Those tools for cutting the thread between chained pieces are great. Years ago, my DH made me one out of a empty fishing line spool...just over half an inch thick. Then he placed an extra seam ripper with the sharp point sticking up. He used nuts (for bolts) around it and then used thick glue to keep the whole thing together. It has held up great over the years. He offered to paint the base, but I just love the industrial look so we left it that way. Didn't cost anything....