Chains tangling in tumbler

Jewelry Discussion
1

Does anyone have suggestions of how to stop a long lariat chain
necklace from tangling in a small rotary tumbler with steel shot.

Thanks. Nancy Czapla

2

I usually tumble my piece before put the chain on but if have to I
use twist tie to tie the chain together, still come out tangle a bit
but not as bad.

Anna

3 
Does anyone have suggestions of how to stop a long lariat chain
necklace from tangling in a small rotary tumbler with steel shot.

When I put chains in the tumbler (rotary vibrating donut type) I
connect the chain and drop it over the center of the tumbler basin.
As if the centerof the tumbler was someone’s neck. I have never had
a chain tangle in this manner but I have never done anything longer
than a 30" chain.

Don Meixner

4

Try threading the chain on a wire every 1-2" or so and closing it up
into a loose ring. When done tumbling, clip the wire and slip out,
and your chain should be tangle free.

5

I got plastic bird ladders from my local per store. I had to cut
them down to fit. I wrap my chains around as far as they can and
clasp them tight. I can fit about 20 lightweight chains per ladder.

Carin

2 Likes
6 
Does anyone have suggestions of how to stop a long lariat chain
necklace from tangling in a small rotary tumbler with steel shot.

Make sure it’s clasped.

Paf Dvorak

7

If life was fair, you could reverse the direction of the tumbler and
they’d untangle.

Paf Dvorak

1 Like
8

If it is a wet tumbler you will want to be sure the spring is
stainless steel. Not all are. Another can of worms.

Charlie

1 Like
9

double the chain, double it again, strap w/ twisties in no more than
2 places; chain gets polished, cannot tangle. If needed, retie in
different places and retumble.

10

Wow, that sounds like a great idea! I saw a YouTube video where someone mentioned using a drinking straw but they didn’t really demonstrate exactly how. They said you would thread the chain through it but I’m thinking there’s more to it than that because if the chain is hidden in the straw, they still shot is not going to touch it so I don’t see how it could work harden it and make it shiny. Anyway, thanks for sharing your tip. I will definitely have to try it out. Have a great day!