The first time I heard the term “rain chain,” I had no idea what it meant but it sounded so cool that I instantly wanted one.  Then I actually saw what a rain chain is – an alternative to the traditional rain gutter downspout – and I realized that I didn’t just want one, I needed one.  Now, you could spend close to $100 to purchase a rain chain, but we’re willing to bet that most of our readers are too frugal for that kind of expenditure.  Especially when you can make your own for just a fraction of the price!  We found a DIY version at Curbly that DIY Maven assembled using small metal buckets.  Form meets function meets frugality…  We love it!  [how to make a rain chain]

Project estimate:

  • Small metal buckets, about $10 and up
  • Chain, about $3 and up
  • S-hooks, $1 and up
  • Eye bolt,  $1
  • Downspout outlet, about $2 and up

Total:  about $17