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Opening & Closing Jump Rings

Get a jump ring mate!

We sell a very useful jump ring mate, which will make using jump rings much easier than having to handle two pairs of pliers. Especially for projects like charm bracelets or chandelier earrings where you may be using a lot of jump rings. This simple tool, slips onto your finger like a normal finger ring and will be a cheap but indespensible addition to your jewellery making kit.

Make your own jump ring mate

Alternatively you could make your own jump ring mate by fastening a screw into a piece of wood. Grip the jump ring in snipe nose pliers (join uppermost) & insert into the head of the screw. The jump ring can then be opened & closed easily & accurately by turning the pliers.

Step 1
Use flat nose or snipe nose pliers, (which are flat on the inside) to help you get a good grip on the jump ring. If you are right handed you will find it easiest to hold the jump ring steady with the pliers in your left hand and do the 'twisting' action with your right hand.
Step 2
The important thing to remember is that the jump ring should be opened or closed by twisting and not pulling apart. Twist open the jump ring using another pair of pliers, twisting it open away from you. Only open the ring as wide as you need.
Step 3
To close, twist back towards you, letting the ends of the jump ring slide next to each other. To get a really secure fit, twist the ring slightly past the closed positon and then back again letting the natural spring of the metal align the ends to a tight, closed position. You will hear a slight 'click' when it is securely closed.