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Chain
"Chain" in other Languages 
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v50.14 · v0.47.05 This article is about the current version of DF.Note that some content may still need to be updated. |
Chains and Ropes are items used to make traction benches, wells, restraints and minecart rollers. Ropes are not actually a distinct item type - they are merely what chains are called when they are made of cloth.
They are both listed under the "chains" heading in the z-stocks menu, are stored in finished goods stockpiles, and are generally interchangeable.
Chains are created at the metalsmith's forge with one metal bar (or four adamantine wafers), using the metal craft skill (but are found listed under "Furniture" and not "other objects" in that menu). Ropes are created at the clothier's shop with one cloth, using the clothier skill.
Taking a rope with you at embark lets you construct a well more quickly. While usually, it's much cheaper to take raw materials and produce ready goods after embark, the item value of a fiber rope is 20 vs. 12 of the thread. The dwarves will not enjoy using a base quality item as much, but cost-wise it matters 3 times less than the mechanism. On the other hand, you can make 4 metal chains after smelting one copper ore (cost 6) into 4 bars once you have your forge up and running, but that won't happen as fast - lots to consider.
Ready for holding people against their wills.
Also ready for... that same thing.
