A tire chain tightener for use on automotive, truck, or other vehicle traction chains and similar devices. The tire chain tightener has an length of elastic material with a hook attached to each end. Intermediate hooks are spaced along the elastic material between the two ends. One of the ends may be uniquely marked with instructions for correct installation of the tire chain tightener. When correctly installed, a tire chain tightener with N+1 hooks will form a symmetrical N pointed star inscribed in the circumference of the tire chains. The star is further centered about the tire. The tire chain tightener exerts a centering force on the tire chains. Since only one hook at a time is installed, the effort to install the tire chain tightener is reduced, enabling people of limited strength to install them.