Jatayu: Basic Wire Skills

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Basic Wire Skills - "S" Clasp

"There is no boundary between the possible and the impossible when spiritual forces are free to intervene at any moment". Diamond Jenness, from North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment

This is a nice comfortable clasp. 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 delicate piece I may use 16 gauge.

What You Need:

Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
Chasing hammer
Steel bench block
14 gauge wire

Click on thumbnails below to see an enlargement.

Step 1.

Cut 2 1/2" of 14 gauge wire. Please note: The length of your wire will be determined by how far up or down on your round nose pliers you make your curves. You may need to make some adjustments in how much wire you need to make this clasp. Experimenting with copper wire is very inexpensive. Make sure both ends have been blunt cut with your flush wire cutters. Hammer both ends with your chasing hammer.

Step 2.

Make small circles with the tips of your round nose pliers at each end of the wire. The circles should be flowing in opposite directions from each other. As I mentioned previously, if you use these small round nose pliers, 14 gauge is really going to give them a work out. I use my old pliers that I bent making small circles with 14 gauge!

Step 3.

Grasp one end of your developing clasp in the back of your round nose pliers. The little circle should be sitting up on top. Rotate your plier hand away from your body pressing down on the shaft with your free thumb.

Step 4.

Put the other end of your developing clasp in the back of the round nose pliers. The little circle should be sitting on top.

Step 5.

Rotate your plier hand away from your body. Your free thumb should be pressing down on the wire. Hammer both of the large loops for a finished look. If you leave one end open slightly a jump ring can slide through. Please see photo at the top of the page for the finished clasp.

Variations: Completely close both ends of your clasp to create a nice link to be used in a variety of ways. Or, with both ends closed use the simple clasp to hook through one of the loops to form your clasp.

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