How to Open and Close Jump Rings Securely

Project Info:

Jump Rings

Level: beginner

Estimated time: Under 5 minutes

More Info

Jump rings can be a quick, easy and secure element in jewelry design if it is done correctly and securely. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot any possible problems you may encounter: -If your jump rings won't close you probably applied pressure in the wrong direction when opening them. Be careful to only twist that one point of wire opposite the cut. -Once distorted, jump rings will not reform easily, and should just be thrown away. -Getting a flush close is very important to prevent rings snagging or pulling open too easily. -While you can open jump rings by twisting your bent nose plier away from you, you will find this method makes the jump rings a little easier to use when feeding them into jewelry or chain mail weaves.

How to Open and Close Jump Rings Securely

6mm/18g Jump Rings- Bright Gold

Project Map

Opening Jump Rings: Step 1

With the cut in the jump ring at the top of the ring, hold it with the pliers as shown: chain nose in left hand and bent nose in right (reverse all steps for left-handed)The plier jaws should be parallel with the cut in the jump ring with the tips pointing to the sky.

Step 2

Imagine you want to twist the point of metal opposite the cut in the jump ring. This is the only part of the jump ring that will actually be moving.

Step 3

Without exerting any inward or outward pressure, twist your right hand so that the tip of the plier comes towards you.

Step 4

Your ring should look like this.

Closing Jump Rings: Step 1

Holding the pliers the same way, gently twist the right plier back towards the left, without any inward or outward pressure.

Step 2

Since wire is springy, you may need to gently "rock" the pliers back and forth past the closed point until the jump ring remains closed. You should be able to achieve a very flush close with no gaps.