If you’re carrying around a purse with a long chain, you know how frustrating it can be. The chain gets tangled, it gets caught on everything, and it’s just plain annoying. But did you know that you can shorten the chain yourself? It’s a quick and easy process that will make your life so much easier. In this article, we’ll show you how to shorten a long purse chain in just a few simple steps.
The first thing you’ll need to do is gather your materials. You’ll need a pair of pliers, a wire cutter, and a new chain (if desired). If you don’t have a new chain, you can use the one that’s currently on your purse. Once you have your materials, you’re ready to get started. Start by finding the center of the chain. This is where you’ll be cutting it. Once you’ve found the center, use the wire cutters to cut the chain in half. Now, take the two ends of the chain and insert them into the pliers. Squeeze the pliers together to connect the two ends of the chain. Make sure the connection is secure.
Finally, if you’re using a new chain, you’ll need to attach it to the purse. To do this, simply open the clasp on the purse and insert the chain. Close the clasp and you’re finished! Now you have a purse with a shorter chain that’s more comfortable to carry.
Determine the Desired Length
Before starting, take the time to determine the optimal length for your shortened purse chain. Consider both functionality and aesthetics when making this decision.
Determine Your Personal Style: Consider whether you prefer a chain that falls just below your waist, sits at hip length, or extends to thigh length. The desired length will vary based on your body type, height, and personal preferences.
Measure and Mark: Drape the chain over your shoulder and hold the purse, letting it hang naturally. Adjust the chain to the desired length. Mark the spot where the extra chain begins with a piece of tape or a pen dot.
Consider Functionality: The length of the chain should also accommodate the purpose of the purse. A longer chain is more suitable for hands-free carrying, while a shorter chain provides more security when worn close to the body.
Estimate the Excess Chain: Once you’ve determined the desired length, estimate the amount of excess chain that needs to be removed. Measure the distance between the mark and the end of the chain to approximate the excess.
| Factors to Consider | Tips for Determining the Desired Length |
|---|---|
| Personal Style |
Consider your body type and height. |
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Envision how you will carry the purse: over the shoulder, cross-body, or wrist-worn. |
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Match the chain length to the size and shape of the purse. |
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Consider the occasion or purpose for carrying the purse. |
Gather Necessary Tools
To successfully shorten a long purse chain, you’ll need the following tools:
1. Pliers:
Choose needle-nose pliers with sharp points for precision work. Ensure they are in good condition to prevent any damage to the chain.
2. Wire Cutters:
Select wire cutters with sharp blades specifically designed for cutting metal. Diagonal cutters or flush cutters are ideal for clean, precise cuts on the chain.
3. Jump Rings:
Acquire a few small jump rings (10mm or smaller) made of the same material as the chain. These will be used to connect the shortened chain to the purse.
4. Measuring Tape:
A flexible measuring tape will help you determine the desired length of the shortened chain.
5. Table or Work Surface:
Choose a stable, well-lit work surface where you can comfortably manipulate the chain and tools.
Additionally, it’s helpful to have a small container or bowl to hold the removed links and jump rings during the process.
Measure and Mark the Chain
To accurately determine the desired length of your shortened purse chain, follow these steps:
Determine the Excess Chain Length
Hold the purse chain at the desired length, ensuring it comfortably reaches the desired access point. Remove the excess chain that extends beyond this point.
Measure the Excess Chain
Use a flexible measuring tape or a ruler to precisely measure the length of the excess chain. Record this measurement accurately as it will guide your marking step.
Mark the Cutting Point
Transfer the excess chain length measurement to the purse chain. Using a permanent marker, make a clear mark at the point where the chain will be cut. This mark represents the dividing line between the desired length and the excess to be removed.
Note: It’s advisable to mark slightly inside the desired cutting point to ensure ample material for securing the chain ends.
Remove Excess Links
The most direct and effective method to shorten a purse chain is to remove excess links. Follow these steps:
- Identify the excess links by holding the chain extended and determining the desired length. Mark the excess links with a pen or marker.
