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Are you confused about the difference between jump rings and split rings?
Jump rings are a single wire loop and split rings are doubled like a key
ring. Use jump rings to make quick connections that do not bear any significant
weight, such as attaching a lightweight charm to an ear wire. Use split
rings when there is a chance that a jump ring might pull apart, such as
attaching charms to a charm bracelet.
There are special tools for working with jump rings and split rings.
To open jump rings quickly and easily, use a jump ring opening tool. Place
the metal band on your finger and press one side of the jump ring into
the slot. Turn it to open the jump ring. To close a jump ring, turn the
arms of the ring until you hear them click past each other, then bring
the ends back together.
To open split
rings, use special split ring pliers. