Wind chimes have a lot of different parts in order to make the sounds that they do when the wind is blowing. In this article, we will explain everything about the different wind chime parts that you would want to know.
Table of Contents
Chime Parts
A wind chime has eight different chime parts, that all work together to make wonderful sounds. The chime and it’s different parts can be seen on the image on the right.
Each chime part has a number:
- Overall length
- Ring hook
- Suspension cord
- Suspension platform/ top circle
- Tubes
- Clapper
- Central cord or string
- Sail
So, how do all of these work chime parts work together to produces the best wind chimes sounds?
The overall length (1) decides how long the chime is overall and how long the tubes (5) will be. The ring hook (2) attaches to the suspension cord (3), which carries all the weight of the chime.
The suspension cord (3) attaches to the suspensions platform or top circle (4), which separates each tube (5). The clapper (6) will move around against the tubes (5), which results in sounds being made.
The clapper (6) moves thanks to the central cord or string (7), that has a sail (8) on the end of the central string (7). The wind will move the sail (8) around, which moves the central cord around (7), which will move the clapper (6) against the tubes (5), resulting in sounds.
Overall length of the wind chime
A smaller overall length chime also has smaller length tubes, which will give a different sound experience than longer overall chimes with longer tubes.
Wind chime ring hook
Most wind chimes will have a ring hook, knotted loop, s-hook or 0-hook that is metal. The metal material is strong and will withstand the continuous weather elements and will not rust when left outside all year in the garden.
Suspension chord
A good material type for the suspension cord is polyester as it can withstand the effects of water, sun, wind, salt etc.
Suspension platform or the top circle
The top circle can be made from different materials like metal or wood. The material that is eventually used, will belong to the overall design look of the chime.
For example: A wooden wind chime will typically have a wooden top circle.
Wind chime tubes
Perhaps the most important element of the chime parts that effects the sound of the chime are the wind chime tubes.
The tubes overall length will have a deciding factor in which kind of sound the chime will produce.
2 general guidelines:
- Shorter tubes produce high pitched tones.
- Longer tubes produce large deep tones.
Depending on your personal preference you should either pick a wind chime with short tubes or with long tubes.
Learn even more about wind chimes in our article: Best wind chimes sounds for beautiful 2018 [ultimate guide].
Best pipe for wind chimes
The best pipe for wind chimes can be related to either the overall length, which we have discussed in the above paragraph or the material of the wind chime.
A great material for the pipe of the chime or tube of the chime is metal, because metal will hold up against any type of weather and is therefore very durable.
Wind chimes can be expensive and then it is very important to have a durable wind chime, as to enjoy your purchase for multiple years.
How to buy the best sounding wind chimes?
You can read a lot more about the best materials, best parts, and best tubes in our article the best pipe for wind chimes. We will discuss how each of these elements influences the sound and sound quality of a wind chime.
Wind chime clapper
The clapper can vary in size and material. The clapper or striker is typically circular so that it hits each tube equally.
Wind chime string
The chime string should be regarded the same as the suspensions chord, you want a string that is durable and strong.
Wind chime sail
The sail of a wind chime is an important part of a chime.
2 general guidelines:
- A bigger sail needs more wind power in order to move around
- A smaller sail needs less wind movement to move around.
This means that if you want a wind chime which makes noises a lot of times then you want a smaller sail. If you do not want to constantly hear the chime when even the slightest of wind blows then you want a bigger sail.
Wind Chime Replacement Parts And Other Useful Chime Parts
Handy replacement parts for a wind chime are briefly discussed.
Wind chime ring hook replacement
There are a couple of different options to hang your chime from the ring hook.
The first option is a heavy duty hook on which you can put the ring hook. The heavy duty hook is easy to install and is 37 inches long.
A second option is to use an assortment kit with different hooks so you are sure that you can hang the chime and that it stays stable.
A third option is another type of heavy duty hook. The hook extends 11 inches from where you attach the hook.
The fourth and final option in order to hang your wind chime anywhere you want is to use hook clips. They can hold up to 6 pounds and rotate 360 degrees. This solution is great for lightweight chimes.
Wind chime suspension chord replacement
A good new nylon string for wind chimes is the chime string from Cannon. It has 12 strings per bag. It works according to a zip tie system.
Do you prefer a normal string? Check out the string suggestion below.
Wind chime clapper replacement
A wind chime clapper replacement is a little harder to come by. One solution would be to buy a cheap wind chime, and dismantle it so that you can reuse the clapper on your current chime.
Wind chime sail replacement
Are you looking for a new sail? The Carson windchime sail is made from powder coated aluminum. The phrase on the sail is welcome and is easy to attach to the bottom of the chime.
Wind chime string replacement
Do you need to replace your wind chime string because it broke? The following cord would be a good option:
The string is made of nylon and it has a tensile strength of 9o pounds. It should comfortably carry your wind chi,e
Replacement tubes for wind chimes
It is best to contact the manufacturer of the chime in order to get the same tubes that produce the same notes. If you made a DIY (Do It Yourself) chime then perhaps these replacement tubes might be interesting.
Miscellaneous Wind Chime Parts
Fancy a new decorative chime piece? Then these two alternatives could be a welcome change. Alternative one.
Conclusion: Wind Chime Parts Explained
After reading this article you know how a wind chime works and how each individual part works in order to produce the notes of the chime.
Replacement parts for wind chimes were also briefly discussed.
You Might Also Be Interested In These Articles: