How to Make a Rain Chain

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Rain chains originated in ancient Japan, where they were first known as kusari doi. Although aesthetically beautiful as well, they actually served a practical purpose as they guided rainwater into large pots - the water was later used for laundry and cooking. This style of rain chain is fairly easy to create yourself, with little more than some copper and solder.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

1/4" copper tubing (soft)
2" PVC pipe
Diagonal cutters or bandsaw, pliers
Flux and solder (lead-free)
Blow torch
Heavy gloves

Step1

Wrap your copper tubing tightly around the PVC pipe, holding on tightly to prevent kinking. You'll need to use about three feet of copper tubing for every foot of your completed rain chain.

Step2

Slide your newly-made coil off of your PVC, and cut your coil into rings. Diagonal cutters or a bandsaw will do the job. Alternatively, you can pinch the copper and break it off at the seam.

Step3

Adjust your rings to account for any bending or off-center cuts with pliers, if necessary.

Step4

Link the rings together. Afterwards, brush the cuts with soldering flux, heat, and solder the rings shut. Wear very thick gloves, as the copper conducts heat extraordinarily well.

Step5

Remove the old spout, and hang the rain chain in its place.