Sporran chain links (or stupid question #132)

**mgellatly** · 25th May 11, 05:09 AM

My first post so hello to you all first.

I'm looking to get some chain links on my sporran removed. It hangs a bit low on my slight frame even with the strap at the "skinny bugger" hole. My first thought was a jeweller, but before I make a fool of myself does anyone recommend anywhere?

Cheers.

**artificer** · 25th May 11, 05:35 AM

Trust me, unless this is for a formal occasion, ditch the chain strap and get yourself a one-piece leather strap. The chain will chew into the fabric of the kilt over time. See thread HERE or HERE.

ith:

**creagdhubh** · 25th May 11, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

Trust me, unless this is for a formal occasion, ditch the chain strap and get yourself a one-piece leather strap. The chain will chew into the fabric of the kilt over time. See thread HERE or HERE.

ith:

I agree , ditch the chain strap completely. I only really like them for wear with Highland evening attire when worn with horsehair sporrans - and I prefer the more ornate chain links, rather than the standard, 'off the peg' versions that are the most common. Try McRostie's for a superb array of (bridle leather) sporran straps in many different colours - best sporran straps anywhere!

Cheers,

**tinksdad** · 25th May 11, 06:32 AM

I agree with the all leather strap for the reasons given; but to answer your question, if it's like most chain straps I have seen you can do it yourself with one or two small needle nose pliers. The links on the ones that I have gotten with a couple of the sporrans I bought aren't solid. Just use the pliers to spread a link at where you want to shorten it to and re-attach the clasp. Also, if you can get the clips off by themselves, you might want to slip them on links higher up the chain until you figure out exactly how much you need to shorten. The little extra bits of chain will dangle out of sight behind your sporran until you are satisfied with the look.

**Bob C** · 27th May 11, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by tinksdad

I agree with the all leather strap for the reasons given; but to answer your question, if it's like most chain straps I have seen you can do it yourself with one or two small needle nose pliers. The links on the ones that I have gotten with a couple of the sporrans I bought aren't solid. Just use the pliers to spread a link at where you want to shorten it to and re-attach the clasp. Also, if you can get the clips off by themselves, you might want to slip them on links higher up the chain until you figure out exactly how much you need to shorten. The little extra bits of chain will dangle out of sight behind your sporran until you are satisfied with the look.

This is your answer, right here, if you want the chain for formal wear. As for a sporran strap, which I also recommend, I bought a thin black ladies' belt from Target for less than $10. It looks and works great.

**Santa Kona** · 25th May 11, 06:23 AM

Or figure out how much chain you need to cut off. Then take it to Home Depot they will cut the chain for you. Stop buy and craft store and get some replacement rivet's and you are will be OK.

With that said I agree get rid of the chain and go with leather.

**Tobus** · 25th May 11, 06:41 AM

tinksdad has the right answer! This is not a job for a specialist or jeweler. Anybody with a set of pliers can do this. It should only take about 10 minutes.

**mgellatly** · 25th May 11, 06:48 AM

Okay.

Thanks for your help. I'll go with tinksdad at the moment and get the pliers out, see what it looks like, and consider the cost of a leather strap.