Roller Chain Bracelet

I see any kind of chain and I automatically think bracelet or necklace. I always thought a roller chain bracelet would look cool. Wanting a quick project, I finally made one. The biggest hurdle is the clasp, but I found an easy solution.

Purchase List (paid links):

#40 roller chain - $10

14 gauge wire -$15

Tool List:

-chain breaker or a hammer, nail, and nut

-dish detergent

-(2) needle nose pliers

-metal file (optional)

Bracelet

I used #40 chain as I liked the size. I sized the chain to my wrist and used a chain breaker to shorten the chain. You don't want it too tight or too loose. I just wrapped the chain around my wrist and gave it some extra length. Make sure you break the chain so that an inside link and outsider plate meet. If you don't you'll need to add one length so the chain is continuous.

While a chain breaker is the easiest way, if you don't have one, you can use a hammer, nail, and nut. It just takes longer. A chain breaker has a clamp and post to push the pin out of the chain. You twist the threaded rod with a wrench to push the pin out. Without a breaker, I place the nut below the pin, place the nail on the pin, and then hit it as hard as I can with a hammer. It's not elegant, but it works. You'll have to reset the nut, chain, and nail every time as it bounces when hit.

Once that was done I degreased the chain to remove any oil with dish soap. Let it soak for several minutes, then scrubbed it with a shop towel.

If the rod in the chain breaker is bent, remove it from the breaker, put it in a vice and hammer it gently to straighten it out.

Clasp

I was thinking some kind of cotter pin or cotter pin and bolt setup. I don't want this thing permanently on my wrist, but I also want it to look professional. I also didn't want to buy anything. With those parameters I searched through my parts bin and came up with some ideas. The object that worked best was a clip that was a bit too long.

The alternative is to make the bracelet loose enough that it slides on and off and put the pint back in, but that's too loose for my liking.

I tried making a 'C' shape clip, but I was concerned it would fall out.

I ended up using 14 gauge wire shaped to a 'G' shape. I used needle nose pliers to shape it, and the shape with a leg prevents the clasp from sliding out. You could file the ends of the wire so they're less sharp. I didn't, as they don't contact skin.

I think 16 gauge wire would work, but 14 is what I already had.

Finish

I wish the clasp was the same color as the roller chain, but the bracelet is secure and won't fall off which is the important thing. I made this with recycled parts, so I didn't spend anything. That's always a plus.