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Rain Chains

	Chains are likely one of the first things that Man forged when he learned to manipulate metal. In a way, it was like making stronger, more durable rope, or a substance and product that would substitute for rope and be capable of bearing greater weight loads. Our world is filled with a mind-boggling array of chains that have vastly different uses, from bicycle, conveyor belt and saw chains, to roller, curb and jewelry chains, all of which owe their existence to whoever first hammered out one open form, then put another through it and closed the link. Chains are forged according to their purpose, but generally come in two shapes that depend on their intended use. The torus, which has a mathematical formula for how it got to be the shape it is, applies to any chain where the second and subsequent links, are turned 90 degrees from the position of the preceding one. The purpose of this is to provide the resulting chain with two-dimensional movement. Roller chains are the second kind, made specifically for machinery, and cast so that the links catch the teeth of a machine’s sprockets, thus engaging its mechanical action. Please browse through our selection of products or to read more about Rain Chains please Click Here

Square Link Rain Chain

Fascinating effects
Made of copper
3 ft. long

Square Link Rain Chain

Beautifully designed
Genuine copper
36 inches long

Watering Can Rain Chain

Distinctive design
Genuine copper
36 inches long

Crocus Rain Chain

Handsome floral design
Copper metal
3 x 36 inches

Bluebell Rain Chain

Bluebell design
Glowing copper
3 x 36 inches

Tulip Rain Chain

Made of Copper
Includes Gutter Hanger
36 Inches Long

Double Link Rain Chain

Unique sound therapy
Copper links
6 x 36 inches

Crocus Rain Chain

The beauty of rain
Copper metal
3.25 x 35 inches long

Small Single Link Rain Chain

Elegant Outdoor Decoration
Made of Copper
36 Inches Long

Blue Bell Rain Chain

Made of Copper
3 Inches Wide x 36 Inches Long
Includes Installation Clip

Umbrella Rain Chain

Made of Copper
Includes Gutter Hanger
36 Inches Long

Home > Garden Accessories > Rain Chains

History and Origin of Rain Chains

Historically speaking, chains have had many and varied uses, with perhaps the most high profile image being that of a prisoner in chains. But hundreds of years ago in Japan, chains were used to capture something infinitely more useful, and definitely more pleasing -- water and sound.

The Japanese were the first to discover the uses of rain chains, which in ancient times were served as eaves trough. When positioned at the corners or other strategic locations on a structure, rain that was running down off the roof was channeled down the chain and into cups along its length. The water might have ended up in barrels, or was simply channeled away from the house’s foundations to avoid damage.

The side benefit is one of the most popular reasons for the use of rain chains today. Sound therapy. For people whose ears are too sensitive to the sharper, and sometimes higher pitched sounds of wind chimes that are made of metal, the soothing sound of water flowing down over the chain, into cups and down to the next section, is almost hypnotic.

A rain chain can consist of just chain, but the more decorative styles usually feature a chain interspersed with shapes or forms that gather in the drops and then pass them out the bottom and along the next section of chain. A piece like the Crocus rain chain provides a pleasing audio and visual experience as water twines with the links of chain, gathers in the flower shaped cups and then overflows, to repeat the action over and over.

Not only are they a wonderful outdoor decor accessory, but they serve the same purpose as those first ones in Japan, drawing water away from the foundation of your house, the surface of a deck or patio, and providing a beautiful accent in the yard, when hung from a tree branch.