How To Rivet Chainmail Rings For Strength

Alright, gather 'round, folks! Today, we're diving into the medieval, or should I say, the chainal world of riveting chainmail rings. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Why on Earth would I want to learn about this?" Well, let me tell you, it's not just for fantasy enthusiasts anymore. This skill can come in handy in the most unexpected ways, like fixing your grandma's old jewelry or even creating a unique dog collar. So, buckle up, grab your hammer and anvil, and let's get started!

First Things First: Gather Your Gear

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, you'll need to gather your tools. Think of it like a medieval toolbox. You'll need:

• A blacksmith's hammer - Not your grandpa's hammer, but something with a bit more oomph.
• An anvil - This is your work surface, so make sure it's sturdy. A piece of railroad track or a large metal block will do the trick.
• Rivets - These are the little guys that'll hold your chainmail together. Make sure they're the right size for your rings.
• A ball-pein hammer - This is for setting your rivets. It's like a little helper hammer.
• And finally, chainmail rings - These are the building blocks of your chainmail. They come in various sizes, so choose wisely.

Setting Up Shop: Your Medieval Workspace

Now that you've got your tools, it's time to set up your workspace. Find a well-lit, well-ventilated area. You don't want to be working in the dark or breathing in too much metal dust. It's like setting up a craft station, but with more fire and less glitter.

Once you're set up, it's time to get your hands dirty. Or, in this case, your hands smoky. Safety first, folks! Put on some safety glasses and gloves. You don't want to be picking rivets out of your eye or losing a finger. Trust me, it's not as cool as it sounds.

Let's Get Riveting: The Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep Your Rings

First things first, you need to prep your rings. This means opening them up so you can slide them onto your rivet. It's like opening a tiny, metal oyster. Use your blacksmith's hammer to carefully tap the ring open. Be gentle, you don't want to bend it out of shape. Remember, patience is a virtue, and so is not ruining your rings.

Riveted Chainmail [Part 4] Removing burrs and bending rings open - YouTube

Step 2: Slide and Align

Now, slide your ring onto your rivet. You want to leave a bit of space at the end for your ball-pein hammer to work its magic. Once your ring is on, align it with the other rings in your chainmail. You want them to be nice and even, like soldiers in a parade.

Step 3: Set Your Rivet

This is where the ball-pein hammer comes in. Place the rivet on your anvil, with the ring sitting nicely on top. Then, gently tap the rivet with your ball-pein hammer. You're not trying to smash it, just set it. It's like giving a little pat on the back, encouraging it to stay put.

Keep tapping until the rivet starts to mushroom out on the other side. This is what holds your ring in place. Once it's mushroomed, give it a few more taps to make sure it's secure. But be careful, you don't want to flatten it like a pancake. We're not making metal crepes here.

Riveted Chainmail at Bobby Mosca blog

Step 4: Trim and Repeat

Once your rivet is set, use a pair of pliers to trim off any excess. You don't want sharp edges poking you or your chainmail. Then, it's just a matter of repeating this process until your chainmail is as long as you want it to be. It's like a never-ending chain of riveting fun!

And There You Have It!

You've just learned how to rivet chainmail rings like a pro! Okay, maybe not a pro, but you're certainly on your way. Just remember, practice makes perfect. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be making chainmail so strong, you could stop a medieval battle single-handedly. Well, maybe not that strong, but you get the idea.

So, go forth, grab your hammer, and start riveting! And remember, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to fix something with chainmail, you'll be glad you know how to do this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some grandma's jewelry to fix.