Working with Jump Rings

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Find out the key to working with jump rings.

Dale Nicholson
 
The key to working with jump rings is simple: use chain nose pliers (or a combination of a chain nose with bent nose pliers) to carefully open and close the jump ring ends. Chain nose pliers will give you a secure grip, and they have jaws that are flat on the inside. This prevents marring the surface of your metal ring.
 
Take care to use a soft but secure grip. Applying heavy pressure against the jump ring metal with your pliers could bend or twist it. This action weakens and stresses the integrity and might also leave residual marks and unattractive dents in the metal.
 
To close the jump ring, apply a gentle inward pressure. This action causes the metal to heat slightly which work-hardens it at the pivot point and results in a stronger closure. A secure closure point also has a good clean appearance.
 
Jump Ring Basics

• Locate the split in the jump ring.  With a pair of chain nose pliers in each hand, grasp the ring on both sides of the split. Position the jaws of each pair of pliers fairly close to the split.
• Gently open the jump ring by moving one hand away from you and the other toward you as shown in the photo above.
• To close jump ring, reverse the process as shown in the photo below.

• When starting to use jump rings in your jewelry making techniques, purchase an assortment pack so that you become familiar with the styles that work best for your type of jewelry work.
• Jump rings are often made out of different wire gauges so you’ll find that different brands will be either thin and flimsy or thick and super strong. The thin type will fit into the smallest hole but might not be strong enough to withstand a lot of wear and also could break open. The super strong one will be very sturdy but could be REALLY hard to open and might not fit through the holes of some pendants (especially those made of crystal, ceramic, or gemstones.) Be sure to experiment with different jump ring thicknesses and styles to find the ones that work best for your particular project.
• Explore different types of jump ring materials. Most budget versions are made out of a base metal and are usually more hardened and stiff in feel. These are perfect for learning and practicing your jump ring technique, but don’t be surprised if you make a few mistakes. Once you become more adept, move on to using other metals such as copper or silver.
• Jump rings are often sold by size, by both outer and inner dimensions. If you are using jump rings to work up chainmail construction, it is extremely important to buy the exact measurements as stated in the instructions for the best results.
• Once you have perfected your technique, buy the best jump rings that your budget allows. Sold in a variety of wire gauge widths, you will want to work with the dead soft version as it is very pliable and forgiving. This soft material requires confident handling; remember to apply a gentle inward pressure when closing the ring.
• Once you master the techniques of working with jump rings, you will want to augment your supplies with additional styles and materials to use as design elements and functional accents.

Jump rings are a jewelry essential.  Now that you know the basics you are ready to use jump rings in all your jewelry and beading projects!  Or branch out and try to incorporate into your other crafts too!