Chain - What Is The Difference Between Split-Link Chain & Welded Link Chain

 Sometimes you need a customer to remind you that your products may require some explanation, you the seller may understand them but you need your customers to understand them also.

In the last two weeks I have had two separate customers ask me "what is the difference between split-link chain and welded link".

Their question was not actually the physical difference as that is as the names suggest - split-link you can open the link up and then close it again, welded link you cannot.  Their question was really what are the benefits of one chain type over the other.

As I have explained split-link chain you can open the link up pass it through a closed loop on your chandelier or ceiling rose and then re-close the link.  This is beneficial for lighter weight chandeliers etc and does away with the need for extra fittings to attach the chain to the chandelier or rose.  

At present we have split-link chains that take up to 20kgs however we recommend that you do not take a chain up to its maximum weight loading; this is a safety precaution in case you have under weighed the item, when installing items of weight it is best to err on the side of caution.

Welded link chains do not have the option to open up links and so you require additional fitting components if you have closed loops on your chandelier or ceiling rose, these components are available from our website.  

Welded link chains are available in lower weight loadings with the heavier weight bearing chains being more popular with the chandeliers, lanterns, lights and mirrors exceeding 18kg.  Our 50kg weight load chain comes in 4 finishes, brass, silver, antique and black, with its simple link design in 1" available in a choice of lengths this chain is chosen by customers for projects requiring a chain to take weight loading from 10kg upwards.

If you require a chain with a more substantial weight bearing load please contact us.

As with all installation components you need to weight load test your chain and fittings prior to installation.  Please contact us if you have any queries by email or telephone 01206332938.

Different Methods Of Chandelier Pinning

 There are different methods of re-pinning your chandelier crystals allowing you the choice to suit your chandelier and your personal preferences.

Chandelier Pins -This is the traditional method of chandelier pinning (along with chandelier wire). The pins have a pin head and come in a choice of finishes and lengths - if you are new to chandelier pinning we recommend that you start with the longer pins and as you become more comfortable with the process you can, if you wish, reduce the length of the pin you start with.  Having a longer pin allows you to be able to trim any excess you do not need. Pinning pliers can be purchased from our website here and we have a "How To" Video on our website on our Here.

Chandelier Bow Tie Clips - These are a simple pinning method, often used on more modern chandeliers but equally acceptable on vintage chandeliers. You insert one "leg" through the hole on your crystal, fold the leg over to the centre (legs to the back of the crystal), insert the other leg through your second crystal and fold over to meet the other leg in the centre thus the decorative front is the piece that will be on show.  As well as being popular for repinning chandeliers they are very popular for joining crystals on suncatchers.

Chandelier Connecting Rings - These are again popular for the modern chandeliers and are a simple way of joining chandelier crystals and suncatcher crystals.  Open the ring and feed it through the crystal, you may want to find it easier to use our pinning pliers when using the rings to hold the ring open whilst you insert through the crystal to stop the ring closing prematurely. 

Chandelier Pinning Wire - A traditional chandelier crystal pinning method whereby you need to create a "pin head" to stop the wire going straight through the crystal.  The wire can be cut to the lengths that you require as you go along.  The chandelier wire is also used when the design requires the chandelier beads to be strung and for tying in place glass ribs to metal chandelier arms.

Installing Your Chandelier And The Importance of Weight Load Testing

 As you may be aware our Parent Company is King's Chandelier Services Ltd and as the name suggests they specialise in chandeliers.  They have an extensive range of antique and vintage chandelier parts and accessories that are sold direct from their website (a small selection being featured on our website), together with antique and vintage chandeliers for sale. In their workshops they undertake chandelier restoration and bespoke products. Chandelier cleaning and installation services are offered subject to availability.

Some of the most common questions that we are both asked when customers are choosing accessories for the installation of their chandeliers and lighting products are:-

"What do I need to install my chandelier/light fitting?"

"Why do I need to load test?"

The first question we will ask back is what weight is your chandelier/light fitting and dependant on the response we may ask if you have access to the floor above as you may need access to the joists from above.

King's Chandelier Services have written 2 blogs on these subjects and so I have included links below - both our websites stock the same items for installations and we are happy to answer any questions either by email or telephone - 01206332938 - if you give us a call you can choose whether your purchase is completed by either Light-Fix or Kings - you may not be too bothered but don't forget if you usually buy from one website let us know as your purchases all go towards your Lifetime Customer Loyalty Discount and we do not want  you to lose out!

Frequently Asked Questions How To Install My Chandelier

Weight Load Testing

Now Stocking Antique Crystal And Glass Chandelier Parts

 At Light-Fix we are pleased to announce that we are now featuring and selling antique and vintage chandelier parts including Murano and Venetian parts.

Many of these parts come from the acclaimed M. E. Crick collection purchased by our Parent Company, King's Chandelier Services Ltd.

Restoring and refurbishing your chandeliers using authentic parts allows your chandelier to retain both it's integrity and historical value.  Using reproduction parts may reduce the value of the chandelier as it will not then be authentic.

Our website is being updated regularly and you can visit here  or you may wish to visit King's Chandelier Services Ltd

If you are looking for a particular piece please contact us via our website with details to allow us to check our stocks