Abstract: A rope chain is made from hollow rectangular links having a trapezoidal cross section. The wider parallel surface of the trapezoid is the outer periphery of the shaped link and is the primary surface of the finished rope chain. The narrower parallel surface of the trapezoidal shape, having a channel which forms a longitudinal seam running around the inside of the link, is an inside surface of the finished rope chain and is not visible in a finished chain. The other two sides of the trapezoid converge in symmetrical relationship to the parallel surfaces, and include an angle that approximately equals 360.degree. divided by the number of links required to form a single cycle of links in a double helix, as viewed in an end view of the rope chain. Adjacent links abut, planar surface to planar surface, and form a close fitting circle with a smooth external surface for the rope chain.