Go to Anodized Aluminum Rings - By the Ounce

How to find the right ring size:

First, decide the chainmail weave you want to make:

-Smaller wire gauges like 20SWG come in much smaller ring sizes, and so can be more difficult to weave with since it's hard to see what you're doing.  Big wire gauges like 14SWG come in bigger ring sizes, which makes it easier to see what you're doing but are physically harder to manipulate.  If you're not sure which gauge you should use initially, it's a good idea to pick the middle gauges like 16SWG or 18SWG as they strike a good balance between strength, size, and ease of use for most people.

Aspect Ratio:

-Once you've decided which wire gauge to use, you can pick the ring size(s) you need based on each ring size's Aspect Ratio.  Aspect Ratio(AR) is the most important factor when picking ring sizes because every chainmail weave design has it's own AR number requirements, as well as it's Ideal AR.  The Ideal AR value for each weave is found by trial and error until a weave has both sufficient flexibility and aesthetic “tightness.”

AR=Inside Diameter/Wire Diameter(+Springback - blade kerf)----  For example 16SWG 1/4" ID would be:
(1/4")0.25/0.063(16SWG)=3.97, then we round up to 4.0 after accounting for a very small amount of springback when they are coiled. then minus a tiny amount accounting for saw blade kerf.

The Ideal AR value for each weave is found by trial and error until a weave has both sufficient flexibility and aesthetic “tightness.”  Generally speaking, if a weave is too tight/not flexible with a certain ring size, a higher AR is needed. On the other hand, if a weave is too loose/not holding its shape, a lower AR is usually needed. If you are a beginner, we'd recommend the higher end of the range of AR's as they can be easier to work with.  

You can find each ring size's Aspect Ratio(AR) next to each ring size in the charts above.

• Ring counts are approximate based on weight, and counts can vary from batch to batch and color to color, so be sure to order plenty for what you need for a single project at a time!
• If you have any questions feel free to contact us!
  chainmailjoe@gmail.com

Feel free to either downlod and save the below images for your reference or request a physical Ring Sizer card mailed to you for free HERE