Making 3 Simple chains: A Silversmithing Tip

This tip shows how to make 3 different simple link chain styles. There are tons of variations possibilities with these, so have fun experimenting!. I would categorize these as beginner level. The materials for these can vary, but for these ones, I used 18 gauge sterling round wire. As always, I use hard silver sheet solder and My-T-Flux from Rio Grande.
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Making basic chains
simple link chain variations
twisted link chain
chains are easy
Making Silver Jewelry
Making Jewelry

[@merisandlin6872]

Thanks!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Wow meri! That is very generous of you. Thank you so much!!!

[@flyingcheff]

Hi! 🌺🌺🌺 How I do it: * for small link chains (smaller than 12g (2mm) wire), I use fine silver or Argentium and fuse, not solder the rings initially. Fusing (super fast) can be more challenging when cutting open, joining, and reclosing. I will solder those at that step. * I saw my rings off the coil for neat joins. * I use the teeniest specks of solder as the metal doesn't need a collar of solder for strength, as it only needs the two faces of the wire that touch to create a strong bond. * If I am not hammering my oval links, I join them all and then form them into an oval - with the solder join at the end of the LONG side (not midway on the shirt side). I hold the link to be soldered in my clean third hand tweezers at the side of the link with the rest on the chain hanging down. I aim my flame under the join pointing up. I hold my balled up solder on the tip of my pick and bring it to the join inside the "U" part of the link. When the link reaches flow temperature the solder gets pulled UP into the join. Joins are clean and tight. * The ovals that are cut for linking have hidden solder joins in the chain when it hangs. The links will be virtually flawless, no joins showing. * Round nose pliers can easily form ovals on already linked chains. Simply keep the adjoining links in the middle of the link and stretch the link to oval on the tips of the pliers. * I use MAUN parallel flat pliers and press on either side of the oval while it is still on the tips of the round tip pliers to make uniform ovals. The wire is then pressed on the round tip pliers for form. I also marked my round tip pliers with a sharpie for each chain job so that the diameter of each rounded end of the oval link is uniform. * I solder with tight fitting clean tweezers in my third hand. * I have the soldering job at eye level, not down beneath me on a table (I use a couple bricks or "soldering furniture" (whatever you have, stacked up to make the platform that you need for the job. * I use a #00 or possibly # 0 tip (same torch as yours, Chad), for chains. A large tip is not helpful for me; I need precision control. * I don't use too much solder so I rarely need to do any clean up, but if I do, I use a flat profile rubber/silicone "blue wheel" (Eve brand), and shape the edge to a rounded profile - a knife edge will work too if it's been dulled by use to a rounded edge. The blue wheel can get nicely into the inside of the link for a quick touch up. If I can't access a little blob with the blue wheel, a round needle file will clean up that spot well. A sand paper buff stick (not aggressive) will clean up any excess solder on the outside of any link. Filing can quickly remove too much metal and create a facet on the link. Again, having the solder join at the long end makes them pretty much invisible when the chain is hanging, worn. * polishing: I burnish polish in a tumbler for 3 hours. Chain making is good for meditation!

[@chadssilversmithing]

That was an impressively detailed explanation Flying Chef. Thank you for sharing your process. I like a lot of your method!

[@flyingcheff]

@@chadssilversmithing I sure hope it wasn't TMI! Lol! I like to participate in your comments, a great way to support ya!

[@sherriewilson768]

Love the stash of stones behind you

[@chadssilversmithing]

Ha! That’s just a sign it’s time to clean up my shop:). I always pull them out when I’m brainstorming for a project, but then I don’t return them to where they go…

[@karrywright9359]

Thanks for the demo Chad. I’ve made the mistake of making chain with twisted wire links but didn’t think of how I’d polish it 🤦🏻‍♀️ I don’t have a tumbler as I’m only a hobbyist, so it’s on the back burner now until I can figure out how to do that 🤣.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Perhaps someone on KZbin has a video about safely polishing handmade chains. Whatever the case, be careful!

[@danhoyt9961]

I use a buffing wheel in my drill motor to polish. I have seen chain wrapped around a dowel and then polished on a buffing wheel. Thrumming might work well too.

[@lynnwhaley2289]

Thank you I love your videos and look forward to every one.

[@chadssilversmithing]

You’re welcome Lynn! I’m so glad you are enjoying them:)

[@cissf7835]

Great examples! I recommend the book Classic Loop in Loop Chains by Jean Reist Stark for your followers who would like to continue this theme. Thanks, Chad!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Ciss! Someone else recommended that book as well:). I guess I’ll have to get a copy!

[@flyingcheff]

Fabulous book, I too recommend it. Good call!

[@wolfmom21fl52]

Can you possibly mention the sizes of the links? ie. When you make the jump rings, what size mandrel are you using? That would be extremely helpful. TIA for this info

[@chadssilversmithing]

That bail making pliers I think is about 4mm. That particular size is not necessarily the only size you could use though:)

[@juliegonzales649]

Hi Chad, I love chainmaking! I haven't made any for a while but you have inspired me to start again. Question where did you get round anvil type thingie with different size 4ods around the sides? I would love one of them.

[@chadssilversmithing]

It was in a batch of tools I bought from a former silversmith. He said he had a welder friend make it for him.

[@juliegonzales649]

@@chadssilversmithing Thank you for your reply. I will try and find someone to make one for me. I love your videos.

[@patredden4557]

I keep meaning to tell you that the graphics on your videos are really great, I believe you said that your wife helps you, she does a fantastic job.

