How to Install a Decorative Gutter Chain

You've heard about Japanese-inspired gutter rain chains but you're not sure how difficult they may be to install or whether the expense will be worth it. No matter what style you choose, these beautiful, functional gutter rain chains will be well worth the effort and they're easy to install with these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gutter rain chain
• Hammer
• Level
• Metal hanger or metal landscape pin

1. Remove existing rain gutter downspouts from the home.

2. Locate the expandable gutter attachment hanger that came with the gutter rain chain.

3. Attach the gutter attachment hanger to the top link of the rain chain.

4. Squeeze the gutter attachment hanger and push it up through the bottom of the gutter drain hole, then release the hanger. The arms of the gutter hanger attachment should expand and rest on the gutters with the rain chain hanging down from the gutter drain hole.

5. Attach the bottom end of the gutter rain chain to the ground. This can easily be done by using a metal hanger and bending it into a skinny v-shape, or using a metal v-shaped landscape pin. Slide the hanger or landscape pin into the last link of the rain chain.

6. Check the vertical placement of the rain chain using a level and mark the spot on the ground where the rain chain should be secured.

7. Tap the v-shaped metal pin into the ground with a hammer to secure the gutter rain chain to the ground and look forward to the next time it rains!

Tips & Warnings

• Other rain chain installation kits that attach to gutter drain holes can be purchased separately if needed.
• Decorative copper gutter connections for attaching rain chains as used in Japan won't fit most U.S. rain gutters.