Abstract: A tire chain device includes a backing plate mountable between the wheel and brake drum of a vehicle and having a continuous circular anchor rod as part thereof. A plurality of cross chains are connected at one end to a main chain member extending around the outer face of the vehicle tire with the opposite or inner ends of the cross chains having a hook thereon adapted to be releasably anchored to the circular rod on the backing plate. The main chain includes a tensioning hook adapted to tighten the main chain to draw the cross chains tightly across the periphery of the tire.