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Copper Rain Chain

by Tool Using Animal on May 26, 2007

Table of Contents

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Intro: Copper Rain Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: You will need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 2: Coiling the copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 3: Separating the rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 4: Making the chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 5: But don't solder yet!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 6: Hanging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)

Intro: Copper Rain Chain

This is a copper rain chain I made for my wife, she convinced me to enter it into the Etsy Sewuseful contest. And here's the link to it on Etsy copper rain chain

I guess I should mention what a rain chain is, it's an alternate to a downspout, it guides the water and breaks up the flow, they originated in Asia.

step 1: You will need

1/4" soft copper tubing 3.5 times as long as you'd like the finished chain
2" pvc pipe
diagonal cutters
lead free solder
blow torch
heavy leather gloves
flux
pliers

http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Rain-Chain/
 Image Notes
1. Foreshadowing

step 2: Coiling the copper

In this first step you'll only need the copper tubing and the pvc. Grip the end of the copper tubing and the pvc tightly in one hand, now start wrapping the copper around
the pvc while pulling on the copper to prevent kinking. You should end up witha nice coil that looks like it belongs on a still ;-)

Image Notes Image Notes

1. really much easier than you might think 1. Foreshadowing

step 3: Separating the rings

Take the pair of diagonal cutters and snip the coil into rings. That was easy.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Rain-Chain/
 Image Notes Image Notes
1. Foreshadowing 1. Not ready for solder

step 4: Making the chain

First we need to adjust the rings. Carefully adjust them unto the two end line up, if your snipping was consistent you're ready to solder, if not, then pliers can be used for
less delicate adjusting.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Not ready for solder 1. closer

http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Rain-Chain/
 Image Notes
1. Now we're ready

step 5: But don't solder yet!!

You need to link the rings before soldering. Now that they're linked brush each joint with a little soldering flux, heat it in the torch and flow in some lead free solder.

PS this is where you need the gloves, copper in an excellent conductor of heat.

Image Notes
1. Just solder one side

step 6: Hanging
Hanging is simplicity itself, remove old down spout, feed the topmost copper ring up through the hole and insert a spare piece of straight copper to span the downspout
through the topmost ring. Now wait for rain, with our drought I simulated it with the hose. ;-)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Rain-Chain/
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 76 comments

rcblev says: Apr 19, 2010. 2:24 PM REPLY

good rain chain source here. they also have a great tutorial as well on how to make a rain chain.

ysabet says: Apr 30, 2009. 9:51 AM REPLY

One thing you can do with a rain-chain is stake it into the ground at a slight slant away from where the water would normally plummet down to; most of the
water will follow the chain, so you can stake it a little sideways to a garden plot and use it for watering a space that your eves keep from catching enough
rain. Works pretty well, actually.

Nice instructable! And these suckers cost a freaking *fortune* if you buy 'em, so I think I'll make one. Thanks!

Khol Seo says: Apr 16, 2010. 11:55 AM REPLY

Great instructable!

I had purchase copper cup and link rain chains and I prefer to cup rain chains instead link/loop chain.

Fretka says: Feb 23, 2010. 2:55 AM REPLY

love your profile pic... ;)

gunnerjake81 says: Feb 3, 2010. 12:49 AM REPLY

awesome. I've seen this done with steel chain,(looks good) but this adds just that little bit extra. nice work!

roslekh says: Sep 10, 2009. 2:09 AM REPLY

I purchase a Copper Tulip Rain Chain from Rain Chains World and I love it!

Mincot says: Sep 7, 2009. 1:00 PM REPLY

This looks absolutely fantastic! I've seen these with stars, bells, and saucers as well. Soldering it with higher-temp compatible copper solder should be no
trouble if you have a propane torch. Has anyone tried the "Just for Copper" cold solder that you can get at Ace Hardware and other places? It doesn't work
for small applications (think soldered jewellery chain) but it might for this. I'm going to try one for the back yard, out of sight. My only question: how do you
keep it from developing legs and walking away on its own if you put it in the front of your house? In my neighborhood that much copper would be a target for
midnight acquisitions, for sure.

matametal says: Jul 1, 2007. 12:18 AM REPLY

I have seen these in magazines. Your rain chain inspired me to make one from "dollar store" stainless strainers and chain. Will post later with pictures.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Rain-Chain/
 mcooper says: Apr 28, 2009. 12:39 AM REPLY
I would love to see pics.

tkemery says: Feb 12, 2008. 11:11 AM REPLY

Do you have pictures or instructions of how you did this?

drbill says: Apr 12, 2009. 1:02 PM REPLY

We use these in the pacific.

craftyone says: Nov 25, 2008. 11:53 AM REPLY

I love the chain!! I don't have any gutters or downspouts. Any ideas on how to install one without gutter or downspout? Thanks

scafool says: Nov 22, 2008. 7:29 PM REPLY

So, how does it sound?

