Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 8
Spikes Spider snow chains
Although I didn't have to use them in anger on a recent ski trip to Austria, I was very impressed with the Spikes Spider snow chains that I hired to take with me. They did take a fair bit of fiddling about with before leaving on the trip, to get the mounting plates properly fitted with the correct spacers and then to ensure the chain tension was just right and then to do that all over again once I'd pumped the tyres up for a fully loaded car (two adults, two kids and enough luggage to supply a small army). But having done all that in the relative warmth of the UK and practiced mounting and dismounting the chains, I did feel confident that I would be able to do the same in the middle of a blizzard in the 1 minute that the manufacturer claims.
One component I would fault, however, is the supplied torque wrench for fitting the mounting plates. It clearly supplies way too much torque than is required, causing me to strip the threads on some of the spacers and bolts the first time I attempted to mount the plates. The Roofbox company, from which I hired the Spikes Spiders were very good, sending me replacements by overnight delivery. I then used a proper torque wrench, using the settings from the Spikes Spider's US website and fitted the plates to the wheel nuts very securely, with no problems.
Although everyone says that with winter tyres on a 4x4, the last thing you need is chains, I did feel a tinge of sadness that there wasn't enough snow on the roads to justify trying them out.
Member Since: 31 May 2008
Location: Praha (Prague)
Posts: 2430
Nice, BUT have you looked properly at these,
not sure if they're really available; when I saw these middle of last year they was still prototype and no manufacturer, and the designer just wanted to sell on the patent etc etc .
Now look at the design of how they fit, it's mainly for sports cars that have the large groove down the middle of the tyre as thats where it fits.
How many 4x4 tires have that groove ??? Experience is a difficult teacher, because she gives the test first and then the lesson afterwards!!!!
1st Mar 2011 4:34 pm
pearsor19
Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 8
No, I hadn't looked properly at them, I was wondering if anyone else had. It seems from some of the comments attached to the videos on YouTube that many are sceptical of these. I don't think they are in full production yet and certainly no indication that they are available in the UK. Personally, I don't believe the claims that you can use them on clear roads with no vibration. I would also be concerned that they might detach themselves with disastrous consequences. With the Spikes Spider, the chain element is designed to be somewhat loose around the tyre, being held in place and driven by the 4 arms attached via the mounting plate and the wheel nuts to the wheel itself.
1st Mar 2011 5:00 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73069
If Klingons made snow chains they would look just like those!!
1st Mar 2011 5:08 pm
Popelka
Member Since: 31 May 2008
Location: Praha (Prague)
Posts: 2430
I did like the idea when first spotted but checking further showed they are still applying (last year ) for patent I believe it was a student from Greece that did the design (again from memory searches of last year) and they wanted to sell the patent for a few million
as to falling apart from the video you can see the tool used to hook the ends together put a lot of pressure to close the gap.
it does look good but what happens when the tyre looses pressure, and again only fits a tyre with the large groove running the circumference
edit
possibly for the rich, running BMW, MERC'S, PORCHE ETCExperience is a difficult teacher, because she gives the test first and then the lesson afterwards!!!!
2nd Mar 2011 7:02 am
stick
Member Since: 13 Jan 2010
Location: hants
Posts: 604
Hi pearsor
I own a set of Spiders and have used them in anger on ice. Saved me and my car from going off a drop. I agree the torque wrench is not up to snuff, have looked on US website but can't find torques. Can you post them on here please?
d4 HSE
2nd Mar 2011 8:29 am
pearsor19
Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 8
Only use the small torque wrench provided with the kit, to tighten all bolts and extensions in installation of the hub with fix-clips. The wrench provides 13-14 ft/lbs of torque ot 18 newton/meters.
Always carry the wrench in the vehicle when the hubs are on the wheels. That is to remove the hub if you have a flat.
2nd Mar 2011 2:02 pm
stick
Member Since: 13 Jan 2010
Location: hants
Posts: 604
Thanks vm. I am amazed, I reckon that the wrench was putting at least 60 Nm probably more - I think I have been lucky not to shred the threads. I better alter my fitment. Only trouble is my torque wrench doesn't go that low!d4 HSE
2nd Mar 2011 6:06 pm
cherokee
Member Since: 03 Jul 2007
Location: preston
Posts: 562
I own a set of spike spider, I used them last month in a forrest in Scotland there was a good foot of
snow, on bends and when climbing 2-3 foot drifts I was towing a trailer with Argo cat on they are spot
on and so easy to put on and off.
A good friend of mine just bought a set for a Audi allroad he goes to France where he has some propertys
he bought them Monday this week I showed him how to fit them, the worst job is adjusting the chains just
a bit fiddly, but had no trouble with the torky wrench thingy pm me if you have problem. Always walk behind a Shooter and
In front of a Sh*ter
2nd Mar 2011 7:35 pm
stick
Member Since: 13 Jan 2010
Location: hants
Posts: 604
used mine for the second time Xmas Eve skiing - broke! Spikes spider charged me full price for replacement chain, about £130. No offer of sharing cost. Not impressed.d4 HSE
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