How to Install Hamon, Migumo, and Ajiro
Hamon, Migumo, and Ajiro come with everything needed to connect to your eave trough. No extra parts required — you can start installation right away.
Note: The top connection uses the included wire. The chain is suspended from the eave trough, not bolted.
For K-Style Gutters
Hole size: 1 3/4 in (45 mm) for all standard models; 2 3/8 in (60 mm) for Migumo L.
Steps: Drop the stainless steel Gutter Outlet into the hole from above. Hook the wire on the top link and pull it up through the Gutter Outlet. Secure to the Hanging Bracket and trim any excess wire.
For Half-Round Gutters
For Half-Round Gutters, no Gutter Outlet is needed — the eave trough is worked directly. Drill a pilot hole at the center. Use tin snips to make radial cuts, then bend the tabs inward. Install the Hanging Bracket, hook the wire on the top link, and pull it up through the hole. Secure to the bracket and trim any excess wire.
Installing on a Half-Round Gutter
Step 1: Drill the Pilot Hole
Mark the center of your eave trough and drill a pilot hole.
- Standard size: 1/2 in (12 mm) diameter
- L-size: 7/8 in (22 mm) diameter
A helpful tip: Use a center punch to mark the spot before drilling. It prevents slipping and gives a cleaner result.
Step 2: Make Radial Cuts
Using tin snips, make radial cuts about 1/4 in (6 mm) long from the edge of the pilot hole.
A helpful tip: Space the cuts evenly — picture sun rays radiating outward. Even spacing makes Step 3 much easier.
Step 3: Fold and Shape the Opening
Fold each tab carefully downward, toward the inside of the eave trough. The effective hole diameter will be:
- Standard size: approx. 15/16 in (24 mm)
- L-size: approx. 1 5/16 in (34 mm)
Before You Finish: One Important Check
When attaching the top of the rain chain, place it as close as possible to the drain opening. This may be the bottom of the Gutter Outlet or the opening in the eave trough. If the gap is too large, the connecting wire may be exposed and affect the appearance. Rainwater may also have trouble reaching the rain chain, which can lead to splashing.
Common Questions
If the Hole Is Too Large
If you are replacing an existing downspout with a rain chain, the original hole may be too large for the included Gutter Outlet to sit securely. The optional Stainless Steel Washer, sold separately, solves this in one step.
Connecting to a Vertical Pipe
Attaching a rain chain to a vertical pipe — rather than a standard eave trough — requires the optional Fitting for Drainpipe Connectors, sold separately. This part comes in multiple sizes. Check the technical drawings to confirm the right fit before ordering.
Trimming requires a Bolt Cutter.
Please note: On-site extension after installation is not recommended. Before ordering, measure your installation height. Order a little longer than needed, then trim to fit after hanging.
Anchoring with a Basin
When you purchase a rain chain and Basin together, the connecting hardware is included. The steps below show how to use it.
For Amane, Amane L, Amamichi, and Shippo
Thread the included U-Bolt through the bottom ring of the rain chain — for Hamon, this is the bottom end of the chain body itself. Insert the U-Bolt into the Basin and secure with the screw from the back.
For Amakage and Amabachi
Thread the wire through the mounting hardware, set the Basin in place, and tie it to the bottom of the rain chain. Trim any excess wire.
If you are using the Amabachi, add decorative gravel to the basin after securing. It makes for a calm, finished look.
How to Attach Amakage and Amabachi
Anchoring with an Anchor Kit
Drive an anchor into the ground and connect the bottom of the rain chain with a stainless steel wire — both sold separately. A secure base reduces swaying and shifting in strong wind.
Please note: Neither the anchor nor the connecting wire is included. Choose an anchor suited to your surface — concrete, soil, gravel, and similar — and source a stainless steel wire.
A helpful tip: Cover the anchor area with decorative gravel once installed. It hides the hardware and gives the base a calm, finished look.
