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Simple Clasp |
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"In human affairs, aesthetic form
comes into being when traditions exist that, strong and abiding
like mountains, are made pleasing by a lucid beauty. By contemplating
the forms existing in the heavens, we come to understand time
and its changing demands. Through contemplation of the forms
existing in human society, it becomes possible to shape the world".
I Ching, Hexagram 22, Grace |
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Make sure you use a wire gauge that is heavy enough to produce
a strong clasp for your necklace or bracelet. I generally use
14 gauge wire, but, for a more delicate piece I may use 16 gauge. |
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What You Need
- Round nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Chain nose pliers
- Chasing hammer
- Steel bench block
- Round nose pliers
- 14 gauge wire
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Click on thumbnails to see an enlargement. |
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Step 1. |
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Cut 2" of 14 gauge wire. Make sure both ends have been blunt
cut with your flush wire cutters. Hammer the tip of one end of
the wire. Grasp the hammered end with the tip of your round nose
pliers. I have used small round pliers in this photo, but you
can use large round nose pliers as well. Rotate your plier hand
away from your body to form a circle. Note: 14 gauge wire is
pretty heavy to be forming these small circles with the small
round nose pliers. I use an old pair with bent prongs. |
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Step 2. |
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Grasp the wire (right next to the little circle you just made)
in the back of your round nose pliers. For this maneuver I have
used my large round nose pliers. Rotate your wrist away
from your body, and with the thumb of your free hand, press down
on the wire. |
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Step 3. |
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Grasp the tail of the wire with your round nose pliers. See photo
for how the developing clasp should be positioned in your round
nose pliers. How far up or down on your pliers will determine
the eye size. Remember to avoid having any of the tail sticking
out beyond the pliers. Rotate the circle away from
your body while pressing down on the shank of your clasp with
the thumb of your free hand. Form a full circle. |
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Step 4. |
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With your chain nose pliers grasp the eye at the joint.
While holding the clasp with the thumb of your free hand and
index finger, rotate your plier hand towards your body until
an angle is created at the neck. With your round nose pliers
close the gap in the eye. The eye should be sitting on top of
the neck. |
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Step 5. |
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Hammer the large bend of your clasp for a finished look. With
your round nose pliers in the large bend, and with your free
thumb against the shank, rotate your plier hand away from your
body until about 1/4" remains in the gap. |
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Previous Page
"S" Clasp |
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Please contact
me if these instructions aren't clear so adjustments can
be made.
Click here to download a printer
friendly Acrobat PDF file of this page. |
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