Iif you know how to weld, you can do a lot with chains! Grab a welder, some scrap chain, and a bit of patience, and you’ll find you can shape raw steel into pieces that are surprisingly useful or just plain cool to look at.
With a few simple techniques like tacking and grinding, you can transform leftover bits into durable art, furniture, or even something decorative for your wall. Whether you’re sharpening your welding skills or just looking for a unique way to use up scrap, these projects give you plenty of hands-on options.
1) Dragon Sculpture from Scrap Motorcycle Chains
Got some old motorcycle chains? You can turn them into a small dragon sculpture if you’ve got the patience (and a welder). The chain’s natural flexibility is perfect for shaping the dragon’s body and tail.
Lay out the chain in a rough dragon shape, then tack it together. TIG welding is a good call here – clean joints, easier to grind smooth.
Once your dragon’s body is holding together, you can add smaller metal scraps for wings, claws, or even some menacing horns. Polish it up or give it a clear coat, and you’ve got something that looks both rugged and surprisingly neat.
2) Welded Metal Chain Heart Wall Art
If you’ve got some scrap chain and a basic wire-feed welder, you can make a welded chain heart that’s perfect for practicing tack welds. MIG or flux-core works well, just a few short welds will hold the chain links as you shape them into a heart.
Once it’s welded, the piece has a solid, slightly industrial vibe. Hang it on a wall, stick it in the garden, whatever works. A quick clear coat keeps rust at bay and leaves the raw metal look intact.
3) Industrial Style Chain Coffee Table
Heavy steel chain makes a killer base for a coffee table if you’re into that industrial, sturdy look. Weld the chain links into legs or a frame, then slap on a wood or glass top for a nice contrast.
Keep your welds neat to really show off the steel. MIG welding is a solid choice, strong joints, not much cleanup.
Give the chain a clear coat or matte paint to keep rust away. The end result? A table that feels right at home in a workshop or loft.
4) Bonsai Rock with Floating Chains
Craft a captivating Levitating Bonsai Rock display by welding chains to suspend a natural rock above a base, creating the illusion of floating. Perfect for showcasing bonsai plants or decorative accents with a striking industrial twist.
This project combines welding precision with creative design to produce a unique, eye-catching centerpiece.
5) TIG Welded Chain Candle Holder
Short chain links and a TIG welder can turn into a sturdy candle holder. TIG gives you clean welds and solid joints – pretty important if you’re dealing with open flames. Stainless or mild steel chain is best; it holds up to heat and won’t warp.
Arrange the links in a circle or stack them vertically. Tack everything before you run full beads, so it doesn’t shift on you. Once it’s cool, grind down any rough spots and hit it with a heat-resistant finish. It’s simple, but it works indoors or out.
6) Welded Chain Stool
Build a sturdy and unique Welded Chain Stool by welding metal chains together to form the seat and base. Combine with metal or wooden legs for a durable, industrial-style piece of furniture.
This project is perfect for practicing welding and metal fabrication while crafting functional, eye-catching seating.
7) Chain Wine Bottle Holder
Create a stylish Welded Chain Wine Bottle Holder by shaping and welding metal chains into a secure, decorative cradle for your favorite bottle. This project blends industrial flair with functional design, making a unique addition to any bar or kitchen.
Perfect for practicing welding skills while crafting a conversation-starting piece.
8) Welded Chain Table Legs
Design striking Welded Chain Table Legs by fusing metal chains into sturdy, artistic supports for your tabletop. The intertwined links create a bold industrial look while providing strong structural support.
This project is perfect for metalworkers wanting to combine creativity and functionality in custom furniture pieces.
9) Welded Chain Axe Handle
Craft a rugged and unique Welded Chain Axe Handle by welding metal chains together to form a sturdy, textured grip for your axe head. This design combines durability with an industrial aesthetic, making your tool both functional and eye-catching.
Perfect for metalworkers looking to experiment with welding techniques and creative handle designs.
10) Chain Link Hanging Light Fixture
If you’ve got a welded chain and a bit of patience, you can actually turn it into a pretty unique hanging light fixture. It’s not too complicated – just grab a MIG welder, grinder, and some clamps to help get the links lined up and locked in place.
Figure out how long you want the chain to hang, then weld each link with care so everything stays straight. Once it’s cooled off, you can add the lamp kit, wiring, and whatever shade you like.
The end result? It’s got this simple, industrial style that feels handmade, definitely not something you’d find at a big box store, but that’s kind of the charm.