Just an FYI. A while ago I mentioned having to weld cross chain links on my tire chains (emergency deal) and someone asked for photos. A bit later now (a couple years), here are some pics (if I can figure out how to post them) of what I just did. Is it worthwhile? I think so, if the links are generally not too thin. One picture shows "too thin", though since there were only a couple links this bad on two chains, I welded them. One on, I help a piece of 16 d. nail along the link, tacked it in place, and welded it on. It melted right in and made these skinny suckers easier to weld. Cross chains are about $13 for me, and it only takes a couple of minutes to weld one up. How long will welded ones last? I have no idea, but I am going to run a new one opposite a welded chain and find out. How much faster the welded one will wear is the question.