Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

I have been asked to make beaded pull chains for ceiling fans and window shades. I want to rise to this challenge, but how can I make something secure enough to handle the force? I appreciate your advice.

Ceiling fans come standard with ball-chain pulls. You can make your own secure ball-chain pull by using a side clamp bead tip with a double closed loop. Close the ball opening around the last ball in the ball chain. Then the two side loops will come together and you can attach your embellishments. It’s a very secure connection. 

A simple way to make a pull is to thread a bead or other element onto a 21-gauge head pin and make a wrapped loop that contains a small split ring. You can then slide the split ring onto your bead tip loop. Another fun idea is to craft a pull from polymer clay or metal clay. If you do, be sure to incorporate a threaded up-eye or small threaded loop screw into the top of your clay pull before baking, so you can attach your dangle to the bead tip with a split ring.

Additional Resources:

"Secrets to a Wrapped Loop"

- Patti