How Do I Keep My Chains From Getting Tangled?

Written By Allie Perry September 20, 2024

I’ve seen it a thousand times over the course of my career. 

While working at my bench completing some odd repair, the noise of the door would catch my attention. I’d look up and smile, only to lock eyes with a completely exasperated customer who was ready to throw their precious jewelry into an active volcano. They’d stand there desperate for me to help them sort out their sad little baggie of chains that had somehow gotten more tangled than those old Christmas lights permanently relegated to a dusty box in the attic.

Lucky for them, I *love* solving puzzles, and I have lots of fine tools perfect for untangling the same fiddly little bits that had already driven them crazy for hours and defeated them at their own dining room table.

Also lucky for them, I had tips and tricks they could use to help prevent this situation from happening ever again.

So let’s learn why chains tangle, how you can prevent them from getting tangled in the first place, and how you can get them untangled if that last bit of advice didn’t reach you in time.

Why Do Chains Tangle?

Chains tangle because little chaos goblins live in your house and they love wreaking havoc on fine things. The same little goblins hide your car keys when you’re late for work. They teach your three dogs to walk in erratic, serpentine paths among themselves so their leashes are rendered useless. And they rub your chains against each other and give them more knots than a new kitten’s ball of yarn.

Or (and this is far less likely) you stored your chains improperly and they ended up wound into little balls after being rubbed together or rolled over themself.

Since I don’t know any ethical ways to deter or contain chaos goblins, let’s learn how to store chains so they stay untangled.

Storage Solutions to Prevent Tangled Chains

Proper storage is the first step in keeping chains free of chaos goblins tangles. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to help you:

• Use a Jewelry Organizer with Hooks
  One of the easiest ways to prevent tangles is to hang your chains individually. Invest in a jewelry organizer or wall-mounted jewelry hanger that has hooks. By hanging necklaces separately, you avoid them bunching up and tangling.  Just remember to never hang pearls!
• Straw or Tube Method
  For a DIY storage solution, thread one end of the necklace through a straw or small plastic tube and clasp it. This keeps the chain straight and prevents it from moving around. It’s a great option if you’re storing necklaces in a drawer or traveling.
• Ziploc Bag Trick
  This is personally my favorite method! If you’re on a budget, place each necklace in a separate small Ziploc bag. Leave the clasp outside the bag, and zip it up with the chain inside. This way, the necklaces don’t rub against each other, reducing the chances of them tangling. As a little bonus, storing silver jewelry this way will help slow the tarnishing process.
• Use a Compartmented Jewelry Box
  Choose a jewelry box with individual compartments for each chain. Lay the chains flat and keep each one separate to reduce the chance of tangling. Velvet or soft-lined boxes can help prevent any rubbing that may lead to knots.
• Remove Chains Before Bed or Showers
  Chains can get twisted while you sleep or shower, and exposure to water or chemicals can wear down certain materials. Remove your chains before bed or before taking a shower to avoid tangles and damage.

Easy Ways to Untangle Chains

Even with the best storage methods, chains can sometimes get mangled by chaos goblins tangled. Don’t worry! I have a few tricks you can learn to untangle your chains more easily.

• Open or Unhook and Closed Clasps
  It can be much more difficult trying to separate chains that are closed in loops with no loose ends.  Pick an end and try to work just that loose end free.
• Use Baby Powder or Oil
  Sometimes the links of the chain stick together, making knots tight and hard to undo. Applying a bit of baby powder or oil (like baby oil or olive oil) can help lubricate the chain, allowing the links to slide apart more easily. After untangling, be sure to clean the chain to remove any residue.
• Needle or Pin for Tight Knots
  When a chain gets tightly knotted, use a needle or pin to gently work the knot loose. Lay the chain on a flat surface and use the needle to gently pick apart the loops. Patience is key here, so take your time to avoid damaging the chain.
• Try the Pinch Method
  Hold the chain loosely and give it a little shake. Sometimes this can help the tangles loosen naturally. If you can see where the knot is, pinch it lightly between your fingers and try working it apart.
• Use a Magnifying Glass
  For delicate or fine chains, a magnifying glass can help you see the knots more clearly, making it easier to undo them without pulling too hard or damaging the chain.

Tangled jewelry chains can be super frustrating, so whatever you do, NEVER yank hard on delicate chains! Forcing the movement of a chain can cause it to kink or break, and then you’ll have an even bigger problem on your hands. Always use easy, gentle movements, and take breaks if you start to get frustrated.

Either way, whether you invest in a jewelry organizer or use simple DIY methods like straws and Ziploc bags, prevention is key. And if a knot does form, don’t worry—with patience and a few simple tools, you can try to work it out yourself before deciding you’re ready to raise the white flag, accept defeat, and enlist the help of your local jeweler.

Ready to practice these new storage tips and thwart those annoying little chaos goblins once and for all‽ Treat yourself to some new chains and pendants here!