Shortening element for tyre chains

The element has a C-shaped body (1) with one hook-shaped end (2) having a support surface for a chain link (5). The support surface is of a length (L), which is at least twice the thickness (D) of the side of a link. The hook end has an aperture (6) for an elastic locking element (7). The length of the element is slightly more than the width (W) of the chain link interior.