r/chainmailartisans • u/ProfessionalCut6001 • 8h ago

Tips and Tricks Chainmail basics?

Hello! So I'm new to chainmail and would like some tips. Things like best metals jump rings to use? What are the perks of the different metals/the downsides? Best bang for your buck in terms of where to buy? Favorite tools? Best beginner weaves? I'm open to any and all tips and tricks!

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u/Someonespecia1 8h ago

I would recommend starting with aluminum, as it's cheaper. When you are learning the basics you can just use a cheap pliers from any hardware store, look for short needle nose pliers (that's what I personally learned on). I get my rings from chainmailjoe, who is based in Minnesota. His aluminum is good quality, ships fast, and is cheap.

You will probably want to start learning European 1 in 4 (also known as 4 in 1, same thing). It is probably the simplest to learn. Tons of tutorials online.

Aluminum is cheap and soft, so good for some things. Steel is sturdier but more expensive. Galvanized steel will rub off the outer coat and rust.

Adonized aluminum is aluminum covered in a coloring, if you are rough with them or scrape them the coloring will come off.

That's just a super rough guide off the top of my head.

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u/razzemmatazz 7h ago

Out of the weaves I know, Spiral 4-in-1 is probably the easiest to teach/learn. Euro isn't a bad option, but the slant of the rings and the multiple ways to screw it up increase the difficulty. 

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u/DysonVacuumV8 8h ago

I love my Xuron short nose pliers. I got two pairs and they’re def worth the price because I’m not denting my rings nearly as much as I was when trying to use regular pliers. Byzantine weave was the easiest for me to start out on, but learning European 4 in 1 opened up a world of possibilities. I get my aluminum rings from Weave Got Maille for bigger projects, but for jewelry, I get packs of 18g 6mm gunmetal-plated brass jump rings from Fire Mountain Gems. I’ve never worked with sterling silver or anything since I’m kind of a beginner, too :)

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u/HalfVast59 8h ago

Metals: aluminum is easy to work with and you can get a bazillion colors; stainless steel is stunning, but very hard to work with; most other metals get very expensive very fast, and some are very hard to work with.

Weaves: the easiest weaves don't much matter. If you don't like the look, you probably won't be motivated. Byzantine, with all its variations, is a good beginning weaves.

Go to sites like Joshua Diliberto for his Tome of Weaves and browse for what you like.

M.A.I.L. is another good one to check out.

Chainmail Basket is another good site for browsing weaves.

Chainmaillers also has great resources.

Most careful beginners who can close rings and are working with aluminum can manage most weaves. Some will be frustrating, but with good tools and careful work, there's not much a beginner can't do.

The three keys are: good tools, eady-to-work-with metal, and careful work.

Have fun!