[@chadssilversmithing]

I believe you made her day with that comment! She's pretty talented:)

[@patredden4557]

@@chadssilversmithing very talented like her husband, a great team.

[@chadssilversmithing]

@@patredden4557 Aww, shucks!

[@paulinemegson8519]

Love making chain! Its a very good skill to have and it’s often that little finishing touch that people love. Funny you mentioned using handmade chain on barrettes for hair cos I use mine for the same thing, and it often surprises people when I tell them that the whole piece is handmade, including the chain. It’s often the bit that impresses people the most, even tho, just quietly, it’s usually the simplest part of the piece lol. My favourite chain is the infinity chain, or figure 8 chain. It’s kinda decorative, uses up small bits of wire, and is pretty strong but there’s a LOT of designs down the chain making rabbit hole lol.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Pauline. Sometimes repetitive stuff can be soothing to do for me. I also like being able to say that I made everything in a piece:)

[@ceeceeceecee7753]

Thanks for sharing.😁 are use longer length inside while connecting and stretch stretch stretch the links so they don’t pop and yes it does take a long long time😆😆😆😁😁😁👏👏👏👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@chadssilversmithing]

Sure CeeCee! Thanks for the comment!

[@kizzywitch]

Hi great video chad, I’ve got to make an 8inch length round link bracelet consisting of 6mm links using 1.3mm round wire, don’t suppose you have any videos of making smaller links with thicker wire do you?

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Kizzywitch! I don’t have that exact thing, but you might find some similar ideas that might be transferable if you go to the playlist page and then choose the chains playlist. I hope that helps:)

[@kizzywitch]

@@chadssilversmithingoh sorry only just seen this reply…darn that time difference across the pond. Anyway I did manage to make the bracelet chain and the cute T Bar….so just the toggle ring charm setting and cabochon left to make now. I was inspired by your video and so I just went for it, it’s a memorial bracelet for a customer and I would normally purchase the chain and just solder the clasp on but my supplier didn’t have the right size chain in stock..….I’ve definitely underpriced it now but I’m over the moon with it and at least I’ve learned a new skill going forward ;)

[@tanzanitepur]

I love your video! Thank you for your teachings! I started making jewelry last year. I don’t have any high end tools or solder stuff. Just making links with silver and beads. My issue is having the links catch in my hair or on clothing. I have them as close as possible yet not enough. Lol. I have thought about dabbing each end with epoxy resin. Is there anything you could suggest? It’s a financial thing at the moment and working my way to the next step of things for progression.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Hello Tanzanitepur:). It’s worth a try! It may not last very long with long term wear though.

[@tanzanitepur]

@@chadssilversmithing Thank you very much for your time and feedback! May you have a very wonderful and blessed day!

[@kristibbradshaw]

Thank you. I haven’t made any chains yet, because I was not sure how to solder the links without messing up. They will make great charm bracelets.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Tomorrow’s video is going to be three more simple chain types Kristi:). Some people get Argentium silver and fuse the links closed, but I’ve never tried that myself. Might be worth looking into…

[@kristibbradshaw]

@@chadssilversmithing very true.

[@susanmcneil5159]

I am still in the learning process & just found your great videos. My question is why not use an ival mandrel to begin with? Is there a reason for cutting & then resoldering the oval jump ring? thnx

[@chadssilversmithing]

That would work as well. I try to show how to do things without a lot of extra tools so people who don’t have those items can still do the project. Probably should have mentioned that an oval mandrel would also work:). Thanks Susan! That is a good alternative that I should have mentioned! Take care!

[@susanmcneil5159]

Thank you for the reasoning behind that technique as I wasn't sure if I was misunderstanding something. I look for things around the house like wooden coffee stir stix or any 2 things of the same circumference. Has worked thus far.

[@bevseibenhener]

What are you spraying on the links before you solder them? And why?

[@chadssilversmithing]

Hello Bev! It is self pickling flux. It cleans the metal a bit and creates a coating to help keep it from re-oxidizing during heating. Solder doesn’t like to adhere to silver oxide:)

[@bevseibenhener]

@@chadssilversmithing Thanks for your prompt reply, I have never heard of self-pickling flux. Will give it a try.

[@lishal1625]

💜💜💜💜

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks again Lishal!

[@WizardKitty723]

❤

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thank you:)

[@danhoyt9961]

I'm just starting chain making and am working on loop in loop style. I just got the book, Classical Loop-In-Loop Chains by Jean Reist Stark & Josephene Reist Smith. They recommend fusing. That's a skill I'll need to learn.

[@chadssilversmithing]

I'll have to check that out Dan. I've struggled with fusing, so I would like to figure out how to control it better:)

[@gemnosity]

Love watching your videos. I think I have seen them all! May I ask what king of ventilation you use for your soldering station? I am setting up a new work area and need to work on that. Thx!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Mary! I am working in a basement workshop, and I put a large exhaust fan in one of windows which keeps much co or co2 from building up. I also have a large hepa air purifier which removes particulates very well.

[@gailwillis888]

I love these chains! I plan on using them in my hand made pendant’s, bracelets, and earrings! Thank you!

[@chadssilversmithing]

That's awesome Gail! I'm glad you like them:)

[@patredden4557]

Loved the twist on the links, have never seen that before. I have made a few chains but used the same method that you did. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@chadssilversmithing]

You're welcome Pat! Glad you liked them!

[@victorresp]

You are awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Victoria! You’re awesome for saying such nice things:)

[@woodgemdave]

Satisfaction guaranteed!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Dave!

[@rippy4freedom]

😊 we grow !

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Rippy!