How much does Chainmaille cost?
Real gear costs, sorted by tier. The essentials first — then the nice-to-haves once you're hooked.
Budget starter
$35
Essentials only, cheapest picks
Mid-range
$85
Essentials, recommended picks
Full setup
$200
Essentials + optional gear, premium
Cost questions
How much does Chainmaille cost to start?
A budget Chainmaille starter kit runs around $35 for the essentials. A mid-range setup is closer to $85, and a fully kitted setup runs $200+.
Is Chainmaille an expensive hobby?
No — Chainmaille is relatively affordable. You can get started for under $35 with the essential gear.
What do I actually need to buy to start Chainmaille?
The essentials are: Rings, Pliers. The optional gear is nice once you're hooked, but not required to get started.
Can I start Chainmaille on a budget?
Yes. The budget tier shown above gets you everything essential for around $35. Avoid buying the premium tier until you've stuck with it for a few months.
Understanding Chainmaille costs
The real cost to start Chainmaille sits between $35 (bare essentials, budget picks) and $85 (solid mid-range kit) for the items you genuinely need on day one. A fully equipped setup with optional gear runs around $200. Those figures assume you're buying new — used gear can cut the entry cost significantly, especially for Chainmaille, where secondhand equipment is common.
What's essential vs. optional
The 2 essential items in this breakdown — Rings, Pliers — are what you actually need to get started. Skip any of these and you'll hit a wall early. The 1 optional item (Patterns & Findings) are quality-of-life upgrades that matter once the habit is established. Buy them when you've confirmed the hobby is sticking.
Which tier should you start with?
For most beginners, the mid-range tier (~$85) is the right starting point. Budget picks often create friction that makes it harder to tell if you're struggling with the hobby or just fighting bad equipment. Mid-range gear removes that ambiguity without overcommitting before you know the hobby sticks. The premium tier ($200+) makes sense once you've been doing Chainmaille for six months or more and know exactly where your current gear is holding you back.
What each item is for
- Rings(~$50 mid-range)Jump rings in the right size and metal — the raw material.
- Pliers(~$35 mid-range)Two pairs of smooth-jaw pliers — the only tools you truly need.