a left side and right side chain?

A: There are no designated left and right side chains.  Depending on your model of chains you may need to orientate your chains in an opposite manner from one side of the vehicle to the other to comply with the recommended installation.

Q: I lost the original packaging for my Laclede tire chains, how do I determine which stock number I have?

A: For Alpine series chains (1500, 2300 and 2500 series) there is an identification stamp on the gold colored C-link that is connected to the draw chain.  The stamp on the 1500 series contains two digits which correspond to the last two digits of the four digit stock number.  The 2300 and 2500 series chains have a three digit identifier corresponding to the last three digits of the stock number.

Examples:  25 = 1525, 324 = 2324, 526 = 2526.

For identifying other types of Laclede tire chains please reference the specification tables on pages 34 – 42 of our 2010 tire chain catalog (downloadable catalog available here).

Q: My tire size has a “Z” listed in the designation but the product label (or sizing chart) does not have the letter “Z” within the alphanumeric designation.  Is there a difference when selecting the suitable tire chain?

A: The “Z” designation is simply a speed rating for the tire and is not a factor for tire chain fitment.  In other words, for sizing purposes the letter “Z” in the tire size designation can be disregarded.

Q: What is a cam type tire chain?

A: Cam style refers to chains that have a tightening mechanism built in to multiple points of the side chain.  Once the cam chain is installed on a tire the cams are tightened with a special tool and slack in the chain is removed.  Cams provide a quick and easy way to tighten chains and eliminate the need for an extra rubber or spring adjuster.

Q: Is there a recommended speed for driving with chains on?

A: Driving speeds should be a maximum of 30 mph.  At faster speeds the product life of any tire chain product is significantly reduced.  While travelling with tire chains installed it is important to periodically check your chains for tightness and re-tighten if necessary.  Prolonged driving on bare pavement will substantially reduce product life.

Q: Where can I buy Laclede tire chains?

A: Please call us at 800-547-4702 and our customer service staff will gladly assist you with referrals for the type of tire chain product you are seeking.  Laclede does not sell direct.

Q: Do you sell skidder chains?

A: Not at this time.