A few of thoughts:

1) The Government Camp road up Mt. Hood is well plowed, but can be icy in sections. I don't think plastic zip ties will dig into the ice all that well (not like studded tires do, anyway).

2) The spiral chain idea is novel, but it'll give better traction when turning in one direction than the other. Plus, it's heavy.

3) For the cost of a lift ticket at Timberline, equipment rental, and the gas to get you there, you can buy two studded tires that'll last for years and give you a lot more winter fun. Granted, you won't use them in Portland that often, but cost-wise, it's a better deal than a day of skiing (or two days, if you already own skis).