tire chains?

How many of you guys use tire chains during the winter? I have a set of winter nokian tires that I swap on to the civic @ the first snow. So far for the last 2 winters it’s done me just fine. I spend my winters between NYC & Winchester VA & was wondering whether tire chains would help if it ever got real bad or would they just be a waste of money. What do you guys think?

tire chains don't help any more than a good set of snow tires and they're illegal to use on paved roads in most states.

Thanks drdisque! Does anybody else have any experience with tire chains they would like to share, either on dedicated snow tires or regular allseasons. Would it make sense to keep a set in the trunk, or is it a waste if you already have dedicated snows for the winter?

I carry chains in the winter, even though I run a posi equipt 4x4 with good winter tires.
The reason for this is because I go in the back country where if I get stuck it's a 2 day hike out.
The chains will get me out of just about any bad situation that I might get in.
Chains will rip up a road that snow tires will just spin up, and sometimes damage the road while they do it.

On the road however if it gets that bad pull over and wait for the snow plow

Chains also damage the tires with exended use