Jandorf Specialty Hardware 94993 Number-6 Beaded Chain with Connector, Solid Brass, 3-Feet

Why I reached for this chain

I keep a small bin of odds-and-ends hardware for quick fixes—pull chains, hooks, wire, connectors—the quiet heroes of the home shop. The Jandorf brass beaded chain earned a spot there after a couple of jobs made me want something sturdier and better-looking than the usual plated steel. I’ve now used it on a ceiling fan, as a pendant chain for a hefty brass medallion, and to tidy up a small set of keys for a utility cabinet. It’s a simple product, but the material choice and small design details matter more than you’d think.

Build and material quality

This is a true solid brass #6 beaded chain with a matching connector. The first thing I noticed out of the package was the heft—subtle, but definite. Solid brass has a density and feel that plated chains rarely mimic. The beads are consistent, the surface is smooth, and the connector grips cleanly without the little burrs or sharp edges I often find on bargain ball chains.

Brass brings a few real-world advantages:
- It won’t rust, even in damp environments.
- It develops a natural patina rather than flaking like a plated finish.
- It holds up better to repeated attachment/detachment at the connector.

If you prefer your hardware to stay bright, it will need occasional polishing. If you like a warm, lived-in look, brass ages gracefully with minimal maintenance.

Size, length, and compatibility

This chain is 3 feet long and uses the common #6 size. That’s important because #6 is what most light and fan pull accessories, couplers, and finials are designed around. If you’re extending a fan pull, replacing a lamp chain, or joining to an existing run, you’re likely covered.

Three feet is generous for most indoor pulls, a tidy length for a key run, and just enough for a small neck chain if you’re not looking for a long drape. For anything beyond that—say, routing a pull around a tall cabinet—you’ll need to join another length with an additional connector.

Setup and adjustment

Installation is as straightforward as it gets. A few notes from my use:

• Cutting: Use flush cutters, small diagonal pliers, or even sturdy scissors in a pinch. Cut between beads to keep the ends clean. If you want multiple shorter runs, plan your cuts ahead—every cut consumes a bead and you’ll want a connector for each run.
• Connecting: Slide both bead ends into the included connector until they click. It holds securely without tools. If you expect frequent opening/closing, consider picking up a couple of extra connectors; they’re inexpensive and expand what you can do.
• Joining chains: You can run two lengths end-to-end using a connector, or form a complete loop for a pendant or tag. The #6 standard means compatible connectors are easy to find if you need more.

Performance in use

As a ceiling fan pull, the chain feels reassuring. There’s no hint of stretch, and the connector didn’t pop open during testing, even with a firm tug. The weight helps the pull hang straight and reduces the slight “twang” you get from ultra-light chains.

As a pendant chain, it worked better than expected. Solid brass has a comfortable temperature against the skin, and the chain’s small-but-sturdy beads kept a relatively heavy brass medal centered without kinking or snagging shirt fabric. It’s not “jewelry-grade” in the fashion sense—think honest hardware aesthetic—but it looks good when polished and respectable with a matte patina.

For keys, it’s a practical solution when you want a flexible loop that can pass through small eyelets or wrap around a handle. The connector’s quick release is handy for removing a single keyset without wrestling a split ring.

Durability and maintenance

After a few weeks indoors and occasional exposure to moisture (kitchen steam and a rainy day run to the garage), the chain developed the faintest warm tone—typical of brass—without spotting or flaking. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth restored most of the shine. If you want bright brass, a minute with a mild brass polish or a simple lemon-and-baking-soda paste does the job. Compared to plated options that can tarnish unevenly or chip through to a different base metal, solid brass is a clear winner for longevity.

One minor note: brass will darken faster if exposed to skin oils and sweat. If you’re using it as a wearable, expect to clean it every so often, or embrace the patina.

Where it excels

• Indoor pull chains for lights and fans, especially where looks matter
• Key loops for utility cabinets, shop drawers, and tool tags
• Hanging light accessories: small tags, identification labels, pull fobs
• Temporary loops and ties in the shop, thanks to the quick connector
• Wearable use for simple, rugged pendants

The included connector makes it immediately useful, and the #6 standard means you can attach decorative pulls or swap connectors without hunting for proprietary parts.

Limitations and things to consider

• Length: Three feet is enough for most single runs, but not for longer routing. Plan on buying extra lengths and connectors if you need more distance.
• Finish: Brass will patinate. If you need a finish that stays bright and maintenance-free, a lacquered brass or stainless chain may be better.
• Load: This is hardware for pulls and small hangs—not load-bearing. Don’t trust it for safety-critical applications or significant weight.
• Outdoor exposure: Brass resists rust, but marine or constantly wet environments will accelerate patina. It’s fine on a covered porch; I’d choose stainless for coastal, high-salt settings.
• Jewelry expectations: It’s comfortable and looks good polished, but the aesthetic is utilitarian. If you want chain designed specifically for jewelry, look for smoothed ball joints and clasp options.

Practical tips

• Keep a couple of spare #6 connectors in your kit; they multiply the chain’s usefulness for custom lengths and loops.
• If you’re cutting multiple sections, lightly mark lengths with painter’s tape so you don’t lose track of segments and bead counts.
• For polished brass that stays bright longer, a thin coat of microcrystalline wax adds a subtle barrier without changing the look.
• If you’re joining to an older chain, verify it’s the same #6 size; #3 and #10 are common alternatives and won’t interchange cleanly.

The bottom line

The Jandorf brass chain does exactly what a good piece of specialty hardware should: it disappears into the job by being reliable, compatible, and pleasant to use. The solid brass construction is the star here. It avoids the common annoyances of plated chains—flaking, inconsistent color, weak connectors—and brings a touch of quality to small tasks where your hand meets the hardware day after day.

Would I recommend it? Yes. If you value durability, a respectable appearance, and hassle-free compatibility with standard #6 pull-chain accessories, this chain is worth choosing over cheaper plated alternatives. It’s a modest upgrade that pays off every time you reach for the light, snap off a key loop, or polish it back to a warm glow.