One thing that you would think was a chore is something I really like doing – untangling chains! Naturally I don’t like when it happens, but fixing it when I have time is really enjoyable. Friends and family often ask me to help them when I visit. I can fiddle around and still take part in conversations around me. Do any of my readers enjoy it as much as I do?
Some types of chains tangle much more easily than others. And delicate ones tangle more than heavy ones. I generally have little hooks in my jewellery boxes on which I can hang a chain. But sometimes they become tangled anyway.
The bracelet above loves getting tangled in itself. The chain on each side is looped around the hardware. But if I lay it down somewhere it becomes tangled.
I also have some fine chains that I keep separate in tiny ziplock bags, but they tangle anyway. If space is not an issue, you can thread a chain through a drinking straw (cut to size) and then clasped.
Tips for untangling chains:
- make sure you have good lighting so that you can see what you are doing.
- roll the knots gently between your thumb and index finger. This loosens the knots and helps you get hold of the knotted strands. At this point you can often unknot the big knots
- for more stubborn knots, use the point of a safety pin to get into a link and gently loosen it so the knot opens up. Several knots will often come undone all at once. This is a lovely feeling!
- if nothing is happening, add a dot of oil (baby oil, olive oil etc) to the chain. This will allow the links to roll more easily. Rinse afterwards
- be patient. It can take a while. If you are too rough or impatient you risk making the knots even tighter.
- be gentle. You do not want to accidentally break your chain.
I definitely relate to enjoying untangling chains and keeping my hands busy while chatting.
I really love untangling chains, especiallythe really thin ones! I could do that for hours. I find it very relaxing.
Unfortunately the chains I own don’t seem to tangle easily though o store them all together.
I used to have the same Tiffany bracelet as you (until I gave it to my 12 years old neighbour who always commented on it) but it never got tangled. Lucky you yours do! I think I’d have thought twice before giving it away had I known it would ever tangle!
I wonder why it is so relaxing? Maybe because our minds can wander while our hands are busy?
I have no idea! But I tend to relax more when I do things that need precision and/or concentration, which is weird.
I used to love untangling chains for my mum as a kid, then for my second wife who had a lot of chains that used to love tangling themselves together. Both ladies were pleased for my patience and dexterity. I don’t think I could still do it today as I can’t see as well as I used to.
Top tips, Janet. I store my loose (completed) chains in zip locks, but without their pendants and I use a freezer bag tie ( you know, the paper and wire twisties) threaded through a group of them