nimitz says: Oct 12, 2008. 12:00 PM REPLY

I was pondering making these for the house and just came across a slightly different idea. Use copper nails:<br/><br/><a rel="nofollow"
href="http://www.bestmaterials.com/detail.aspx?ID=9874">http://www.bestmaterials.com/detail.aspx?ID=9874</a><br/><br/>You could clip the ends of the
nails before bending them. I figure each 6" nails make about 2" rings or so which would mean you'd need about 30 or so nails for a 60" chain.
<br/><br/>From the above link that works out to something like $30 or so each chain . I haven't worked out how that compares to tubing but it might be
cheaper depending on the length needed.<br/>

Rob K says: Mar 26, 2008. 6:57 PM REPLY

Here is my version it is not on a gutter tough. 1/2 inch 16 gauge rings. Copper and stainless steel. They are hardened copper and stainless, a pain to bend
with pliers. The green patina was just water, salt and vinager sprayed on it.

microfarm says: Sep 18, 2008. 12:11 PM REPLY

Just beautiful!

markvid says: Sep 9, 2008. 5:55 AM REPLY

Hi. You suggested to use lead-free solder. Does that mean tin (Sn) solder? If you connect copper and, for example, tin and put them in water with ions (rain
water is acid), this will create an electro-chemical cell, causing one of the two metals to corrode. In the case of Cu-Sn, tin will corrode.
Check the Standard Reduction Potentials . In water, copper will reduce all metals below it in the table. This means that your solder would eventually corrode
and become kind of useless... I can't tell how long this will take though.
By the way, this is why you shouldn't link copper water pipes with iron or lead ones: iron or lead will corrode in the years, even with drinkable water.
I suggest you could make the chain without even soldering it, since it doesn't have to support weight; otherwise you might want to melt copper (>1000°C)
and solder with copper itself.

Marco

Tool Using Animal says: Sep 9, 2008. 7:01 AM REPLY

I used the "silver solder" sold for plumbing, a tin silver bismuth copper alloy. If it's designed to keep copper plumbing together~shrug~ I imagine it's
adequate for this application.

markvid says: Sep 9, 2008. 9:50 AM REPLY

Oh well in this case i think it is. Thanks. Marco

http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Rain-Chain/
 timmy1234s says: Aug 31, 2008. 9:59 AM REPLY
sorry but just looked at the introduction and it says that this is made out of copper. Wont the copper rust really fast do to the acceleration of oxidation on the
copper caused by the rain?

Tool Using Animal says: Aug 31, 2008. 10:15 AM REPLY

No, copper patinas, as opposed to rusting, so in essence the corrosion that forms, forms a seal preventing further corrosion. All that's happened over the
last year is the copper has darkened slightly. Eventually, hopefully, it will turn that lovely green color of the statue of liberty.

CinTin says: Aug 31, 2008. 9:25 AM REPLY

Couldn't you just leave the copper wire as a spiral instead of cutting to make links? That way you wouldn't have to worry about cutting it. After you wrap the
wire around the tube, stretch to the desired length so you could see the spiral. I think I'm going to try it. Thanks for the great idea!

Tool Using Animal says: Aug 31, 2008. 9:59 AM REPLY

Yes, however we get rather severe weather around here and I assumed it would get bent in no time.

smj56 says: Jul 16, 2008. 9:53 AM REPLY

Thanks for this idea. I have been looking for an idea for a small copper fountain for my back yard. thanks

pauprint says: Jul 10, 2008. 5:08 PM REPLY

I just wanted to say I thought you did a fantastic job on your tutorial and really appreciate it. I've been wanting to do one of these since the first time I saw
them. Thanks so much for your time and work.

w8n4abreak says: Jun 5, 2008. 4:29 AM REPLY

I use a cheap bandsaw ($35 used) with a blade made for soft metal ($6) to cut copper. It's very handy for cutting large guage wire, tubing and sheet goods.
Oh yeah, and as far as toxicity of copper goes, it's been used for decades for roof flashing, roof material, siding and even the Statue of Liberty. I wouldn't
worry about toxins from a rain chain.

dilysalu says: May 25, 2008. 10:28 AM REPLY

I have friends who have a menace with the downspout: during the spring and summer the downspout does"OK" but during the fall and winter to spring thaw
and freeze the downspout becomes a frozen waterfall including the deck and steps in the area (up to 6" thick of ice). Can the rain chain correct this
situation? Everyone is talking about the coper stealing and the water what about the frozen side of this? Does anyone have any experiences in winter like
and frozen-thaw situations for the rain chain?

svogel says: May 14, 2008. 9:13 AM REPLY

I just made a chain last night. For my prototype, I bought a 10-foot coil of 1/4" soft copper at Home Depot for just under $7.00. When I wrapped the tubing
around the PVC, the tubing didn't even seem like it wanted to kink. Also, I did not have enough strength or a sharp enough cutter to cut through the tubing,
so I pinched the tubing with the cutter, and just bent it back-and-forth at the seam until it broke. This worked just fine. I ended up with a 3-foot long chain from
10-feet of tubing. My math says I'll get a 9-foot chain for $21.00; much cheaper than buying one. I'm going back to Home Depot for more tubing! Excellent
Instructable!!

