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Daily Wire Tip Dec. 1: Working with Small Jump Rings

By on December 1, 2009
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip

Question:

How on earth do you work with those tiny jump rings? Is there a special tool?

Answer:

Most of us use two pair of needle-nose, chain-nose pliers when working with very tiny jump rings, one pair in each hand. Use the pliers in the non-dominant hand to hold the ring on one side of the opening and use the pliers in the dominant hand to open and or close the ring. Pivot the ring to open it–don’t try to pry the ring apart sideways, as that will only deform the ring.

Jump ring pliers

Premium 4 1/2 ” Jump Ring Pliers Bent Nose: Premium 4 1/2″ Jump Ring Pliers Bent Nose – Pack of 1. These are the Jump Ring Pliers Every Jeweler Should Have. Jaws are Grooved to Hold Any Size Jump Ring. Easily Hold Rings While Soldering.

Unfortunately I also know the pain and aggravation of dealing with arthritis and I take an over-the-counter pain med when absolutely necessary. When I’m having a good day I work with very small things and when it’s a bad day I stick to working with things that don’t hurt!

Jump ring holder

Jump Ring Opener/Holder: This extra handy device holds your jump ring for you. It makes opening and closing jump rings a breeze! Stainless steel ring has three different size grooves to fit various jump rings.

 

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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10 Comments

  1. avatar

    Kristi Yetsko

    December 1, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    And no matter how careful you are, the jump rings are still going to go flying off somewhere from time to time. That’s why they’re called \\"jump\\" rings.
    :-)

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      December 3, 2009 at 10:23 am

      I never thought of that description Kristi. Makes total sense – cute!
      Dale/Cgr

  2. avatar

    Lesia

    December 1, 2009 at 10:50 pm

    There are also jump ring tools that look like a wide banded ring with varying size of straight line cut into it. You put it on a finger of non-dominant hand and use pliers to slot it into ring-tool and give it a gentle twist. It is super easy to use – especially if you are not good with using tools in both hands.

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      December 3, 2009 at 10:25 am

      You are so right Lesia. My daughter creates chain maille and as she uses lots of rings all the time, uses one of those little gems herself. Thanks! (Folks you can do an Interent search for ‘jump ring tool’ to see what we are speaking of.)
      Dale/Cgr

  3. avatar

    Anne Reid

    December 2, 2009 at 12:01 am

    I can relate. . . I make “micromail” jewelry and the ID’s I use the most are 1/8″, 5/32″, and 3/16″. I would suggest one pair of pliers to be bent nose (the holding pliers) and wear a pair of magnifiers! I have eyes that don’t see the little rings very well and hands that hurt too. The magnifiers are VERY helpful as are OTC pain meds. Happy chainmailing! Anne

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      December 3, 2009 at 10:49 am

      Oh my goodness Anne, such tiny work! I also rarely work without the assistance of my optivisors. (Besides being able to see better, they will also protect your eyes from wires and rings that decide to take flight!)
      Dale/Cgr

  4. avatar

    Juan M Colon

    December 2, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    I LIKE TO DRAW WITH PENCIL, AND I have discover that the wire work is like drawing. If I can draw a bird or another thing I can do it with wire. Am I rigth?

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      December 3, 2009 at 10:45 am

      Yes Juan, one type of wirework can be like ‘drawing with wire’. Then all you have to do is connect your ‘lines’ with wraps and you’ve got a cool design!
      Dale/Cgr

  5. avatar

    Penny Truscott

    December 2, 2009 at 4:23 pm

    Dale I only have one hand (I am a quadraplegic)and I use a sort of artery forceps to hold the jump ring (and other things. They are used by insect collectors when they pin the insects up so would be available at a place that sells to that trade. You might find they help with the arthritis.
    And yes I have a jewellery shop and manage to make all my stuff including earrings etc. However I havent tried wire sculpture yet. I am hoping to have a go next year after Xmas when I have some time to concentrate.
    Thank you for all your tips. I read them religiously.

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      December 3, 2009 at 10:43 am

      Thanks for ‘your’ tip Penny! You are an inspiration and I have a feeling that you will really enjoy creating wire jewelry.
      Dale/Cgr