- Locate the connecting rings holding the links together. These rings usually have a small opening or a spring-like mechanism.
- Using a pair of pliers, carefully open the connecting rings of the marked excess links.
- Remove the excess links and reattach the chain by closing the connecting rings of the final desired links.
When removing excess links, consider the following tips:
| Tips |
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Use Chain Shorteners
Chain shorteners are small, metal devices that can be attached to the end of a purse chain to shorten its length. They come in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can find one that matches the look of your purse. To use a chain shortener, simply attach it to the end of the chain and then clip the chain to the desired length. Chain shorteners are a quick and easy way to shorten a purse chain, and they can be reused multiple times.
Types of Chain Shorteners
There are two main types of chain shorteners: spring-loaded and screw-on. Spring-loaded chain shorteners are the most common type. They have a spring-loaded mechanism that allows you to adjust the length of the chain by simply pulling on the chain. Screw-on chain shorteners are less common, but they offer a more secure hold. They have a screw that you tighten to secure the chain in place.
How to Choose a Chain Shortener
When choosing a chain shortener, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The size of the chain: Make sure that the chain shortener is large enough to accommodate the size of the chain.
- The style of the purse: Choose a chain shortener that matches the style of your purse.
- The desired length: Determine the desired length of the chain before you purchase a chain shortener.
How to Use a Chain Shortener
To use a chain shortener, follow these steps:
- Attach the chain shortener to the end of the chain.
- Pull on the chain to adjust the length.
- Clip the chain to the desired length.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Quick and easy to use | – Can be difficult to find the right size |
| – Reusable | – Not as secure as screw-on chain shorteners |
Tidy Up the Ends
Now that you’ve removed the excess chain, it’s time to tidy up the ends. This will give your purse chain a finished, professional look.
Step 6: Use Jump Rings or Clasps
Once you’ve cut the chain to the desired length, you can use jump rings or clasps to connect the ends. Jump rings are small, circular pieces of metal that are opened and closed with a pair of pliers. Clasps are similar to jump rings, but they have a hook or other mechanism that allows them to be attached and detached easily.
To use a jump ring, open it with pliers and slide it onto the end of the chain. Then, close the jump ring with pliers. To use a clasp, simply attach one side of the clasp to the end of the chain and the other side to the purse’s hardware.
If you’re using a chain with multiple strands, you may need to use multiple jump rings or clasps to connect the ends. For example, if you’re using a three-strand chain, you would need to use three jump rings or clasps to connect the ends of each strand.
| Advantages and Disadvantages of Jump Rings and Clasps | |
|---|---|
| Jump Rings | |
| Advantages: | |
| – Strong and durable | |
| – Small and discreet | |
| Disadvantages: | |
| – Can be difficult to open and close with pliers | |
| – May not be suitable for heavy chains | |
| Clasps | |
| Advantages: | |
| – Easy to open and close | |
| – Available in a variety of styles | |
| Disadvantages: | |
| – May not be as strong as jump rings | |
| – Can be more expensive than jump rings |
| Tips: |
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| Wear safety glasses when cutting or handling metal. |
| If you make a mistake, don’t worry. Simply undo the jump rings and try again. |
| You can also use a chain extender if you want to be able to adjust the length of your purse chain later on. |
Adjust for Comfort
Once you’ve shortened the chain to the desired length, it’s important to adjust it for comfort. Here are some tips:
- Wear the purse on your shoulder or across your body to see how it feels.
- If the chain is too tight, it can dig into your shoulder or neck. Make sure there’s some slack so that the purse can move freely.
- If the chain is too loose, the purse may bounce around or hit you in the back. Tighten the chain until it’s snug but not uncomfortable.
- You may need to adjust the chain length depending on what you’re wearing or what you’re doing.
- It’s also a good idea to test the chain’s durability by pulling on it gently to make sure it won’t break.
- If you’re not sure how to adjust the chain, you can take it to a jeweler or other professional who can help you.
