All guides

How the Byzantine weave is built from rings and pairs, what aspect ratio it needs, why it makes such good bracelets and necklaces, and where beginners go wrong.

How the European 4-in-1 weave is built, which ring sizes and aspect ratios work, why it is the standard starter weave, and the mistakes that make a first sheet pucker.

An explanation of the Japanese 6-in-1 style of mail, where each ring links six others, how it differs from 4-in-1, what ring sizes it needs and when it is the right choice.

Why 16 gauge means different wire in SWG and AWG, how much thicker SWG is, what that does to aspect ratio, and how to check which one a ring listing means.

How butted, riveted, welded and solid rings differ, what the closure does to strength and appearance, and which to choose for costume, decoration or serious reproduction armour.

What aspect ratio means in chainmail, how to calculate it from wire gauge and inside diameter, typical ranges for common weaves, and how to fix a weave that jams or gapes.

A reference chart of wire gauge in SWG and AWG with millimetre and inch diameters and what each size is typically used for in chainmail, from fine jewellery to armour.

A practical method for making chainmail rings from wire, covering mandrel choice, coiling, cutting, springback and how to check that your rings match.

A comparison of the metals used for chainmail rings, covering weight, strength, finish, corrosion and cost, with advice on which suits jewellery, costume, armour and kitchen use.

The tools you need to make chainmail, from two pairs of flat nose pliers to flush cutters, mandrels and calipers, with what to look for in each and what is not worth buying.

The twist method for opening and closing chainmail rings, why pulling the ends apart weakens them, how to get a seamless closure and how to fix rings that will not stay shut.

A practical comparison of aluminum and polycarbonate scales for scale mail, covering weight, finish, sound, durability and cost, with a checklist for testing before you commit.

A step-by-step plan for a beginner chainmail bracelet in European 4-in-1, with ring sizes, how many rings to buy, assembly order and how to attach a clasp.

A realistic guide to ring counts, weight and build time for a chainmail shirt, with a swatch method to work out your own numbers for any ring size and metal.

How scale mail dice bags are built, the three common constructions, how many scales and rings a 4 by 5 inch bag takes, and how to choose a scale size and finish.

How to measure your hand for a stainless steel mesh glove, a size chart in inches, millimetres and EN 420 sizes, and what these gloves protect against and where they fall short.

How a stainless chainmail scrubber cleans cast iron without stripping seasoning, how to use and dry it, how to choose one by material and ring size, and common mistakes.

What a good beginner chainmail kit contains, how to judge ring size, gauge and metal, what to avoid, and how to decide between a kit and buying rings and tools separately.