Rain Chain Types - Handcrafted Copper Rain Chain

Rain Chain Styles - Copper Rain Chains and Plastic Rain Chains
Styles of Japanese rain chain gutters include; handcrafted copper rain chains, copper links to plastic rain chains. Pictures and information on rain chain types and how they work.

About Rain Chains

Styles of Rain Chains

Installing Rain Chains

Rain Water Basins

Rain Chain Sources

There are many styles of rain chains from handcrafted copper tulip shaped funnels to plastic rain chain funnels. Below I have included some information on the construction of the rain chain and the different styles I have used or purchased.

About Rain Chain Construction and Cautions
Rain chains are actually linked funnels with a hole (not cups). Properly designed rain chains should be funnel shaped and have a bottom hole to allow the rain to properly flow. Shallow, flat, solid bottom rain chains, rain chain loops and rain chain links should be avoided for they cause too much splatter on your home. Cup style rain chains should also be avoided for the weight of the water in the chain will pull down your gutter.

Properly designed rain chains allow water flows around and through each funnel which has a hole on the bottom. The hole allows the water to proper flow. Each funnel disconnects from the other funnels to shorten or lengthen to exact needs. There are copper links which are either spot welded, inserted or screwed into the funnels to connect the funnels together.

Handcrafted Copper Rain Chains
Copper rain chains are the most popular and most durable chains available. Depending on your climate, copper rain chains will also age to a beautiful verdigris patina over time.

The two chains shown on the left are made of molded copper. Although the two types look almost identical the one on the left is actually smaller and constructed slightly different than the one on the right with the grooves. I find that the larger one is best for American homes for it channels more water properly than the smaller one.

The far left one is sold for approximately 27,000 Yen in Japan (about $250 US dollars).

The far right one is sold for approximately 50,000 Yen in Japan (about $450 US dollars).

Shown to the left is a close-up view of a high quality tulip style copper rain chain offered by www.japanesegifts.com The connecting mechanism on this chain is very durable for the links will not break over time. The top link inserts into the sides of the tulip shaped funnel. The bottom link slides into the grooves of the tulip funnel holding the link sturdily in place for the next link. The links on this rain chain are not spot welded thus they will not break over time. This rain chain sells for approximately $70.00 US dollars at http://www.japanesegifts.com

Quality crafted of copper with a lovely aged patina, and a lovely scalloped design. Completely crafted of copper and easily installs on any home. Each funnel measures approximately 2 1/2" by 2 3/4". Simply insert into your existing rain gutter drain hole or place it on a corner eave of your home or patio. Measures 8.5' in length with a 4" top hanger and disconnects at every funnel for ease of shortening or lengthening to exact height needed. For higher eaves, a 32" extension is available. This rain chain sells for approximately $90.00 US dollars at http://www.japanesegifts.com

Beautifully shaped like a lovely tulip and quality crafted of copper, rain chains are absolutely stunning while providing an unforgettable experience. Each funnel measures approximately 2 1/2" by 2 1/2". Quality copper links inserts into the sides of the funnel for extra durability and easy disconnection. Exceptional craftsmanship, the copper rain chain will weather to a delightful verdigris patina with time. Inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, but designed for American homes, this copper rain chain easily installs on any home. Simply insert into your existing rain gutter drain hole or place it on a corner eave of your home or patio. This rain chain sells for approximately 75.00 US dollars at http://www.japanesegifts.com

The rain chain shown on the left is in front of a Japanese Buddhist temple. This antique chain is a very old design made of copper and has gracefully aged over time to a lovely dark copper with verdigris accents.

Plastic Rain Chains
Plastic rain chains are a rendition of the original copper rain chains. Shown below are four styles of plastic rain chains.

The rain chains shown to the left are made of molded plastic. I purchased one several years ago for about $280 US dollars. I've found that the plastic rain chains do not provide the same beautiful sound that the copper ones do nor do they have the same strength or durability. The links on plastic rain chains easily come apart and during windy, weather the chain comes apart altogether. Because the rain chains are made of plastic they also have the appearance of plastic close-up.