If you don't have bolt cutters, use a hacksaw, angle grinder, or reciprocating saw instead. Secure the chain in a clamp or vise, then saw through 1 link. Keep sawing until both sides of the link are cut in two.
Place the bolt cutters on the link of the chain you want to cut. Keep in mind that you need to open the blades of the bolt cutters and place the chain links you want to cut in between the blades properly. Try to fit the chains in the bolt cutters as far as you can.
In order to shorten the link without a chain tool, you need an alternative tool like a hammer, pliers or thin nail. They will assist you in pushing the pin easily. You can position the chain over a socket, and hit it with a hammer. Then, you can now pass the bolt all throughout the open holes.
Simply put on your necklace, gather the excess chain at the back and slip an old earring through the chain. Put the back on the earring and turn the necklace right way around. Voila! No more snagged or hidden necklaces!
Hacksaws
Just like a pair of cable cutters, a hacksaw is cheap and pretty easy to carry around unnoticed. And just like the cable cutters, it will tear through a cable lock very easily. With enough time, a hacksaw will also cut through low quality u-locks and chains which tend to be made from thin, soft metal.
The Best Chain Has Hexagonal or Square Links
A heavy-duty, hardened steel chain with hexagonal links thwarts nearly every thief with a bolt cutter. Hexagonal links (or square or trapezoidal) make it impossible for bolt cutters to get a grip.
Use Bolt Cutters
There are a variety of tools you can use to cut through a chain link fence. However, bolt cutters are one of the cheapest and easiest to use. Most DIYers can easily get their hands on a pair. Preferably, the bolt cutters should be 8-10 inches.
I use a 4" grinder to grind the pin on the link you want to break the chain at, then use a punch that is slightly smaller in diameter and drive it out with a hammer. You just need to grind the pin until it's flush against the outer link plate. Then simply punch it through.
Bolt cutters are the common tool of choice for to cut padlocks during forcible-entry. Unfortunately, most padlocks are made of case-hardened steel, which is very strong in comparison to the materials that bolt cutters were intended to cut.
In order to cut chain to the proper length, we recommend using a sturdy pair of Side Cutters to snip one link in the chain. Our trusted Heavy Duty Side Cutters are a great starter pair of pliers for cutting metal.
Another way to temporarily shorten the length of your necklace is to fold it around your wrist until it fits and becomes a bracelet. You can then use a safety pin or an earring stud to put the folds together.
Yes, its an easy chain solder any jeweler should be able to do, given that it is real gold. Personally my local jeweler charges $24 for solid piece solders and $36 for hollow solders. they should just be able to pull the tab off the end, shorten, then reattach the tab.