Introduction: Make a Chain From a PVC Pipe
In this Instructable, I demonstrate a way to make a chain from a PVC pipe.
It's a pretty simple and cheap thing to do.
What will you need:
- PVC pipe
- Some kind of cutting tool (e.g rotary tool, saw, pipe cutter)
- Sandpaper or sanding tool
- A blade that you can attach to a soldering iron or a blade and a candle.
Step 1:
I started with a short PVC pipe.
I used a rotary tool and a custom made attachment to cut 60 rings.
Of course, you don't need an attachment to do it.
A rotary tool or a saw will do just fine.
You can also use a pipe cutter.
Step 2:
Then I changed the rotary tool's accessory to a sanding disk and sanded those rings a little bit.
Make sure to wear a respirator when sanding and cutting PVC pipes.
Expect to have a lot of dust.
Step 3:
I could have made a chain with round rings, but I wanted it to look more traditional.
I heated up the rings with a heat gun for around 10 - 15 seconds.
Then I slid them onto a USB card reader. It happened to be a perfect shape for this project.
When the links were formed, I did the same thing with rest of the rings.
Step 4:
I made a cut in every other link.
Then I joined them.
Step 5:
I attached a blade to my soldering iron to make the procedure easier.
Alternatively you can heat up the blade on a candle or torch.
I used the blade to melt the plastic. Then I pressed the link together to close it.
Step 6:
That's it!
Our PVC Chain is ready!
18 Comments
3 years ago
Ok impressive that I want to do it! Interestingly enough.... I have my hubby do it! Lol
3 years ago
To reduce some of the work. You only have to cut half of the rings to make this work as a chain. Just cut one. Add two uncut rings to on cut ring.
Question 3 years ago on Step 6
What do you think the breaking strength of this chain might be? I'm considering this for a small bird feeder that weighs only a few ounces empty, but with food and a bird or two, I'm not sure how much it would total and if this chain would be strong enough.
Answer 3 years ago
Reply 3 years ago
THANK YOU!
3 years ago
using CA glue makes a stronger bond than the pvc itself
of course the cuts need to be clean and square
Reply 3 years ago
Good to know, will need to try it out.
Cheers!
Question 3 years ago
Do you have an STL / Thingiverse link for the PVC rotary tool attachmnet?
Answer 3 years ago
Unfortunately, I don't have an STL.
This project was done more than a year ago and the attachment was something I made just for single use and never bothered to save the file.
I should learn from my mistakes and always keep the files.
3 years ago
Nice to see a new project from you, and a very very clever one at that. Well done!
You're a brave man (step 4) . . my fingers felt a little pain just seeing the proximity of the rotary blade to your own fingertips!! ; )
Reply 3 years ago
Thanks Seamster!
Those blades are not that sharp. Sure, I could cut my finger badly, but because it's so small and light, it's easy to control.
I would not put my fingers that close to a proper blade :)
Reply 3 years ago
I can't quite tell from the picture, but if it's the mini razor-saw slitting blades, then I don't even like using them handheld, at all, because they have tendency to catch and take off (cartoon style) across the workpiece and aim straight for any body parts :(
If it's the cut-off discs (thin grinders), then maybe you get away with it, like when you accidentally file your finger: A file will remove material from wood/metal/plastic but not so much with skin ... !
But I echo seamster's thought. :)
I do like the "hot knife" attachment though, gas-soldering iron kits often come with a hot-knife attachment, though not as sharp as yours.
Reply 3 years ago
Yeah, Maybe I should start using gloves :)
3 years ago
This is super cool! I am going to try it for sure. Thanks. Great video too.
Reply 3 years ago
Thank You!
3 years ago
I'm working on a prop of the Combat Cross from Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, and this comes very handy. Thank you.
3 years ago
Good idea using the blade in the soldering iron.
Reply 3 years ago
Thanks!
It was actually a while ago when I did this project. After doing it, I found a proper soldering iron- blade attachment that you can buy and I did.
I guess it's for people who do wood burning.