Make a Belt from Brass Chain

Before: Chain

I will be honest. I do not remember where this chain came from. Whenever we repair, replace or renovate in our home, we always keep anything of historical, architectural or other interest-- even if we are not sure what to do with it at the time. In an old house, in an old city, there are ALWAYS lots repairs and upgrades that could be done to improve the place.

After: Belt by GeltDesigns

This project caused my daughter and I to reconsider lots of old junk in our continuing search for daily materials. The other day, when we saw the above pictured chain, we both looked at each other and said "belt" at the same time. It is always nice to agree with your partner/daughter. Turning the chain into a belt was very easy, but the results are IMHO what repurposing is all about.

Tools
Three-step pliers or mandrel
Chain nose pliers
Wire side cutters or flush cutters
Wire rounder or cup burr and flex shaft
Steel bench block
Rawhide or plastic mallet or ball pein hammer 


Materials
Chain
Brass ring
Brass finding
14-gauge brass wire

Step 1
Clean and polish the chain so it has no tarnish. This chain is brass so we thought it quite a find.

Step 2
Create two large "S" links from 14-gauge brass wire. Use three-step pliers or a mandrel to form the "S" link. Cut the wire from the spool with wire side cutters or flush cutters.Use a wire rounder or cup burr and flex shaft to file the end of the link so it is smooth enough to wear as jewelry. Place the link on a steel bench block and hammer the link with a rawhide or plastic mallet to harden the metal with out marring the surface. If you don not mind a hammered look to yur metal, you can use a ball pein hammer to harden the metal.  Repeat to create a second identical link.

Step 3
Use chain nose pliers to open the "S" link and attach one side of the link to one end of the chain. Close the link so the finding is secure on the chain. Open the other side of the link and attach the brass "O" ring. Adjust the link as needed with your chain nose pliers.

Step 4

Use chain nose pliers to open the other "S" link and attach one side of the link to the other end of the chain. Close the link so the finding is secure on the chain. Open the other side of the link and attach the brass clasp. Again, adjust the link as needed with your chain nose pliers.


Related Tutorials
Make a Stone & Elastic Belt  
How to Make a Simple "S" Clasp (with or without Beads) 
Make Your Own "S" Clasp 
Make Your Own Beaded "S" Clasp
How to Make Your Own Wire Wrapping Tool Kit
How to Care for Your Wire Wrapping Tools
How to Straighten Wire
How to Smooth Sharp Edges on Wire
How to Measure Wire
How to Use a Wire Gauge
Tutorials by GeltDesigns 


Further Reading
"Making Stylish Belts: Do-it-Yourself Projects to Craft and Sew at Home"; Ellen Goldstein-Lynch, Sarah Mullins, Nicole Malone (2007).
"The Complete Metalsmith: Professional Edition"; Tim McCreight; 2004"Jewelry Concepts and Technology"; Oppi Untracht; 1982

"The Complete Book of Jewelry Making"; Carles Codina; 2006


Day 19. Week 3. Jewelry from Found Objects.  $ spent: 0
Found materials: brass chain, brass ring, brass catch
New Jewelry a Day.