- Here is a table with some tips on how to adjust the chain for different situations:
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Wearing the purse on your shoulder | Tighten the chain so that the purse hangs at your hip |
| Wearing the purse across your body | Loosen the chain so that the purse hangs at your waist |
| Carrying the purse in your hand | Shorten the chain so that the purse is easy to carry |
Finishing Touches
9. Finishing the Chain
To finalize the shortening process, you’ll need to attach the chain back to the purse. Use your preferred method of attaching, such as jump rings, split rings, or lobster claws, depending on the style of your purse and chain.
If using jump rings, open one of the rings and attach it to the end of the shortened chain. Then, attach the other end of the jump ring to the purse’s hardware or a keychain. If using split rings, simply open the ring and attach it to both the chain and the purse. Lobster claws are similar to split rings, but they are designed to open wider, making them easier to attach thicker chains or bulky items.
Once the chain is securely attached, you can give it a final check to ensure there are no sharp edges or loose links. Trim any excess chain using wire cutters or scissors, and file down any burrs or rough spots to create a polished finish.
Additional Tips for a Professional Finish:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use high-quality materials | Opt for durable jump rings, split rings, or lobster claws made from stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials. |
| Check for alignment | Ensure that the chain is evenly spaced and hangs symmetrically from the purse. |
| Use a locking mechanism | If the chain is removable, consider adding a locking mechanism, such as a small padlock or carabiner, to prevent accidental detachment. |
Materials You’ll Need:
Pliers
Scissors
Split ring
Steps:
1. Gather Your Materials – Make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials before you start.
2. Identify the Rings – Find the small metal rings that connect the chain links together.
3. Remove a Ring – Use the pliers to gently open one of the rings and remove it from the chain.
4. Trim the Chain – Use the scissors to cut the chain to the desired length.
5. Attach the Ring – Reattach the ring to the chain, using the pliers to close it securely.
6. Repeat for Additional Rings – If necessary, repeat steps 3-5 to remove additional rings and shorten the chain further.
7. Add a Split Ring (Optional) – For a more secure connection, you can add a split ring to the chain ends.
8. Open the Split Ring – Use the pliers to gently open the split ring and insert it into one end of the chain.
9. Close the Split Ring – Use the pliers to gently close the split ring, securing it to the chain.
10.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any problems while shortening the chain, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- If the pliers are not gripping the ring properly, try adjusting the angle or using a different pair of pliers.
- If the ring is too difficult to open, you can try applying a small amount of oil or lubrication.
- If the chain links are too difficult to cut, you can try using a stronger pair of scissors or a wire cutter.
- If the split ring is not closing securely, you can try using a larger split ring or a different type of connector.
- If the chain is still too long after shortening, you can repeat the steps to remove additional rings.
How To Shorten A Long Purse Chain
If you have a long purse chain that you want to shorten, there are a few different ways to do it. The easiest way is to simply remove some of the links from the chain itself, you can create a shorter custom-length chain with pliers or use a jump ring to connect the chain to a shorter length.
Another way to shorten a long purse chain is to use a pair of pliers to crimp the chain at the desired length. This will create a permanent, shorter chain. Finally, you can also take the chain to a jeweller and have them shorten it for you. This is the most expensive option, but it will give you a professional-looking result.
People also ask about How To Shorten A Long Purse Chain
Can I shorten a purse chain myself?
Yes, you can shorten a purse chain yourself using a few different methods. The easiest way is to simply remove some of the links from the chain itself, you can create a shorter custom-length chain with pliers or use a jump ring to connect the chain to a shorter length.
How much does it cost to shorten a purse chain?
The cost of shortening a purse chain will vary depending on the method you choose. If you do it yourself, it will be free. If you take it to a jeweller, the cost will typically be between $10 and $20.
What is the best way to shorten a purse chain?
The best way to shorten a purse chain will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a quick and easy solution, you can simply remove some of the links from the chain itself. If you want a more permanent solution, you can crimp the chain at the desired length with pliers.
