Our chain sleeves should last a good few years but chain sleeves do degrade, especially if left outside where they are exposed to water and UV light.

A replacement sleeve helps protect surfaces from contact with the chain. Choose it for the chain's size, length and end arrangement rather than measuring the old fabric alone.

Which size should I order?

For a Protector chain, identify the chain diameter and overall chain length, then choose the corresponding sleeve option. If the chain is from another manufacturer or is an older version, send us its model and measurements so we can check the sleeve fit.

We would prefer to only sell chain sleeves to customers replacing the sleeve on their Pragmasis chain but obviously we cannot control this. Different manufacturers can use different link shapes and outside dimensions even when the nominal chain gauge is the same. 

A common mistake some customers make is that they order a chain sleeve for a 13mm chain but they're not ordering for a Pragmasis Protector chain and instead think they are ordering a chain sleeve that is 16mm wide. Please double check your chain's gauge (the link thickness) and order the appropriate chain sleeve.

Why is the sleeve shorter than the chain?

Sleeves normally leave the end-links accessible for locking. They also need sufficient slack to let the chain bend. The fabric length is therefore not necessarily the same as the overall chain length.

When you are ordering a 1.5m chain sleeve, this is to fit a 1.5m chain but the sleeve is shorter than 1.5m. This is calculated to expose the two end links, making them easy to access but at the same time, ensuring the sleeve has enough length to alow the chain to be wrapped around objects, such as roadside furniture.

Do not assume a sleeve is incorrect simply because it measures shorter than the chain. If it exposes more links than expected or restricts movement, send us photographs and the chain and sleeve dimensions.

What if my chain is a nonstandard length?

Contact us before ordering. Tell us the chain diameter, make, overall length and which links need to remain exposed. We can check whether a suitable sleeve or made-to-length option is available and explain how to order it.

How do I replace the sleeve?

Hang the sleeve and remove the cable ties that are used to hold the sleeve in place, then slide the old sleeve off. Feed the new chain sleeve onto the chain from the bottom up, as if you were putting on a pair of socks. We advise you secure the sleeve to the second link in, but you can choose any link you wish. Then feed the supplied cable tie through the holes in the sleeve, secure the tie and cut off the excess. Swap the chain around and do the same for the other end. Position the sleeve so the locking links remain accessible and the chain bends freely, then secure it using the supplied retaining method.

Check the sleeve and retainers occasionally for wear. The sleeve is a protective cover; replacing it does not repair a damaged chain.