A Better T-bar

by Judy Larson

Toggles are the easiest closure to use, especially one handed, as with bracelets. However, they are the least secure closure.

The T-Bar of this toggle is made with twisted wire and there are three levels to the O-Ring. After shaping to T-Bar to fit over an O-Ring, I feel this toggle shape is the most secure I have ever made.

Instructions

Every little bit of resistance to the T-Bar slipping out of the O-Ring is important. The T-Bars used with the two toggles shown here are made with twisted wire with balls soldered to the ends.

The bumps or ridges of the twisted wire used in the T-Bar provide a bit more resistance to slipping than smooth wire, making the T-Bar a bit more secure. Balls soldered to the ends of the twisted wire also add a bit more slip-resistance.

Judy Larson's A Better T-bar - , Wire Jewelry Design, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, toggle bar

Not all jewelry toggle designs are suited to the use of the rope look of twisted wire. Using smooth round or square wire to make the T-Bar would not be optimum but would be fine.

What really makes the T-Bar more secure, though, is shaping the sides to fit over the O-Ring. Cut the length of the T-Bar a bit longer than what is needed, taking into account that the length of the T-Bar will be a bit shorter than the cut length because of shaping.

Once the T-Bar is constructed, use soft-jaw round-nose pliers to shape the T-Bar to look like a bird in flight.

First, bend the sides up on either side of center-first photo, and then curve the "wings" down-second photo. Check to make sure the curves in the T-Bar fit the O-Ring. Make any adjustments needed.

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Round Nose Nylon Tipped Pliers--Small

PLR-827.00

PLR-827.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $8.97
Gold Club Price: $6.73

Out of Stock

Add All Items to Cart

Category: Design
Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!

A Better T-bar

Materials

Tools

Reviews

Judy Larson

Other Tips by Judy Larson

Supplies

Resources

About Us

Connect With Us