Rain chains are an alternative to the traditional gutter downspout, which controls the flow of water from your roof to the ground. Traditional downspouts are a square tube running along the side or corner of your house. A rain chain replaces that tube with a vertical chain running from your roof to the ground. Many rain chains feature cups strung along the chain. With or without cups, the rain chain controls the flow of water, keeping it away from your house, while giving the appearance of a waterfall.

Rain chains can be a beautiful addition to your home, creating a peaceful feeling. Many homeowners love the sound made as water flows down their rain chains. The sound will vary based on the style of cup used.

Cups come in all imaginable styles, including pineapples, Calla lily’s and the traditional Japanese lotus (a symbol of the royal family in Japan).

The Japanese have used rain chains, known as “kusari doi,” for hundreds of years. Buddhist temples in Japan often feature elaborate rain chain designs, as do many homes. In the days before running water, rain chains were an important way for families to collect water.

They first gained wide attention in the US during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano and have quickly become popular.

While rain chains are beautiful, they do not have quite the utility of traditional downspouts. Since they are open, water can splash from the cups during heavy rain, which means you will want to hang the chains away from exterior walls.

“People ask about the functionality of rain chains and whether they can handle a large volume of water,” says Sock Woodruff of GutterSupply.com, “A good rule of thumb in high rainfall areas is not to exceed more than 25 to 30 feet of gutter draining into one rain chain.”

Rain chains also need an object at the bottom to act as a splashblock for the falling water. The bottom can be a metal or stone basin in the traditional Japanese style, while many US homeowners use a cedar box filled with pebbles.

Though they can be made of just about any material, rain chains are usually made of copper or brass.

Rain chains retail for $8 to $20 per linear foot, though handcrafted versions may sell for as much as $50 per foot. That’s more expensive that a traditional downspout, but a good price for a piece of sculpture that beautifies your home.

Like most other types of tire chains, there are many different
options available in tractor tire chains. The most popular
choice, and the most widely recommended, is two-link spacing
with an optional V-Bar. Two link spacing means that there is a
cross chain every second side chain link. Basically, it has
twice as many cross chains as the four-link spacing, which only
has a cross chain every fourth side chain link. The extra chains
provide for a more steady, smooth ride and more steering
control. The optional V-Bar chains are extremely helpful on ice,
hills, and other hard-packed conditions. While V-Bar chains are
available in both two- and four-link spacing, they should not be
used on pavement since they can damage the surface of the road.

Kubota Tractor tire chains are available in the basic two- and
four-link chains. Kubota recommends using tire chains and wheel
weights in icy conditions. Even when using tire chains, drivers
should still drive at a speed slow enough to maintain complete
control of the tractor at all times.

For farm tractors, dealers recommend duo-group cross tire
chains. These chains are not connected in the middle, so the
pattern does not fall between the tread bars. Duo-group cross
chains are recommended for field work, deep tread, off road use,
and hilly conditions, making them the perfect choice for farm
tractor tire chains

Ladies chains are quite thin and appear to be very delicate. This however depends often on the metal used and the design of the chain, and does not mean that chains are fragile. Ladies chains are available in various metals and designs and also patterns. Platinum chains are quite popular but expensive too. However, the durability of platinum assures you that even a thin looking chain will stand the test of time. Gold is also an excellent choice for an understated, yet elegant appearance. Sterling Silver chains are also quite popular, since they give the appearance of Platinum, at a lesser cost. The price of the chain will depend on the type and purity of the metal used. If you want something unique, then you can choose a chain made of an alloy of two metals. This will give you the benefit of both metals, without the cost.

Ladies chains are also available in various designs. Generally ladies chains that have a solid cylindrical feel are preferred over flat chains, although the design is completely a matter of individual choice. While picking a design, keep in mind the occasion and attire which will go with the chain. Also pay careful attention to the links of the chain. How strong a chain is will depend on the links in the chain. Most jewelers will provide you with a magnifying glass to examine the links closely. The prices of ladies chains also vary with the design hence you might find two chains of 18K carat priced differently because the craftsmanship required on each is different. If you’re looking for very thin and delicate ladies chain, then you’re likely to find these in Platinum, since it is more pliable than any other metal. You can also make a simple ladies chain look quite attractive by using a pendant or a locket. In fact different pendants can be used in the same chain, to make different pieces of jewelry.

The best feature of ladies chains is their simplicity which can be manipulated in any way to suit one’s requirements. You can braid two or three different chains together, to make one prominent chain to go on an evening dress. You can wear a different pendant with the chain, making it look different each time. Often the pendant need not even be made of pure metal. If you want to give your chain a more casual look, you could stream a finger ring or even a hoop earring through it. ladies chains can even be twisted around wrists or ankles to make anklets or bracelets. Many times, jewelers will make interlocking chains that can be joined in length to make one long chain. This you could even wear around your waist. There’s no end to what you could do!

As with all jewelry, it is essential you polish a ladies chain in order to maintain its shine. You must also ensure that the ladies chains you buy come from a jeweler who uses pure and certified metals. Such small precautions will ensure your chain remains a fashion accessory for long. A thin chain goes well with almost any attire. To add to this, ladies chains are less expensive than necklaces, so purchasing more than one is quite feasible.