kaytracy says: Jul 7, 2007. 5:59 PM REPLY

you can always use a gentle hammer strike to make ovals, reducing the diameter of the circle, and lengthening the chain, to use less copper. One could also
use the hammer and pliers for twist or curl on the ends to make a bit more decorative, heat makes copper soft, bending and striking makes it hard. k

stripmind says: Apr 22, 2008. 9:32 AM REPLY

or you can make a more regular oval, or a rounded rectangle, by wrapping the coils around something other than a pipe. perhaps using half-round or
molding attached to a 1x2 could produce interesting (and slightly more economical) shapes. n [] u

csblev says: Feb 20, 2008. 4:02 PM REPLY

I have made rain chains this way, except I can recommend an improvement on this listed method: instead of using cutters, you can use a circular saw with a
fine finishing wood blade (yes, that's right, a wood blade for copper--it makes a much smoother cut and does not crimp the tubing), it will wear out relatively
quickly, but you can make a few chains before it does. You will also want to clamp and tape the uncut coiled copper roll to a saw horse or some other
stabilizing structure so they won't fly everywhere. And wear protective eye wear! Since making the loop design listed here, I have since bought a few fancier
designs (beyond the scope of my abilities) from this rain chain source But try the circular saw--it makes all the difference!

Vater Araignee says: Apr 20, 2008. 8:15 AM REPLY

I'd rather use a reciprocating saw with a fine metal cutting blade in it, but to each is own.

treehugger1028 says: Apr 7, 2008. 4:31 PM REPLY

well the only problem i see is that its copper =(.
it will disappear in a week

http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Rain-Chain/
 mce128 says: Mar 17, 2008. 4:04 PM REPLY
That is really cool, but would be dangerous during a hurricane... it would be easy for that to take out a window or few and once the wind gets in, it's all over
for that house :( Great for anyone not in a coastal region though!

dranno73 says: Mar 18, 2008. 8:58 AM REPLY

Houses dont stand up to hurricane force winds. I wouldnt worry about this breaking the windows, worry about signs and trees.

mce128 says: Mar 18, 2008. 9:10 AM REPLY

Really? That's interesting since my house is still standing, and many people I know who were directly hit by Charlie while it was still a cat3 (about
mid-state) houses are still standing.

dranno73 says: Mar 19, 2008. 8:49 AM REPLY

I didnt mean it that way. Just that to worry wether something will break your window in a hurricane would be the least of my worries.

mce128 says: Mar 19, 2008. 9:11 AM REPLY

Actually, the windows are the most vulnerable point of the house, if they break and the wind gets in it is very likely to blow the roof apart.

Amylfw says: Apr 4, 2008. 5:04 AM REPLY

Actually, your concern is verythoughtful. But, we in coastal regins know to board up windows and take down, or tie down objects that
could become windblown debris. Our windows survived Katrina, but winds or a twister took off part of our roof. Broken windows result in
windblown water damage to interior of house, not blown off roof. We're all repaired now so we are carrying on.

Tool Using Animal says: Mar 17, 2008. 5:51 PM REPLY

It's a matter of moments to remove it. And the down spouts we had blew away themselves in the 2004 hurricane season.

dranno73 says: Mar 17, 2008. 8:40 AM REPLY

Rain Chains typically will run you between $87 and $200 for 9ft of chain. Visit www.directionshg.com for some of the best pricing on the web. Bought one
from there and the wife loves it. Not bad pricing and great styles that you can't make yourself.

kannd86 says: Feb 12, 2008. 11:38 AM REPLY

How much does the copper tubing cost?

n0ukf says: Mar 9, 2008. 3:42 PM REPLY

Check your local hardware stores. It depends on what size and how much you get (and maybe to a small extent, where).

BARBARIANROCKER says: Mar 9, 2008. 10:55 AM REPLY

Man that's cool. Nice work.

mamabear2 says: Mar 3, 2008. 8:02 AM REPLY

Guess I'm dense - where do you hand it and how does it diver water from the downspout, etc.

Tool Using Animal says: Mar 3, 2008. 11:12 AM REPLY

It is the downspout, I ripped the downspout off and used a length of rod laying in the gutter over the downspout hole to hang it.

Valche says: Feb 26, 2008. 9:06 AM REPLY

Wow, that's pretty cool. I would imagine that wind might be an issue, particularly in a storm, so maybe a way to connect it to the ground might be an idea?

squarewheeler says: Feb 26, 2008. 8:20 AM REPLY

The rain chain looks awesome. Great instructable. I'm going to make these for my house.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Copper-Rain-Chain/
 thematthatter says: May 27, 2007. 4:43 PM REPLY
how much was the copper, i would be woried someone would steal it and sell it for scrap. it might be too skinny but you can fill the tubing with sand so it
doesnt kink. thats what moonshiners do when they are constructing the "worm" for their still.

Digital_Anarchy says: Feb 7, 2008. 1:47 PM REPLY

you can also use a tool, like a spring that fits in the tube. this gives the tube support and enables you to bend it without it kinking.

view all 76 comments

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