How to Fix Tubular Wind Chimes

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Tubular wind chimes are a popular outdoor decoration that can produce soothing sounds when the wind blows. However, over time, they may become damaged or lose their effectiveness. To repair tubular wind chimes, follow these steps:

1. Inspect the chimes for any visible damage, such as cracks or bent tubes.

2. Use pliers or a mallet to gently straighten any bent tubes.

3. If there are cracks, apply a strong adhesive or epoxy to seal them.

4. Check the hanging mechanism and replace any broken or worn-out parts.

5. Clean the chimes with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt and grime.

6. Lubricate the moving parts, such as the clapper, with a silicone-based lubricant.

7. Hang the wind chimes in a suitable location to enjoy their soothing sounds.

By following these steps, you can restore the beauty and functionality of your tubular wind chimes and continue to enjoy their melodic tones for years to come.


Tubular wind chimes can be a beautiful addition to your porch, home, or garden. The tubes, which can be made of metal or bamboo, come in different lengths to produce various tones. As the chimes sway in the wind, they gently strike a part of the chime called the clapper. This creates a soothing and melodic background for your day. Although the cords of the chimes can become tangled or broken, restringing your wind chimes is a relatively simple project.

Parts of a Wind Chime

Before you start repairing your wind chimes, it’s helpful to understand the basic components of the instrument. At the top, there is a hook or ring used to hang the chimes, sometimes referred to as the hanging ring. This part is connected to a circular piece called the chime top by several strings.

From the chime top, you will notice several strings or cords that are attached to the chimes themselves. Many wind chime units have small holes drilled into the chime top for the attachment of these strings. The other end of the strings is inserted into holes on the tops of the chime tubes.

There is also a piece called the clapper hanging from the chime top. This is a smaller circular piece that the tubes gently strike in the wind. It helps to keep the chimes from moving too much or hitting each other.

At the very bottom of the wind chime unit, there is a piece called the feather. Hanging from the clapper, the feather swings in the wind and strikes the tubes, creating the musical notes that wind chimes are known for.

Replacing Wind Chime Strings

Fortunately, repairing wind chimes is not a complicated process. Many chimes are strung using nylon cord or fishing line. It is important to use matching replacement cord if you are only replacing some of the strings on your tubular chimes.

Lay your wind chimes flat on a table. Cut any strings that you need to remove and pull them out of the holes in the chime top. You may need needle-nosed pliers to help remove the strings. Cut new strings to your desired length. This will depend on how far down you want your chimes, clapper, and feather to hang. Arrange the chimes in the order you prefer around the clapper. A popular arrangement is from longest to shortest.

Next, insert the new strings into the holes in the chime top. Start by threading the string through the top, then through a chime tube, and out the hole on the other side. Finally, bring the wind chime string back up through the chime top. Keep the tube at least 1 inch from the top, but make sure the string is tight. This will ensure a great sound. Once you are satisfied with the string length, cut it, leaving a tail that is ¾-inch long.

Additional Wind Chime Repairs

If your wind chime tubes were created using aluminum, they should not corrode. Nonetheless, over time they might develop small holes. To clean aluminum chimes, utilize a gentle cloth and a mild soap and water solution. If the tubes are made of other metals and have rusted, you can apply WD40 on a soft cloth to treat them. Wooden tubes can be maintained by occasionally applying a thin coating of oil, such as lemon oil, to preserve the material’s quality.

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