Frequently Asked Questions

This is the most common question I get asked. Of course they work - or I wouldn't sell them! OK, so that's not really the answer that I give. Obviously you have a legitimate concern, and I can't say that I blame you.

The best way to answer this is to remind you that the rubber snow chains are not designed to be an IMPROVEMENT to the conventional steel chains. We do not claim to be able to take you places that you can't go with the chains you're using now. Some of our customers have made that claim; however, so perhaps in some conditions you will find that our chains increase performance. What we're really selling; though, is a set of chains that will improve traction without causing damage to your paved surface. In other words, you would want to buy these chains because you're concerned about damaging your blacktop, not because you want something that will take you up that steep driveway that you've never been able to conquer before.

Do they work? These chains have been in production since the late 1980's and we've had many repeat customers, many raving reviews, and many folks who come back and order replacement parts for an old set of rubber chains that are starting to wear out. I am very confident that you will not be disappointed with our product. If you would feel better talking to someone, you can certainly give us a call at (717) 983-0123. Also visit our Satisfaction Guarantee for more peace of mind.

SoftClaw rubber snow chains were developed as a product to enhance tire traction while also protecting surfaces - including drive ways, sidewalks, lawns, etc. You can learn more here.

While most conventional chains can tear up or scratch paved surfaces and lawns, SoftClaw rubber snow chains will provide traction while preserving your surfaces. You can drive around on driveways, sidewalks, lawns, etc without scratching them. You can also park your lawn tractor in your garage or shed without removing the chains or worrying that they will damage the floor.

Our rubber snow chains have been in development and use for over 20 years, and I hear very little negative feedback from any customers. One misconception that some people have is that these rubber chains are somehow BETTER at producing traction than conventional steel chains. That is not necessarily our goal. You may find that the rubber chains do better than steel chains in some conditions (why are our tires made of rubber instead of steel in the first place?), but the primary reason these chains were developed was to save your driveway from scratches. There will be times when steel chains do a better job - particularly on ice and heavy wet snow - but then you're running the risk of excess driveway damage.

SoftClaw rubber snow chains can also be used year round in mud and wet grass with much less surface damage than conventional chains. The only conditions that SoftClaw chains have been known to struggle with is deep, heavy, wet snow.

Sure! But good luck with that one. Obviously most of the damage done on your driveway happens when you're using steel tire chains and you spin your tires. You have two options: 1) Drive very carefully and make sure you don't spin, or 2) Simply use rubber snow chains and "hammer down" without worrying about the spinning. The choice is yours.

We have been mimicked, but never duplicated. There are other similar products on the market; however, you will find that the rubber bars used on those products are of inferior quality to ours. SoftClaw Tire Chains use high quality reinforced rubber bars that will give you better traction and longer life than the recycled rubber used on other brands. Furthermore, our bars are bolted on and it's easy and economical to purchase replacement bars when your original set wears out.

We offer two options for the slat spacing on our chains. The standard option places the rubber slats on every fourth chain link (shown in our pictures). This is the original spacing and was designed to be a good compromise between price and utility. Many customers asked for more aggressive traction options; however, so we now offer the aggressive slat spacing. This places the slats one chain link (approximately 1") closer together , giving you slightly more traction, but at a higher cost. Which one should you choose? It really comes down to cost and utility. Paying the extra cost for the aggressive spacing may not always be worth it - especially on larger tire sizes.