Abstract: Several methods of forming links for use with the creation of rope chains is disclosed, whereby the outer peripheries of such links are contoured prior to assembly into rope chains. In one embodiment, the wire used in the formation of intertwinable links is contoured and then cut into individual, pre-contoured links. In another embodiment, the outer periphery of non-contoured links are individually contoured prior to the intertwining of such links to form actual rope chains. In another embodiment, individual links are stamped with inner and outer peripheries of different shapes. In yet another embodiment, individual links are collectively contoured, preferably after arrangement on a support such as an ice lathe or a mandril. Such contouring can be accomplished by hand, machine or the like. If such links are not already provided with a gap, then a gap can be formed into the links as part of the contouring step.