Abstract: A novel tire chain tightener for interconnecting opposed end links of a perimeter chain of a tire chain mounted on a tire includes an arcuate handle member including a free end and a lug end, the lug end being pivotally connected to an end link of the perimeter chain with the free end being insertable into an opposite end link of the perimeter chain and movable therethrough to draw up the perimeter chain into a locked position. The handle member is dimensioned for gripping by all of the fingers of an individual's hand and a catch is disposed adjacent the lug end for receiving and holding the opposite end link in a locked position. Additionally, the lug end is provided with an eyelet for pivotally receiving the end link with the catch including a notch having a circular portion configured for nesting the opposite end link in the locked position.