Collection: Jack Chains

Browse Ashley Chains' range of jack chains, available in five variants across four finishes - brass, black japanned, stainless steel, and zinc plated steel. Jack chain is one of the most versatile small chains in the trade, widely used for lighting suspension, decorative display, fly screens, key rings, craft, and a range of lightweight hanging applications where a fine, neat, visually unobtrusive chain is needed.

What is Jack Chain?

Jack chain is a type of small, lightweight chain with a distinctive figure-of-eight link construction. Rather than the conventional oval or round welded links found in standard welded chain, each jack chain link is formed from a single piece of wire twisted into a double-loop shape, with alternating links set at 90 degrees to each other. This gives jack chain a flexible, almost rope-like drape and a uniform, fine appearance that makes it particularly well suited to decorative and lightweight suspension applications.

The figure-of-eight construction is what makes jack chains different from other small chains - it is lighter, more flexible, and more refined in appearance than standard welded link chain of a similar gauge. It is not a load-bearing chain in the heavy-duty sense, but for the applications it's designed for, nothing else looks quite as right or works quite as neatly.

What is Jack Chain Used For?

Jack chain has a remarkably wide range of uses, which is part of why it has remained a staple of the hardware trade for so long. The most common application is jack chain for lights - suspending pendant light fittings, chandeliers, and decorative lamps where a fine, flexible chain is needed to connect the fitting to its ceiling rose or canopy. Both the brass jack chain and black jack chain are particularly popular for this purpose, as the finish can be matched to the light fitting and the surrounding décor. A warm brass fitting naturally pairs with brass jack chain; a matt black or industrial-style fitting pairs with the black japanned version.

Beyond lighting, jack chains are used extensively for fly screens - the hanging bead curtain-style fly screens traditionally found in doorways use jack chain as the connecting medium between rows of beads or discs, and jack chain is cut to length and looped through each section. Key tag chains, retail display hanging systems, small sign suspension, craft and model-making applications, and picture hanging are all common uses. Wherever a fine, lightweight, visually undemanding chain is needed in a situation where a heavier welded chain would look clumsy or be unnecessarily heavy, jack chains fill the gap.

Choosing the Right Jack Chain Finish

The four finish options in this range cover the most common application requirements cleanly.

Brass jack chain is the premium decorative choice - the warm golden tone works with period light fittings, Victorian and Edwardian interior styles, and traditional hardware. It is a soldered chain, giving it a neater, more refined link profile than alternatives.

Black jack chain in the japanned finish provides a dark, low-visibility option well suited to black or dark-finish light fittings, theatre and stage lighting rigs, and any display application where the chain should recede visually rather than draw attention. It is the most popular choice for fly screen applications where discretion matters.

Stainless steel jack chain is the correct specification wherever moisture, humidity, or corrosion is a factor - marine environments, kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor covered areas. The clean silver finish also suits contemporary and industrial interior styles.

Zinc plated steel jack chain is the everyday workhorse - the lowest cost option and perfectly adequate for general hanging, key chain, and display applications where finish longevity and aesthetics are secondary considerations. A pre-cut 35" length is also available for applications requiring a standard, ready-to-use piece rather than chain sold by the metre.

For advice on which jack chain is right for your application, call 01483 428383 or email sales@ashleychains.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is jack chain?

Jack chain is a lightweight chain with a figure-of-eight link construction, where each link is formed from a single twisted piece of wire. The alternating 90-degree link orientation gives it flexibility and a uniform, refined appearance suited to decorative and lightweight hanging applications.

What is jack chain used for?

The most common use is suspending light fittings - pendant lights, chandeliers, and decorative lamps. It is also widely used for fly screens, key tag chains, display and sign hanging, retail fixtures, craft and model-making, and any lightweight suspension application where a fine, visually unobtrusive chain is needed.

What is the difference between jack chain and chandelier chain?

The two are related in use but different in construction. Chandelier chain uses conventional welded oval links and is typically heavier and stronger, making it better suited to suspending substantial light fittings. Jack chain uses the lighter figure-of-eight construction and is suited to lighter fittings and applications where a finer, more flexible chain is preferred. For heavier chandelier and pendant lights, our chandelier chain collection is the correct choice.

Is jack chain strong enough to hang a light fitting?

Jack chain is designed for lightweight suspension applications. It handles the weight of most domestic pendant and decorative light fittings comfortably. For very heavy chandeliers or commercial light fittings, chandelier chain or a heavier gauge chain is more appropriate. If you are unsure about the right specification for your fitting's weight, our team can advise.

Which jack chain finish should I choose for lighting?

Brass jack chain is the most popular choice for traditional, period, and warm-toned interiors. Black japanned jack chain suits dark or matt-black fittings and industrial or contemporary styles. Stainless steel jack chain works in modern, minimalist, or moisture-prone environments. Zinc plated steel is the practical choice when finish appearance is not a priority.