In the early 1900s, driving in snow or mud was a real gamble. If you lost traction, you improvised—drivers would tie ropes or vines around their wheels just to keep moving. That all changed in 1904 when Harry D. Weed of Canastota, New York, invented and patented the first tire chains. Inspired by the makeshift methods he’d seen, Weed designed metal chains that could be fitted around tires, offering a durable, reusable solution.
In his patent, Weed said that his invention aimed to "provide a flexible and collapsible grip or tread composed entirely of chains linked together and applied to the sides and periphery of the tire and held in place solely by the inflation of the tire, and which is reversible." His invention wasn’t flashy, but it worked—and it wasn’t long before truckers, along with early automobile owners, realized they couldn’t do without them.
By the 1920s and ’30s, tire chains were a staple for truckers tackling winter roads. Back then, road maintenance was sparse, especially in rural and mountainous areas. Snow and ice turned deliveries into battles with the elements, and chains became the trucker’s best weapon. Whether it was hauling freight through a snowstorm or navigating muddy backroads, chains made it possible to get the job done.
The importance of tire chains hit a global stage during World War II. Trucks on the front lines needed to navigate not only snow but also mud, sand, and other challenging terrains. Tire chains proved indispensable, and the wartime demand drove advancements in their design and manufacturing. Chains became stronger, easier to fit, and better suited for the rough conditions of military use.
After the war, those innovations trickled back into the commercial world. By the 1950s, chains were more durable and reliable than ever. New designs featured stronger steel alloys, self-tightening mechanisms, and cross-link patterns that improved traction and durability. Chains became a common sight on mountain passes, where laws required truckers to carry and use them during snowstorms. If you didn’t have chains on roads like the Eisenhower Tunnel approach in Colorado, you weren’t just risking your safety—you were breaking the law.
In the mid-20th century, automatic tire chains entered the scene. Invented by Swedish engineer Göran Fredrik Göransson in the 1940s, and later refined into systems like “Onspot,” these chains could be deployed from inside the cab with the flip of a switch. Rotating arms pressed chains against the tires, offering instant traction without the need to stop and chain up. While not a full replacement for traditional chains, these systems became a lifesaver for emergency vehicles and truckers facing sudden snow conditions.
One lesser-known piece of trivia? In some regions, chains weren’t just a winter tool. During the early days of trucking, they were also used to tackle muddy roads, especially in springtime thaws when unpaved roads turned into quagmires. Chains didn’t just keep truckers moving in the snow—they were year-round problem-solvers for poor road conditions.
Today, tire chains remain a critical tool for heavy-duty winter trucking. Despite advances in tire technology, nothing matches the reliability of chains on steep grades or in deep snow. Whether it’s a set of classic steel links or a modern automatic system, tire chains represent over a century of ingenuity and adaptation.
From Harry D. Weed’s 1904 patent to the advanced systems truckers rely on today, tire chains tell a story of resilience, innovation, and the determination to keep freight moving, no matter the conditions. For truckers facing snow and ice, they’re more than a tool—they’re a lifeline.
