How to Make a Rain Chain
This following instructions are for those who would like to try and make their own rain
chain. These instructions and photos are provided courtesy of Chris Haan .
Here are the materials you will need:
Here are the tools you will need:
This following instructions are for those who would like to try and make their own rain
chain. These instructions and photos are provided courtesy of Chris Haan .
Here are the materials you will need:
- Approximately 6' of #4 copper wire per 10" of chain.
- Lead free solder
- Flux for lead free solder
Here are the tools you will need:
- propane torch
- file
- saw for use with non-ferrous metal
- a 2 3/8" (or close) diameter pipe - 6" or longer
- gripping vice
First, you make the links of the chain by developing the rings.
Each link is comprised of two rings Next, you wrap the copper
wire around the pipe, which will resemble a giant "spring-looking
object" to form the rings. It is important to keep the rings close
together to keep them from being misshaped so they will make a
perfect circle. As you wrap the wire around the pipe, you can drill a
hole near one end and place the wire into the hole.
Each link is comprised of two rings Next, you wrap the copper
wire around the pipe, which will resemble a giant "spring-looking
object" to form the rings. It is important to keep the rings close
together to keep them from being misshaped so they will make a
perfect circle. As you wrap the wire around the pipe, you can drill a
hole near one end and place the wire into the hole.
After the rings are cut, the ends should be filed into a
semi-circle so a tight joint is made so the cut ends will meet
the middle of the opposite ring. To keep the surface of the ring
from being scratched, you can clamp the rings in a bench vise
covered with a cloth. Move one side of the ring up and file the
groove in the end of the ring. Try to use care in bending the
ring as to not cause the ring to be misshaped.
One end bent so ring is clamped in vise.
Ring in vise showing ring bent out of file path.
Picture of ring ends after filing.
semi-circle so a tight joint is made so the cut ends will meet
the middle of the opposite ring. To keep the surface of the ring
from being scratched, you can clamp the rings in a bench vise
covered with a cloth. Move one side of the ring up and file the
groove in the end of the ring. Try to use care in bending the
ring as to not cause the ring to be misshaped.
One end bent so ring is clamped in vise.
Ring in vise showing ring bent out of file path.
Picture of ring ends after filing.
You then cut the spring into separate rings;. A good saw to
use for this is an Excel brand hobby saw since the blade is so
thin. This type of blade makes a smooth cut and removes very
little material which helps the rings stay true to shape
Removing rings from "spring"
Two rings that have been cut.
use for this is an Excel brand hobby saw since the blade is so
thin. This type of blade makes a smooth cut and removes very
little material which helps the rings stay true to shape
Removing rings from "spring"
Two rings that have been cut.
To consruct the rings, clip ring onto other opposite opening in
second ring, then open ends of second ring slightly and turn it
into position, which will create a solid globe-like link.
One ring slipped onto middle of the other.
second ring, then open ends of second ring slightly and turn it
into position, which will create a solid globe-like link.
One ring slipped onto middle of the other.
As you look at the rings from both directions, adjust each ring
to bisect the other when looked at from the side.
Turn the ends of the ring off the mark that was lightly scratched
as to mark middle of each ring. Then turn the ring back in
position. You can commence soldering after this is done for
both joints.
Both rings clipped together.
to bisect the other when looked at from the side.
Turn the ends of the ring off the mark that was lightly scratched
as to mark middle of each ring. Then turn the ring back in
position. You can commence soldering after this is done for
both joints.
Both rings clipped together.
Now, place ring in vise to make ready for soldering. Use
caution when handling the copper as it will all be very hot.
Make sure both sides of each joint are heated so it is hot
enough to melt solder when touched to them. Use as little
solder as possible, 1/8" in diameter will suffice for each joint,
to avoid a mess.
Link is ready for solder.
caution when handling the copper as it will all be very hot.
Make sure both sides of each joint are heated so it is hot
enough to melt solder when touched to them. Use as little
solder as possible, 1/8" in diameter will suffice for each joint,
to avoid a mess.
Link is ready for solder.
While soldered ring is cooling, you can begin preparation of
two more rings for next link. The second link will be in a
position rotated 45 degrees from first. Refer to photos to see
how to correctly link pairs of rings. You will know if you have
them correct by the way they hang. Keep adding links until you
reach desired length of chain. To find number of links you
need, you can measure length you need in inches and divide
by diameter of links.
Your rain chain is done!
two more rings for next link. The second link will be in a
position rotated 45 degrees from first. Refer to photos to see
how to correctly link pairs of rings. You will know if you have
them correct by the way they hang. Keep adding links until you
reach desired length of chain. To find number of links you
need, you can measure length you need in inches and divide
by diameter of links.
Your rain chain is done!