# Chains on Israeli tanks. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 6, 2001, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chains-on-israeli-tanks/97273 "2001-12-06T18:41:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Pushkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2001, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chains-on-israeli-tanks/97273/1 "2001-12-06T18:41:18Z")
At the rear of their turrets there is an overhang where what look like chains dangle down. Are they chains? What are they for? They’re on TV so often these days I may as well ask. ---
**Author:** ![45ACP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/4/e5b9ba/32.png) [@45ACP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/45ACP)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2001, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chains-on-israeli-tanks/97273/2 "2001-12-06T19:13:17Z")
From this website [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/merkava/](http://www.army-technology.com/projects/merkava/) “A skirt of chains with ball weights is installed on the lower half of the turret bustle. Incoming HEAT projectiles detonate on impact with the chains instead of penetrating the turret ring.” 45ACP ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2001, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chains-on-israeli-tanks/97273/3 "2001-12-06T19:15:59Z")
For driving the tank in snow. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d26b3c/32.png) [@UncleBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBill)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2001, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chains-on-israeli-tanks/97273/4 "2001-12-06T21:47:04Z")
They match the earrings. Going into combat without the right ensemble is _SO_ gauche. (sorry)