How to Make a Ball Chain Necklace

Key chains aren't always enough to keep us from losing our keys or I.D. cards, and we want to keep them a little closer. And sometimes we have a pendant but don't want to spend a lot of money on a thin chain that will break quickly or tarnish. A ball chain necklace or key chain, as it would work for both, can come in handy. Ball chain is cheap, sturdy, lasts a long time and you can choose how thick and long you want the necklace to be.

Things You'll Need

• Ball chain
• Ball chain link

Instructions

1. Pick up the ball chain and the ball chain link. Hold one end of the chain and press the last ball on the end of the chain into the link. The link might be a little different to work with at first. If you have much difficulty getting the end of the chain into the link, pry the link open slightly. You should be able to do this with your hands. You can have the hardware store cut your ball chain to the length you want. The link should match the thickness of the chain.

2. Hold the end attached to the link up; slide your pendant or key onto the other end of the chain, but make sure that you do not let the pendant slide off of the end of the chain. Soda and energy drink tabs are a popular choice of pendant because they come in many colors.

3. Pick up the other end of the chain. Lift the whole necklace around your head to make sure it still fits around your neck with the pendant on it. You do not need to do this step if you chain is excessively long.

4. Take the end of the chain that is not attached to the link and press the last ball on that end of the chain into the link.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want the chain to be more decorative, but you do not want to put a pendant on it, you can use colored nail polish to paint the chain.