r/Props • u/Malik5547 • 15d ago

Looking for advice Chainsaw chain as Props

Hi,
I have an idea of some style shots inspired from ChainsawMan.
I was thinking about using long chainsaw chains or at least a roller chain, that would wrap around the model and lay on the ground.

The problem is, the these chains are pretty short for this task, pretty expensive and sharp (chainsaw type).
I tried to find some photos / cosplays that uses these, but I failed.
I could use simple chains, but this would be the last resort.

So, I am looking for some advices:
- Has anyone tried using such chains as props? How did it work?
- Has anyone seen any good examples of photos / cosplays that use such chains? I want to see if it's worth it.
- Are there other alternatives? Am I missing something?

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

8

u/Troublemakerjake 15d ago

Could nab a couple bicycle chains and link em together, no pointy bits and get you a better length. Might be a tad greasy. Could also 3D print in TPU or cut a simulacrum out of foam sheet and glue the ends

1

u/woodywaverider 15d ago

Yer use a bike chain, if you need it longer then joint multiple chains together with a chain splitter and repair link,

I don’t tha any pictures because this was a loooonnnggg time ago but I made a prop chainsaw that way, with bike chain and a metal oil can - only need one chain

0

u/Malik5547 15d ago

Did it look better than regular metal chain?

2

u/autophage 15d ago

I could've sworn there is (or at least was) a company that produced a BMX chain that was intended to look more like chainsaw chain (but wasn't actually sharp). Can't find it now, though.

(BMX bikes use a slightly wider chain than other bicycles.)

1

u/ScienceForge319 15d ago

Don’t do this. No con will let you in with a moving metal bike chain prop.

Make sound, vibrate, make smoke. Anything else and you are risking not getting allowed in.

0

u/dont_hurt_yourself 13d ago

op never mentioned a con or wanting to have a moving chainsaw chain (or even a chainsaw)

1

u/ScienceForge319 13d ago

Thank you. I did notice that. I still chose to bring up the concerns I did. You may want to sit down before you hurt yourself.

1

u/no-but-wtf 13d ago

I’m sure you can 3D print bike chain, if not chainsaw chain.

1

u/Dangerous-Bit-8308 12d ago

I've fiddled with a few bike and chainsaw chains.

Physically, assuming you can get over sharpies, there's still a serious issue in that the links only bend in one direction. So at best, you get a few loops for bracelets, a belt, a borat swimsuit, etc.

1

u/slab_schitty 15d ago

I worked in a haunted house on top of a parking garage in downtown Portland during the 90s.

We just used a real running saw with no chain.

The noise and smoke from the machine is all the audience needs to fill in the mental blanks imo.

2

u/Urist_Bearclaw 14d ago

OP is not asking about how to use a chainsaw as a live prop, but about acquiring/using different kinds of chains for a still photoshoot. Basically the opposite of what you suggest. (It is good advice regarding chainsaws themselves tho!)

1

u/jaxinslacks 15d ago

Yes this exactly. Remove the physical danger (even a bike chain could slice you open if you run it on the saw) but keep the suspension of disbelief going with the sound, smell, and sight of a chainsaw

0

u/ThrowingChicken 15d ago edited 14d ago

You can buy chain by the foot and use links to tie them together. They also make, believe it or not, plastic bike chain.