Chains for pick up truck tailgates?

[bobss396]

I have a couple of pick up trucks in the works and wondered if anyone has tips for making tailgate chains.

I started making a set using Detail Master side-terminal battery terminals and some 30 awg wire... but it is hard to work with.

I have some craft store chain, but I need something smaller. Or I can skip this Detail completely.

Thanks!

[espo]

Check around for any store that carries jewelry making components. I have used some of the different sized "chains" that are available for making bracelets and necklaces. They will also usually offer some great tools and other objects that can be used for detailing as well.   

[Bainford]

Micro Mark has this https://micromark.com/products/chain-050px-045dx-013wire?keyword=chain .

Sizes A or B might be close. Maybe still a little large, but has the right look.

[Rossgo]

I found a good 1/25 scale gold chain a Micheals I use for that.  Jewelry making department.

[peteski]

Look in Model Railroad supplies. You should be able to find some very fine chains.

I just found a 40 links per inch chain on eBay:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/236030948961

That should be fine enough to work as a tailgate chain for a 1:25 pickup.  You will likely have to blacken it as not many trucks have gold colored chains.

Do some Google or eBay searches for similar chains - maybe you'll find one with silver or black finish. Try amazon too.

[SSNJim]

Try looking for anchor chains for small scale ships - 1/350 or 1/700 scale. There are many options out there, many in black. One of them may work.

[NOBLNG]

I have used jewelry chain from Micheals also. Here is an early attempt at attachment using straight pins.

Then I had this idea for making attachment pins using some soft 0.010” jewellery making wire also from Michaels. I threaded the wire through the chain, around a piece of (.032?”) wire to maintain a loop, then twisted it to form an “eye bolt”. Snip off the excess.🙂

It works much better than the pin method!😎 In my opinion, it is well worth the effort to make real chains ….even if the  tailgate itself is glued shut.

Edited 1 hour ago by NOBLNG

[bobss396]

Thanks all! 

I picked up a smaller chain last night that may work. I'll keep in mind the Micro Mark chain and the ship one. I can stop at Michael's too.

I have some small brass pins I use quite a bit. The pin part measures .020" and the head should be okay.