Need tips at how to sprite chains

[Alblaka]

not as in 'a chain of sprites', but the actual metal rope thingy, alternatively called chains, shackles, bonds...

I figured a few simple chain textures are even inside of MY spriting capabilities. I've had troubles finding a start and entirely no success when it came to finding something via google (shackle gives me a lot of stuff, but not the right thing, whilst 'sprite chains' will give me tutorials on how to turn sprites into animations, blargh).

Anyone can give me a few tips regarding how to draw simple chains and how to give them a uncrappy shading with low effort means? Or can drop me a link to such a tutorial?

Further information:
-I suck at spriting.
-I have and work with Paint and Photofiltre.
-I have a (even legit ) version of Photoshop though I'm not really used to it.

Thanks in advance.


PS: And duh, yes, I intend to use the gained knowledge to create some chain-sprites for the next char of mine.
PSedit: I thought LFE-F was the one NOT underlining links... meh, hidden secret ruined.