Jatayu: Basic Wire Skills

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Basic Wire Skills - Simple Clasp

"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

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.

What You Need:

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

Click on thumbnails below to see an enlargement.

Step 1.

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.

Step 2.

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.

Step 3.

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.

Step 4.

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.

Step 5.

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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