Alternatives to connecting a ball and chain cord?
I was trying to child-proof some Ikea roller blinds. The blinds were controlled by a closed ball and chain loop. It seemed like a simple fix.
I used a pair of wire cutters to shorten the loop and reconnected it with that ball and chain connector-thingy. I didn’t realize that connector-thingy wouldn’t feed through the roller mechanism. Doh!
Any suggestions for alternatives to this connector thingy? Something that isn’t so bulky and will fit through the feed?
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7 Answers
You could probably tie the two end balls together with some heavy duty thread. You might even be able to approximate the spacing between any two balls on the chain, too, so that it feeds through the mechanism properly.
On the other hand… you’ll have to watch it pretty closely for wear, because if the thread breaks while the chain is in the mechanism (where it’s most likely to break anyway), then you probably won’t be able to re-feed a new chain very easily.
Maybe iron thread could do the job?
Connect both ends with a knot, maybe there is one that page that is suitable for your use.
If you can’t repair the chain you cut (and I’m not optimistic that you can), you can buy replacement loops for only about $10. They come in various lengths, as short as 2 feet, so that might solve the safety issue for you. Here’s a source for #10 chain; that’s the common roller blind size, with balls 3/16” in diameter.
Alternatives to connecting a ball and chain cord?
A Wedding Ring?
I couldn’t help myself…
I think @thorninmud‘s source is the best solution. I don’t think ball chain can be repaired at all. If connectors don’t work then the entire length must be replaced.
The more I think about this, the more I think I can link it back onto itself. Just have to figure out a way to cut open Ball 1 and pop out a chain link. I’m guessing it looks like some kind of dumbbell? Then pry open Ball 2 and pop the chain part back in. Close up Ball 2 and it’s a done deal, no? Maybe a spot of Elmer’s and Zap-A-Gap inside the Ball 2…
What do you guys think would be the best tools to do this?
You can split the balls if you squeeze them firmly, but carefully with a small pair of wire cutters (the side cutter type). Line the cutter jaws up so the tips are at each hole and the blade aligns with the line you can see on the ball surface (the join). The ball will split down the line and you can prize it open with a small screw driver if necessary. Then pull the links out, cut the chain to length and open the ball at the other end of the chain (wire cutter again) slip the link/s into the split ball and squeeze the ball shut with normal pliers. It sounds easy, but is a bit fiddly and took me 10–15 mins per blind. It is best to measure the chain length with the blind installed and then take the blind down and do this on a table.
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