It might seem a lot challenging to restring wind chimes and recreate the same old tune as before, but not impossible.
Nothing lasts forever, and this thing’s fate is not above that. So, just accept that and move along, concentrate on how to restring wind chimes.
What Needs to Be Fixed?
You’re dealing with an old thing that has been exposed in the out for a while now.
Obviously, you’ll find at least one flaw that needs to be fixed; most probably several.
It could be the top circle, the clapper or the sail that needs to be amended or replaced. Strings wearing out or perishing is a very common reason. Rusty metal can be behind this too. So, if you’re really wondering how to restring wind chimes, give priority to the stuff that needs to get fixed first.
Restringing won’t help much to bring the serene tune you desire to hear if the problems are still there to interrupt the functionality every now and then.
Proceed to the next step after you’re done with mending and replacing parts.
Prepare Everything
In order to restring the chimes, you’re going to need to gather necessary objects beforehand.
Things that will be needed:
Threads:
You can’t even restring without threads, can you? This is a thing that’s absolutely going to be needed here. Just make sure to bring in the right size and durable enough to carry the chime’s overall weight. Strong Nylon threads are what we’ll suggest you go with.
Scissors or Blade:
You’ll have to do some cutting here and there while working with the threads, so better keep a scissor near your hands. Or a blade as a substitute.
Measuring Tape and Pencil:
Proper placement is very important in this case in order to execute the right tunes. Measuring tape and pencil will be needed to mark spots and take certain measurements for that accuracy where necessary.
Plier or Tweezers:
At some point, you might need a plier or tweezers to pick the thread or twist it. Plier also works as a great tool to cut the thread.
Let’s Start Working: How to Restring Wind Chimes
Paint Parts
You probably want to give the old parts a new look before restringing, or simply need some paint job on the new parts. Paint and polish the parts you want or need to before threading.
Painting takes time and requires to be dried properly in order to glow up the project. Same happens with the polishing. So be done with that part before you start.
Line Up the Tubes
Here comes the part where the most crucial attention is required. Take the chimes and line them up starting from the longest to the shortest.
Since these are old chimes, you’ll notice marks from times they got hit by the clapper. While putting theme side by side, make sure that the clapper marks on each tube are equally lined up. It’s important for executing the same sound as before.
Now, why was that lining up before stringing was necessary? Because this way you’ll know how to work the thread through the holes in these tubes to position them like before.
Prepare the Top Circle
In case you’re using a completely new piece of the top circle for chimes, you’ll need to create holes or points onto it for connecting the strings.
Firstly, build the ring, and then necessary staple points around it. In case the top circle happens to come with a solid surface, poke holes onto it for threading. Positioning is essential here, so carefully measure and mark the points before bringing out the threads.
With the old top circle, following the steps mentioned above won’t be necessary as it’s already been used before for this purpose. However, you can make some modifications, if you want to restring the chimes this time in a different way.
Cut the Threads
Now, what length the threads should be of completely depends on the size of the wind chimes you’re dealing with here.
Wind chimes can be of any size, some are small like home plants, and then the longest one can be several feet tall. So, have to cut the thread according to your wind chime’s length; which is totally up to you.
There are two things that must be kept in mind while cutting. First of all, you have to keep a little extra tail to work on later. And also, don’t cut it too long; because the tune sounds duller as the thread gets longer.
Start Threading
Take the tubes and find the holes/points fixed for entering threads, and start threading through them. Knot the ends where needed and then staple them with the rings. The tail of the thread should be dragged to the bottom in the middle of the chimes for connecting to the clapper and the sail.
Connect the Clapper and the Sail
The clapper and the sail are two really important parts of wind chimes that need to be attached and positioned correctly to get the job done. So, be careful while threading through them.
Earlier we mentioned about lining up the tubes before restringing to get a good idea about their position. Because the marks in the chimes need to be equally lined with the clapper in order to make tunes like before. So, make sure to thread the clapper in a favorable way for accurate placement.
After that, comes the sail. Remember, the sail has to be positioned below the length of the longest chime. After bringing it to the required position, tie a not at the bottom. Or you can pin a nail for the same reason.
Cut the remaining tail of the tread to complete the look.
Like this, your old chimes will be restrung and all prepared to please your ears with their serene chiming again, like the old times.
Final Words
See, it’s not that difficult as many make it sound to be like. Only one thing that has to be on point, positioning of everything; and you’re good to go. Now hang the wind chimes and enjoy the beautiful sound.
This is Autem Decker. Main Author of ‘TheHomeDigs‘. You may not find her on the list of top 10 contemporary Canadian interior designers, but everyone who knows her says she was born to be an interior designer.
She makes her plan in her head and draws them in her years-old diary with a note in the corner. The way she plays with color and shape amazes us.
Connect Her On – Twitter
