A rain chain is an elegant alternative to a gutter. Available in copper and other metals, rain chains may look like tulips, decorative bells or copper loops. Rain chains are easy to install and will add instant appeal to your home. You can purchase rain chain kits at hardware stores on over the Internet. Although the rain chain will be mostly assembled for you, most kits have minor adjustments you'll need to make to adapt the chain to your gutters. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine where to hang your rain chain. If you are using the chain in conjunction with your rain barrel, you'll want the chain to fall straight into the rain barrel. An ideal location for the rain chain is at a corner of the house.
2. Set up your ladder underneath the location where you want to hang the rain chain. Climb the ladder armed with your drill, with the circular bit installed.
3. Drill a hole on the gutter. You'll hang the rain chain through this hole via a T-shaped prong. The top bar of the T hugs the sides of the gutter and prevents the rain chain from falling off in inclement weather. Some manufacturers call this a V-hook instead, and it will be included in your kit.
4. Climb down the ladder and assemble the rain chain following the instructions on the kit. Insert the T-hook into your gutter and, holding it in place, connect the rain chain to the bottom of the T.
5. Position the rain barrel below the rain chain so that the rain falls into the opening on your rain barrel. If the rain chain hangs too low and touches the rain barrel, you can remove a couple of links on your rain chain until it hangs at a better length.
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