Abstract: A rope chain is fabricated of hollow links that have been intertwined to form a rope chain of the double helix type. The hollow rope chain is moved continuously, in a continuous length, over pulley guides whereon the exposed surface of the rope chain is deformed without material removal. Rotating tools, having sloped surfaces, wedge against the outer surface of the rope chain links and flatten them as the tool and chain move in opposite directions relative to each other. The tools have no cutting edges, but deform the rope chain entirely by wedging action of the tool surfaces that interfere with the outer circumference of the rope chain and move the link wall both inwardly and longitudinally. Conventional diamond cutting facet machines, which are used to shear facets, are adapted for use in accordance with the invention by removing the shearing tools and installing wedging tools.