Jandorf Specialty Hardware 94995 Number-10 Brass Beaded Chain with Connector, Nickel Plated, 3-Feet

Why I reached for this chain

I wanted a pull chain extension that didn’t feel flimsy, wouldn’t rust in a damp closet, and didn’t look out of place next to brushed nickel hardware. The Jandorf #10 nickel-plated brass beaded chain checked those boxes on paper: three feet of heavier-gauge bead chain with a matching connector, meant for light-duty hardware and craft tasks. After putting it to work on two closet light pulls and a ceiling fan, it’s become my go-to when I want a pull that feels substantial and looks clean.

Build and finish

This is a #10 ball chain, which means the beads are larger than what you’ll find on most lamp or fan pulls. The bead size gives it a satisfyingly solid hand-feel and a bit more visual presence than the skinny chains that often ship with fixtures. The core is brass, and it’s nickel plated. In practice:

• The nickel finish is bright and uniform, with no sharp seams or rough spots.
• It pairs well with chrome and polished/satin nickel hardware. It looks a little “too polished” next to oil-rubbed bronze or matte black finishes, but it’s still presentable.
• Because the chain is brass underneath, you’re not dealing with the red-brown rust you’d see on steel. If the plating ever scuffs, it’ll tend to dull rather than corrode aggressively.

The included connector matches the finish and snaps on securely. Tolerances feel snug without being fussy, and it hasn’t popped off in use.

Installation and everyday use

I installed one length in a closet to replace the standard skinny chain and used the remaining length to extend a ceiling fan pull. The three-foot cut is practical—you’ll almost always have extra, which is great if you want to trim to the perfect length.

A few notes from the process:
- Cutting: Ordinary diagonal cutters snip this chain cleanly between beads. You don’t need a specialty tool.
- Connecting: The included connector slips over a bead and clicks into place. If you’re joining this #10 chain to a smaller, existing chain, you’ll need either an adapter or a workaround (more on sizing below).
- Adjusting length: Cut, test, and cut again. Once it’s off, you can’t add a bead back.

In use, the bigger beads are the story. You get a nice, positive grip—useful with wet hands or when you’re reaching in the dark—and the added weight helps the chain hang straighter with less “whip” when you pull. On a ceiling fan, the chain’s mass encourages a gentle return instead of wild swinging. On closet lights, it just feels easier to grab.

Compatibility and sizing caveats

Ball chain sizing isn’t universal, and this is where most people get tripped up. #10 beads are noticeably larger than the #3 or #6 chains commonly found on lamps and fans. That has three practical implications:

1. Connectors must match the chain size. The included connector fits #10 beads. It will not accept smaller beads, and smaller connectors won’t fit this chain.
2. Many decorative pull finials are tapped for smaller chains. If your finial, coupler, or in-line pendant is sized for #3 or #6, it may not accept #10 beads.
3. Feed-through holes (on escutcheons or fixture housings) may be too small for #10 to pass through.

How I handled it:
- For a fan with a smaller stock chain, I removed the old chain entirely and replaced it with the #10 chain end-to-end. That guaranteed everything matched.
- For a closet fixture where I wanted to extend the existing higher-up chain, I used a small split ring as an intermediary between the smaller connector and the larger chain bead. It’s not as clean as a dedicated #10-to-#3 adapter, but it works and looks fine once it’s up high.

If you specifically want to “just extend” a thin chain, consider buying a matching size instead. If you want a more substantial chain and a nicer pull feel, be prepared to replace the entire run and any connectors to #10.

Durability and feel over time

After a couple of months of regular use, the nickel finish still looks fresh—no flaking, no dull spots. The beads move smoothly, and the connector hasn’t loosened. In a damp closet, there’s no sign of corrosion. Nickel will eventually pick up micro-scratches in high-contact environments; in practical terms, you’ll notice the chain getting a little more satin than mirror over time, which I actually prefer.

This is still a light-duty chain. It’s perfect for pull cords, hanging tags, key fobs, crafts, and display signage. It’s not for weight-bearing applications or securing valuables. If you need marine-grade or outdoor-exposed durability, stainless steel ball chain is the safer bet; for indoor use, nickel-plated brass is a good blend of corrosion resistance and aesthetics.

Where it works best

• Replacing spindly pull chains on closet and utility room fixtures
• Ceiling fan pulls where you want a heavier feel and better reach
• Keychains and badge chains that benefit from thicker beads and a brighter finish
• Hanging lightweight signage, tags, or sample swatches

I wouldn’t use it for hanging anything heavy, for outdoor installations in salty air, or where you must interface with hardware designed strictly for smaller chain sizes.

What could be better

• Only one connector in the package. If you plan to make multiple cuts or create multiple drops, you’ll want a small pack of extra #10 connectors on hand.
• Size mismatch with common fixtures. The added heft is a plus, but it means you may need to swap out existing smaller hardware or get an adapter.
• Finish options. Nickel is versatile, but a brushed or matte option would help blend into more modern fixtures.

None of these are dealbreakers; they’re just realities of moving up to a larger, nicer-feeling chain.

Practical tips for a clean install

• Measure twice, cut once—and err on the long side for the first cut.
• If you’re replacing a thin chain entirely, remove the old chain at the internal connector and rebuild from the fixture outward with #10 hardware to avoid mismatches.
• If you must join different sizes, a tiny split ring or dedicated size adapter can bridge the gap discreetly.
• Pick up extra #10 connectors if you plan to make more than one attachment. They’re inexpensive and save frustration.
• Wipe the chain with a microfiber cloth after installation; the nickel finish looks best without fingerprints.

Value

For the price of a small hardware accessory, you get a noticeable upgrade in feel and appearance. The three-foot length offers flexibility and usually yields a leftover segment for a second small project. Because the finish and build quality are solid, you’re not replacing it anytime soon. Compared to buying chain by the foot from a bulk spool, this is more about convenience and consistency: you know exactly what you’re getting, and a matching connector is in the bag.

Final recommendation

I recommend the Jandorf #10 chain for anyone who wants a sturdier, better-looking pull chain or a bright, corrosion-resistant chain for light-duty tasks. The nickel-plated brass construction feels solid, the finish holds up well, and the three-foot length is practical. The main gotcha is compatibility: #10 beads are larger than what many fixtures ship with, so plan to replace connectors—or the whole chain—to match. If you’re comfortable with that, this chain is an easy, worthwhile upgrade that makes small daily interactions—like pulling a light or fan—feel better every time.