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Opening and Closing Jump Rings

by Judy Larson
Jump rings. Every jewelry maker has a stash of jump rings in many sizes and gauges because they are used in so many jewelry designs. Two basic types of jump rings are used in beginning jewelry making: Closed, which can't be opened, on the left where the ends are soldered together, and open on the right where the jump ring can be opened and closed for a variety of uses.
Instructions
Learning how to open and close jump rings in the correct manner is not hard, but it is an essential skill to learn.

The first thing to know is how NOT to open them. A jump ring should be opened like the ring on the right, not the one on the left. The one on the left was pulled or stretched open and will be almost impossible to get it back into the original round shape with the cut ends flush and even.
Positioning the pliers on the jump ring: To open and close jump rings, two pliers are generally used, either two flat nose pliers or a flat and a chain nose plier. Where to grasp the jump ring with pliers: The first photo shows the jump ring opening a bit off center between the two pliers. This will work, but the closer to centered the opening is between the pliers-second photo, the more likely the twist in the jump ring will be half way around the ring, which is ideal.
Judy Larson's Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, , opening jump rings
If using a flat nose and a chain nose pliers, position the jump ring between the jaws as shown. By positioning the chain nose plier jaws parallel to the center line of the jump ring, there is better grip on the ring, meaning there will be less distortion as compared to using the tips of the plier.
Open the ring: Twist your wrist and pliers of one hand to bring one side of the jump ring forward or backward. Here that was forward, but either way is fine.
Judy Larson's Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, , opening jump rings
Judy Larson's Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, , opening jump rings
Close the ring: After adding the desired element to the jump ring, it is ready to close. To work harden the ring to make it less likely to open, twist the same wrist and pliers so the pliers will twist one ring side in the opposite direction. Here it was to the back. Twist the same jump ring side back to the front. It may be necessary to go back and forth in this manner a few times until the ends of the jump ring "scrape" together. Even the jump ring ends up if needed and you are done!
Judy Larson's Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, , closing jump rings
Judy Larson's Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, , closing jump rings
Judy Larson's Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, , closing jump rings

Materials

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Tools

Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
Add to Bag
Flat Nose Wire Pliers
G2-506
  • G2-506
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
Add to Bag
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  • Category: Findings
  • Technique(s): General Education

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