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Tips & Techniques

Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.

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Closing A Jump Ring


About this Tip:

If you've been making jewelry, chances are you've had problems getting jump rings to work exactly the way you want them to.

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Components:

The products featured in this tip are listed below.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:
Hold either side of the jump rings using pliers. I prefer to use chain nose in my right hand and the back of my bent nose in the other hand. You can use your fingers, but they aren't as steady and you can hurt the tips of your fingers if you are working with a heavier gauge.
Step 2:
With your pliers, move the ring apart, separating back and forth rather than side to side. If you separate side to side, you will have a very difficult time trying to get the jump ring to close properly and will more than likely not be able to regain the round shape.
Step 3:
Once you have attached your open jump ring to a clasp, charm, chain, etc, you now close the jump ring the same way you opened it. As you bring the ends together, make sure to have them bump into each other. This creates a firmer connection at the opening.
Step 4:
TIP: If you find that you have followed these steps and still do not have a closed jump ring, I recommend gently tapping the jump ring on a nylon block using a plastic mallet. Make sure to only tap a couple times and then turn so that the shape stays maintained. The combination of this and working the ends back and forth with your pliers will help the jump ring come together nicely.

Designs using this Technique:

































Buy Products from this Technique




Read the comments (or add your own)

  1. QTWIQ
    QTWIQ says:

    Awesome! I am a knitter and use beads in my knitting and make my own stitchmarkers using jump rings and beads. Now I know how to keep them round.

    Attachment

  2. Jane MS
    Jane MS says:

    Thank you for this. I have taught myself most of what I know. Most sources gloss over the basics like they are no big deall and and you will always do it perfectly.

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    S Wagner says:

    No matter how hard I try, and believe me when I say I have tried, I cannot get the ring to make that click sound everyone talks about! It worrie’s me that the piece I make will come apart on me! Can you solder them closed I wonder? Anyone know about this? Thanks!

  4. juku7
    juku7 says:

    Jump rings are usually the bane of my jewelry making existence. I have never used the bent nose pliers in closing them. Will give it a shot.

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    qltldy10 says:

    I also would like to know more about jump rings. Twice I have tried using silver ones to join 2 chains to a clasp- the silver is soft and opens right up and the chains fall off, lol…

  6. beaded banana
    beaded banana says:

    i sometimes use small crimp pliers to hold one end. dunno why, maybe it’s the shape of the handle, but it seems to work for me. although i do have to be careful of tool marks.

    i’ve come across jump rings from other stores that have rough and what seems like uneven edges, making it hard to close properly. i get that ‘click’ but it’s because part of the ring has touched but not all of it.

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    Betsie C says:

    This is something I will try, for sure!! I always have problems with these and I think you are right, if you go back and forth makes a lot of sense!

  8. beaded banana
    beaded banana says:

    I have had problems with rings sliding out of bent nose pliers. Weird, I know…

  9. desert beader
    desert beader says:

    That’s the only way to open a jump ring. I learned the hard way, trial and error

  10. desert beader
    desert beader says:

    That’s the AONLY way to opren a jump ring. I learned the hard way, trial and error.

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    Redroses says:

    So glad I found our site, will definitely be ordering in the near future.

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    91dazie says:

    Have just started in making earrings. Enjoy your site because you include kits or information about making a specific earrings. Have a lot to learn…

  13. barbies baubbles and bea
    barbies baubbles and bea says:

    hey all you beaders,i love shopping at lima beads.everything ive gotten from them has been awesome.never a problem.i also like going through the directions for new jewelry.i always come away with all different ideas.keep up the great job lima beads.do you have a shop in ann arbor?we go home to Michigan several times a year if you have a shop. we would love to.stop and shop.barbies baubles and beads

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    K krupa says:

    I will try this technique as well. I seem to have more jump rings on the floor, instead of my jewelry! Thank you for the tip!

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