A wind chime is only as dependable as the cord holding it up. For most outdoor chimes, a 1 to 1.5 mm braided nylon string is a good starting point, and a waxed or tarred cord helps if the chime sees a lot of rain and sun.
Below are eight cords compared by material, thickness and what each is best for, plus how to restring a chime and answers to common questions. Specs come from each Amazon listing as of October 2026, and we have not tested the cords ourselves.
What Is the Best String for Wind Chimes?
For a chime that hangs outside all year, pick a braided or tarred nylon cord. Nylon resists rot and mildew better than cotton, and a thicker cord holds more weight. Use a thinner, waxed or fine cord only for light, beaded chimes. Here is a quick look at all eight.
| If you need | Pick | Material | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium or heavier chimes | Braided Nylon Cord, 1.5 mm | Braided nylon | 1.5 mm |
| Strong, colorful cord | Paracord Planet Micro 90 | Nylon | about 1.2 mm |
| Rain, sun and coast | SGT Knots Tarred Twine | Tarred nylon | From 1.07 mm (#9) |
| Light chimes on a budget | Atwood Micro Sport Cord | Braided nylon | 1.18 mm |
| Beaded chimes | Fandol Waxed Polyester Cord | Waxed polyester | 0.8 mm |
| Natural look, covered porch | Mandala Crafts Waxed Cotton Cord | Waxed cotton | 1 mm |
| Tiny seed-bead chimes | Beadsmith S-Lon Bead Cord | Bonded nylon | 0.5 mm |
| Tiny decorative chimes | Blulu Clear Nylon Thread | Clear nylon | 0.25 mm |
What Size String Do You Use for Wind Chimes?
As a rule of thumb, use a cord of about 1 to 1.5 mm for tubes, small bells and wooden chimes, a thicker cord for heavy glass, stone or metal pieces, and 0.5 to 0.8 mm only for light, beaded designs. Check the thickness against the hole in each tube or bead, and make sure the cord passes through without being forced. If you are unsure, go a size up rather than down.
How Do You Restring a Wind Chime?
Ages: adult task, or teens with help. Difficulty: easy. Time: 30 to 60 minutes. You need new cord, scissors, and a lighter or thread sealer for the ends (adults only).
- Take the chime down and take a photo, so you know the order of the tubes and the length of each cord.
- Cut the old cords off and keep the clapper, striker and top disc.
- Cut new cord about 4 inches longer than the old piece, thread it through the hole, and tie a firm double knot.
- Seal the cut end. For nylon, an adult can briefly touch it to a flame, holding it with pliers, away from children and in a ventilated place, because melted nylon is hot and drips. A dab of clear glue also works.
- Rehang the chime and tug each cord gently to check it. Check the cord each season and replace it as soon as it looks frayed, since a worn cord can drop the chime.
Replacing the cord also keeps a chime from falling and shattering. Keep cords and chimes out of reach of babies, toddlers and pets, because long cords can be a strangulation and choking risk.
Wind Chime Strings Comparison Table
Braided Nylon Cord, 1.5 mm x 175 Yards  |
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Paracord Planet Micro 90 Cord  |
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SGT Knots Tarred Twine (Nylon Bank Line)  |
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Atwood Micro Sport Cord  |
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Fandol Waxed Polyester Cord  |
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Mandala Crafts Waxed Cotton Cord  |
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Beadsmith S-Lon Bead Cord, 0.5 mm  |
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Blulu Clear Nylon Thread (0.25 mm)  |
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The Best Strings for Wind Chimes Reviewed
1. Braided Nylon Cord, 1.5 mm x 175 Yards
Best for: Medium to heavy chimes, general outdoor use.
- Braided nylon cord
- 175 yards
- 1.5 mm thick
- Listing mentions wind chime use
A tightly braided, non-stretch nylon cord. The listing names wind chime supplies among its uses, and 1.5 mm is a common thickness for hanging tubes and small ornaments.
You can cut it with scissors and seal the ends. The 175-yard spool covers many chimes and repairs.
Good: Braided, non-stretch cord; Long spool; Takes knots and sealing well.
Watch out for: Black only on this listing; Price varies, so compare per yard.
2. Paracord Planet Micro 90 Cord
Best for: Colorful chimes with medium weight.
- Nylon cord
- Rated 90 lb strength (per the listing title)
- Thickness about 1.2 mm; check your option
- Several lengths and colors
A thin nylon craft cord rated at 90 pounds. It is strong for its size and comes in many colors and lengths, so you can match the cord to the chime.
It is too thick for tiny seed beads, so use it for plain or large-bead chimes.
Good: High strength rating for a thin cord; Many colors and lengths.
Watch out for: Too thick for small beads.
3. SGT Knots Tarred Twine (Nylon Bank Line)
Best for: Chimes in rain, sun and coastal weather.
- Tarred nylon twine
- 120 to 1,680 feet depending on size
- Diameter options from #9 (1.07 mm) up
- Black only
A tar-coated nylon bank line. The listing says 100 percent nylon and highlights resistance to moisture, UV and abrasion, which suits a chime that hangs outdoors all year.
Pick the size by chime weight. The thicker twine sizes suit heavier tubes. Black is the only color.
Good: Weather-resistant nylon; Many sizes and lengths.
Watch out for: Black only; You have to choose the right diameter.
4. Atwood Micro Sport Cord
Best for: Lightweight chimes and budget builds.
