Snow chains for 2010 Golf TDI

[85_305]

So I've been really thinking about this.. does anybody have more info on these? Do they work good? Do they last long? Do you have to jack up the car to put them on?

[NB_TDi]

I've run mine for 3 winters. Obviously not daily, but through a dozen storms or so. The cables I use can be installed in 5 minutes, both sides. They can be install on the side of the road, no tools or jacking required.

[coalminer16]

By these are you talking about the tire cables or the spikes spiders? I don't know how long they last but you can buy individual parts that you wear out. They install in about a minute depending on how fast you are and only your feet touch the snow. Tire cables you can install in about the 5 minute mark but you have to reach around to the inner side of the tire to hook up that part so you could get dirty there and your wheel well could be packed with snow and ice already. And when you unhook them you do have to drive off either set (cables or spike spider). No tools or jacks for either set.

[NB_TDi]

As I stated I use cables.

Getting snow on me, or dying. Hmmm. I can handle a little bit of snow on my jacket.

[85_305]

I'm really intereste in these 'spiders'...

[20IndigoBlue02]

Originally Posted by 85_305

I'm really intereste in these 'spiders'...

www.spikes-spider.com

you do need tools to install the hub though. They are supplied, but.... a regular socket & torque wrench is easier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB07FLxi_s8

[coalminer16]

Originally Posted by 20IndigoBlue02

www.spikes-spider.com

you do need tools to install the hub though. They are supplied, but.... a regular socket & torque wrench is easier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB07FLxi_s8

I second that. I carry a 3/8 drive ratchet and a 13mm if I ever get a flat. I just keep the hubs on the car at or near winter time or if I will be going where there is possibly mud (Wy doesn't rain much). Just use a torque wrench to tighten down. 18 ft-lbs I think it is with the supplied tool. You would think for the price they would give to a better "torque" wrench then that thing that comes with it. It is a thick wire shaft thing with a loop in it. That goes in to a cheap socket and when the ends of the loops touch it is tight then. I think it is light 1/4 inch round shaft (wire). To set up the hubs you take the caps off your lug bolts. then you put a 3 prong piece on that with a cap and then a bolt piece. That has a hole threaded into it to bolt the hub down. You have to chose the correct size length bolt. I went one size longer then their "ideal" as someone else advised since it makes putting on the chains/cables/what ever they are called on easier. Then the hub goes on next with bolts that thread into the lengthener bolts. Same torque as the other ones. Then there is a plastic cover that goes on this hub to make things look nicer when not being used. You take that hub off, and on my model of spike-spider you put the great part of the chain down and put the rest of the chain over the tire and hook onto the hub and then you drive off. To unhook you unhook the hub and pull the chain off the tire, drive off them and put them away. The models with just the arms don't offer as much traction but I would think you can take off without driving off them. Both the arm ones and the chain ones are adjustable for a few different sizes of tires and the mounting hardware is universal. It makes changing tires a little longer with the installed hub but putting on the chains are a breeze. Also since the hardware clamps on to the lug bolts the sometime aren't straight enough to install the hub. You may need to wiggle them around some. I drill a few holes out a little so it make it easier. One other thing is that the hub only prevents the cables from falling off. The arms/chains grip the tire to prevent slipping on the tire. The hub will allow the chains/arms to twist if it doesn't grip the tire. Good investment for the main car. The rest have the "get down on the ground to hook up" cables from walmart but I have only tested those out. I had to use the spike spider.

[20IndigoBlue02]

the votex cross bars for my old MK4 Golf has a similar style of "torque wrench".

Then again... not everyone has a torque wrench.

my 3/8" and 1/2" Craftsmen "Click" style torque when I got for $50 each over ten years ago sees plenty of usage...

[85_305]

Originally Posted by 20IndigoBlue02

www.spikes-spider.com

you do need tools to install the hub though. They are supplied, but.... a regular socket & torque wrench is easier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB07FLxi_s8

Ya i've been cruising their website, but that video was pretty awesome. Thanks man! I'm debating if I want just the spiders with studs, or the spiders with the chains too (hard decision). Can you actually drive faster than 30mph like the website says you cant?

Originally Posted by coalminer16

I second that. I carry a 3/8 drive ratchet and a 13mm if I ever get a flat. I just keep the hubs on the car at or near winter time or if I will be going where there is possibly mud (Wy doesn't rain much). Just use a torque wrench to tighten down. 18 ft-lbs I think it is with the supplied tool. You would think for the price they would give to a better "torque" wrench then that thing that comes with it. It is a thick wire shaft thing with a loop in it. That goes in to a cheap socket and when the ends of the loops touch it is tight then. I think it is light 1/4 inch round shaft (wire). To set up the hubs you take the caps off your lug bolts. then you put a 3 prong piece on that with a cap and then a bolt piece. That has a hole threaded into it to bolt the hub down. You have to chose the correct size length bolt. I went one size longer then their "ideal" as someone else advised since it makes putting on the chains/cables/what ever they are called on easier. Then the hub goes on next with bolts that thread into the lengthener bolts. Same torque as the other ones. Then there is a plastic cover that goes on this hub to make things look nicer when not being used. You take that hub off, and on my model of spike-spider you put the great part of the chain down and put the rest of the chain over the tire and hook onto the hub and then you drive off. To unhook you unhook the hub and pull the chain off the tire, drive off them and put them away. The models with just the arms don't offer as much traction but I would think you can take off without driving off them. Both the arm ones and the chain ones are adjustable for a few different sizes of tires and the mounting hardware is universal. It makes changing tires a little longer with the installed hub but putting on the chains are a breeze. Also since the hardware clamps on to the lug bolts the sometime aren't straight enough to install the hub. You may need to wiggle them around some. I drill a few holes out a little so it make it easier. One other thing is that the hub only prevents the cables from falling off. The arms/chains grip the tire to prevent slipping on the tire. The hub will allow the chains/arms to twist if it doesn't grip the tire. Good investment for the main car. The rest have the "get down on the ground to hook up" cables from walmart but I have only tested those out. I had to use the spike spider.

Thanks for the info man. I appreciate that.

[20IndigoBlue02]

shouldn't drive faster than the recommended speed. I've done that with regular Thule chains (CB-12) and it slipped off the wheel, cut the wheel speed sensor wire & damaged a brake line, all this trying to get up my steep driveway.

Spike Spider Sport (chain/stud) has no trouble with my steep driveway

[85_305]

Sweeet. This is good news hehe

[20IndigoBlue02]

Another option to consider is the Thule K-Summit. Also quite pricey. Does not require mounting of a hub. No real experience....

[85_305]

Whats the thule k-summit? Chains or a snow-shoe type deal?

[20IndigoBlue02]

http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/Produc...0K-Summit.aspx

[85_305]

Hoooleeeeshiiiiii* thats nasty!