Thread: Easy shackles (or just chain) from PVC

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I had replied to another tut in this section regarding pipe insulation used to make easy chains, and mentioned how I used PVC pipe instead. Jaybo asked for photos, so I figgered I may as well just post a tut of my own.

Here goes.... (this is REALLY easy!)

I used my miter saw to cut 1" pvc pipe into thin slices, approx. 1/4 inch thick (you can do it easily enough with a simple hacksaw, but it's rather time-consuming). Then I spray-painted the pvc rings black and put a cut in each one using wire cutters. Link them together and you've got a quick, easy, realistic, durable chain. Cut one of the links in half with the wire cutters and glue each half-ring onto opposing sides of a wide slice of 4" pvc, connect your chains to those and now you've got a great-looking shackle.

After the shackles/chains are all painted flat black, just grab a rag & dip it lightly into brown paint. Blot off the excess, and then gently dab the rag all over the shackles/chains for a slightly rusted look.

Yer Done....

"Clap 'em in irons!!"

Hint: if you have to get the shackle(s) onto something, but the object is too big on both ends to just slide your shackle on, then use a hacksaw to cut across the 4" pvc. A quick shot of spray paint will cover the cut nicely, and now you can open the wrist/leg shackle to put it on the object.

I've made 6 shackles in about 1 hour (not including paint drying time).

The 1st pic below shows a few different shackles, some with 2 chains attached, some with only one.
The 2nd pic shows a me holding open a shackle with the cut in it to allow it to be placed on a desired object easily (in my case, it'll be a severed foot).

i like the shackles idea thats great this year beacause i have a 'Jail" theme
thanks man

-BYH

That's such a great idea! To think I actually bought mine. <smacks forehead> I like these much better.

great idea! and it looks great, too!

Nice shackles...look real!

Thanks, gang! I'm glad you like them...it's amazing what you can do sometimes with some leftover crap laying around the garage floor, eh? (yeah, I said "eh"...Canadian to the bone, I guess. LOL)

dude i made a chain today (cuz im a cheapo) i had some 1 1/4 PVC around it came out great to since i need like 2 links i really didnt want to go to lowes and ask for 2 links. lol thanks man

P.S . i still have to find some 4in PVC


-BYH

Wow! Really good idea you got there, almost seems like real thing, but a lot less cheaper.

Do they tear off apart easily?

Originally Posted by klown82

Do they tear off apart easily?

If you mean do the links pull apart accidentally, then no, not really. It takes a bit of effort to open the rings and connect them. PVC's pretty strong, so I assume the chain could hold a bit of weight.

Originally Posted by BackYardHaunter

dude i made a chain today (cuz im a cheapo) i had some 1 1/4 PVC around it came out great to since i need like 2 links i really didnt want to go to lowes and ask for 2 links. lol thanks man

P.S . i still have to find some 4in PVC


-BYH

If you get a hold of some 4" pvc, and want to glue the half-rings on, I recommend thick-gel crazy glue. you can tubes of generic stuff at the dollar store. I've been going through that stuff like it was air. LOL
make sure you get thick-gel....way easier to work with and sets faster.