- Braided cord
- 1.18 mm thick
- 125 ft spool listed (about 42 yards)
- Sold in several colors
A lightweight braided micro cord, listed at 1.18 mm. It is thin and easy to knot, so it suits lighter chimes such as shells, small tubes and wooden beads.
We did not find wind chime use stated for this cord, so test it on a light chime first and check it after storms.
Good: Thin, easy to knot; Sold in several colors.
Watch out for: Short spool; Not marketed for wind chimes.
5. Fandol Waxed Polyester Cord
Best for: Beaded and decorated chimes.
- Waxed polyester cord
- 55 m (about 60 yards)
- 0.8 mm thick
- Waterproof, per the listing
A thin, waxed round cord. At 0.8 mm it threads through small beads, and the listing says it can be sealed by melting the ends over a flame (adults only).
It is a better fit for light chimes than for heavy glass or metal tubes.
Good: Fits small beads; Waxed finish.
Watch out for: Thin, so keep chimes light.
6. Mandala Crafts Waxed Cotton Cord
Best for: Natural-look chimes under cover.
- Waxed cotton cord
- 109 yards
- 1 mm thick, 3-ply
- Listing mentions wind chime suspension
A soft, 3-ply cord made of 100 percent cotton with a light wax coating. The listing mentions wind chime suspension among its uses.
Cotton is a natural fiber, so it can age faster than nylon when it is rained on constantly. It works best for chimes on a covered porch.
Good: Soft and easy to knot; Natural look.
Watch out for: Cotton may wear faster outdoors than nylon.
7. Beadsmith S-Lon Bead Cord, 0.5 mm
Best for: Small, light, beaded chimes.
- Twisted nylon cord (3-ply, bonded)
- 77 yards
- 0.5 mm thick
- Black (TEX210)
A fine beading cord sold for jewelry, kumihimo and macrame, not for wind chimes. It is bonded to resist fraying and takes seed beads well.
At 0.5 mm it is for small, light chimes only. Use something thicker for tubes or glass.
Good: Resists fraying; Good for small beads.
Watch out for: Thin: not for heavy chimes; Not sold for wind chimes.
8. Blulu Clear Nylon Thread (0.25 mm)
Best for: Tiny decorative chimes and hanging ornaments.
- Clear nylon thread
- 500 m (about 546 yards)
- 0.25 mm thick
- Includes a beading needle
A very thin clear thread with a beading needle. The listing says it is for hanging ornaments and sewing hobbies, not wind chimes.
It is invisible, which gives a floating look, but 0.25 mm is only for very light pieces. Thin clear nylon is not the best choice for outdoor chimes with real weight.
Good: Nearly invisible; Very long spool.
Watch out for: Too thin for most chimes.
If you want a project that does not need cord replacement, you can also learn how to make a wind chime from bottle caps on craftwhack.com.
Final Verdict
For most chimes, the braided nylon cord (1.5 mm) is the safest starting point. If you want more color, Paracord Planet Micro 90 is a strong option, and the SGT Knots tarred twine is a good fit for chimes that hang in constant weather. Choose the Fandol, Beadsmith or Blulu cords only when the chime is light and the beads are small.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Wind Chime String
Thickness and Length
Match the cord to the weight of the chime and the size of the holes. Thicker cord holds more but will not pass through small beads. A spool of 50 yards or more is plenty for several chimes.
Durability and Weather
Wind chimes hang outside, so sun, rain and wind wear on the cord. Braided nylon and tarred nylon are the most weather-resistant here. Waxed cotton is natural and softer, and it is best under cover. As a rule, braided cords tend to hold up better than thin twisted ones.
Strength
Look for a stated strength rating, like the 90 lb rating on Micro 90 cord, if the chime is heavy. If a listing gives no strength, go to a thicker size.
Flexibility
A flexible cord is easier to knot, but it should not stretch much, or the chime will sag and tubes will no longer hit each other.
Can I Hang a Wind Chime Indoors?
Yes, but it will not get enough moving air to ring much, so it works as decoration.
How Do I Clean a Wind Chime?
Wipe wood with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, and dry it well. Wash metal with dish soap and water, then dry. Do not soak wooden parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of string do you use to restring wind chimes?
Use a strong, weather-resistant cord such as braided nylon, tarred nylon or waxed polyester. Pick a thickness that fits the holes in your chime and holds its weight, usually 1 to 1.5 mm for medium chimes.
What is the best string to use for outdoor wind chimes?
Braided or tarred nylon is the best bet for outdoor chimes, because nylon holds up to sun and moisture better than cotton. Waxed polyester is also a good option for lighter chimes.
What size string is used for wind chimes?
A cord of about 1 to 1.5 mm works for most tube and wooden chimes. Use 0.5 to 0.8 mm only for light, beaded pieces, and go thicker for heavy glass or metal.
Does Hobby Lobby sell wind chime parts?
Hobby Lobby sells finished wind chimes and some wind chime craft kits, but we could not confirm that it stocks dedicated wind chime replacement parts. Check the craft cord, beads and hardware aisles, or call your local store before you go.
How do you replace the string on wind chimes?
Take a photo of the chime, cut off the old cord, thread new cord through each hole, tie a firm double knot, and seal the ends. The steps above cover it in detail.
Where can I find wind chime supplies?
Craft stores, hardware stores and online shops sell cord, beads, hooks and tubes. Amazon and similar sites sell wind chime replacement parts and kits, and the cords above are a good place to start.
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