Page 1 of 1
making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 4:02 pm
by BobtheBuilder
Just wondering if anyone has ever made necklaces, bracelets, etc. out of old chains or other parts?
Any tips, references to websites, much appreciated!
Was thinking of making something with an old chain I replaced yesterday.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 4:37 pm
by Duck!
Not exactly jewellery, but a fella from my MTB club used to make bottle openers from old sprockets & chains. You need sprockets 32t or larger in order to fit over the bottle cap.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 8:41 pm
by P!N20
I tried to make some bracelets and necklaces out of old chains in my teens. The main problem I found was I could never get all of the grease out of the chain, so you’d always end up with black smudges on your skin. Plus there isn’t much flex in a chain, so they don’t sit around your neck very well.
The best application I’ve seen is a down tube shifter on a necklace. Simple.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2018 10:15 am
by Mububban
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2018 8:28 pm
by Ross
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 9:18 pm
by BobtheBuilder
Ross wrote:
Heaps of others if you Google
Yes, have found much the same links. I'm looking more for specific instructions, like how to properly clean the chain, so it's not rubbing grease off, how to attach clasps, etc.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 12:43 pm
by Mububban
BobtheBuilder wrote:I'm looking more for specific instructions, like how to properly clean the chain, so it's not rubbing grease off, how to attach clasps, etc.
What method/s have you tried so far for degreasing the chain?
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 1:03 pm
by BobtheBuilder
Mububban wrote:
What method/s have you tried so far for degreasing the chain?
None yet, I haven't started. Was thinking of soaking it in diesel, but thought that might stink ...
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 1:12 pm
by Mububban
BobtheBuilder wrote:Mububban wrote:
What method/s have you tried so far for degreasing the chain?
None yet, I haven't started. Was thinking of soaking it in diesel, but thought that might stink ...
If you have an old plastic container with a tight screw on lid, you can fill it with your degreaser of choice, put the chain in, and shake the heck out of it. Rinse, repeat, and that might work?
I use citrus degreaser but have never tried getting a chain as spotless as you're trying to do.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 2:10 pm
by P!N20
Remember chains have a tendency to rust when they’re not lubricated.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 2:31 pm
by BobtheBuilder
P!N20 wrote:Remember chains have a tendency to rust when they’re not lubricated.
Is there a treatment you could apply that would suit jewellery?
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2018 11:53 am
by P!N20
BobtheBuilder wrote:
Is there a treatment you could apply that would suit jewellery?
I hear gold plating is a popular jewellery finish.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2018 12:29 pm
by BobtheBuilder
P!N20 wrote:
I hear gold plating is a popular jewellery finish.
Incredibly droll.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2018 3:59 pm
by Mububban
Would heat treating work? I've seen the heat blued effect used as a colouring and protective option on other steel items but not sure if bike chains would take this?
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2018 11:05 am
by BobtheBuilder
BobtheBuilder wrote:P!N20 wrote:Remember chains have a tendency to rust when they’re not lubricated.
Is there a treatment you could apply that would suit jewellery?
I was thinking more a treatment that would stop it rusting, but preserve the essential character / appearance.
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 8:05 pm
by Mulger bill
Been making my own pendants for years.
Every time I change out a chainI keep one link from the oldie and add an excess link from the new. Bit like grandads axe.
Never noticed any rust
Re: making jewellery from old bike chains and other parts
Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 8:34 pm
by Farmer Elvis
Google electroplating, I reckon the closest place to you will be able to help
