How to Install Toh, Ta-ke, Tama, Toh L, and Tama L
All Tube-Style rain chains — Toh, Ta-ke, Tama, Toh L, and Tama L — come with everything needed to connect to your eave trough. No extra parts required. Gather your tools and you are ready to start.
What is included: Gutter Outlet, Bracket, Hex Nut, Threaded Rod, Wing Nut
Note: Toh L and Tama L include a larger, dedicated Gutter Outlet and Bracket sized for higher flow rates.
For K-Style Gutters
Use the included Gutter Outlet, Bracket, and Threaded Rod to secure the rain chain to your K-Style Gutter.
- Hole size: 1 3/4 in (45 mm) for standard chains, or 2 3/8 in (60 mm) for L-size.
A helpful tip: Apply caulk around the Gutter Outlet before tightening to keep the connection watertight.
For Half-Round Gutters
Half-Round Gutters require a different approach. Drill a pilot hole at the center of the eave trough. Use tin snips to make radial cuts from the edge, then bend the tabs inward. Install the Hanging Bracket, attach the Threaded Rod to the top link, and pull it up through the hole. Thread the rod through the bracket, tighten with a Hex Nut and Wing Nut, then trim any excess.
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
For the best water flow, position the top of the rain chain 1/2 to 1 in (13–25 mm) below the bottom of the eave trough. Adjust the length before securing.
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: Tube-Style rain chains have a special internal construction that makes on-site extension impractical. 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 wire up through the hole on the underside of the Basin, then through the bottom link of the rain chain. Tie securely and trim any excess wire.
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.
Anchoring with an Anchor Kit
Drive an anchor into the ground and connect the bottom of the rain
chain with the included wire. A secure base reduces swaying and shifting
in strong wind.
Please note: The anchor is not included. Choose one suited to your surface — concrete, soil, gravel, and similar.
A helpful tip: Cover the anchor area with decorative gravel once installed. It hides the hardware and gives the base a calm, finished look.
