When stormy winds blow, wind chime owners may worry that their chimes are in danger of being damaged in the strong gusts.
Now there’s a simple solution. Introducing ChimeOut™ Wind Chime Silencers, a quick and easy way to help protect and quiet wind chimes when the weather turns windy. Made from durable, weather-resistant foam, ChimeOut holds each tube separately to help prevent tube-to-tube contact and reduce unnecessary impact and wear.
ChimeOut installs in seconds, requires no tools and lets your chime remain right where it hangs – no need to remove it on those extra-windy days
Why Strong Winds Can Be Hard on Wind Chimes
Wind River chimes are designed to enhance and endure the outdoors. Their aluminum-alloy tubes and durable cording stand up beautifully to everyday exposure, including rain, cold and ordinary breezes.
However, even a well-made wind chime can experience excess strain in unusually windy conditions. If the tubes begin clashing or banging rather than ringing in harmony, the wind may be too strong. Repeated collisions can contribute to wear over time, while excessive movement may put additional stress on the chime's strings.
Protecting your chime during harsh conditions is one of the simplest ways to help it keep singing beautifully for years. In fact, weather exposure and proper maintenance are two of the key factors that can affect how long wind chimes last.
How the ChimeOut Wind Chime Silencer Works
ChimeOut is a lightweight foam disc designed specifically for wind chimes. Flexible, precision-cut notches cradle the individual tubes and keep them separated, while also holding the striker still. A slit through the center fits around the chime's striker cord, so there is no need to disassemble the chime or remove it from its hook.
To install ChimeOut:
- Hold the silencer vertically and guide its center slit around the center striker cord.
- Position it among the chime tubes.
- Rotate the silencer so it’s horizontal and slide each tube securely into each outer notch.
- Move the silencer down to rest on the striker.
Once in place, ChimeOut keeps the tubes from touching the center striker or one another, silencing the chime while helping protect it from forceful contact. When conditions calm down and you’re ready to hear your chime again, simply reverse the process and remove it.
When to Use a Wind Chime Silencer
Keep ChimeOut nearby so you can reach for it whenever your chime needs a little extra protection, or you need a little less sound.
- Before Strong Winds or Storms: Install ChimeOut when high winds are forecast or when you hear the tubes begin to clash rather than ring. ChimeOut is especially convenient for larger chimes, which may be heavy, high or difficult to take down on short notice.
While ChimeOut provides an easy additional option for stabilizing the tubes when removal is difficult or a windy period is expected, Wind River's general chime maintenance recommendations still advise moving chimes to a protected location during severe wind or ice storms, whenever it is safe and practical to do so.
- During Windy Seasons: Some locations experience frequent gusts at certain times of year. ChimeOut can remain ready for those blustery days, helping you protect your chime without repeatedly moving it into storage. For more seasonal advice, see our guide to caring for wind chimes in winter.
- Whenever You Want a Quiet Moment: There may also be times when you simply prefer quiet: overnight, during an outdoor conversation or while working nearby. ChimeOut gives you control over when your chime plays, without having to change its placement.
How to Choose the Right ChimeOut Size
ChimeOut is available in five sizes to fit wind chimes with tube diameters ranging from 0.75 inches to 2.5 inches. Measure the outside diameter of one tube and use the guide below to choose the best fit.
| ChimeOut size | Tube diameter | Wind Chime Length |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 0.75-0.875” | Chimes shorter than 36” long |
| Medium | 1-1.25” | 36”– 44” chimes (plus Corinthian Bells 74”, Festival 60” & Arias 58”, due to narrower tube diameter) |
| Large | 1.5” | 50” chimes |
| Extra Large | 1.75-2” | 56” – 60” chimes |
| XXL | 2.25-2.5” | 60+” chimes |
If you are unsure how your chime is measured, our guide to wind chime measurements and musical keys can help.
Note: ChimeOut works with any wind chime with 6 or fewer tubes.
A Simple Addition to Your Wind Chime Care Routine
Good placement and routine care help your wind chime sound its best and last longer. Hang it from a strong, stationary support with enough clearance that the wind sail and tubes can move freely without hitting a wall, pole, tree trunk or other object. Our tips for hanging Wind River chimes can help you find the ideal location.
Then, when the forecast calls for stronger winds, add ChimeOut. Its quick, tool-free design makes protecting and silencing your chime part of an easy routine:
- Let your chime sing in gentle, music-making breezes.
- Install ChimeOut when winds become too strong or quiet is preferred.
- Take your chime down and move it to a protected location during severe weather, whenever practical.
- Remove ChimeOut when conditions improve and let the music return.
With the right care, your chime can bring rich, resonant sound to your outdoor space for many years. Shop all ChimeOut Wind Chime Silencers and choose the right size for your chime.
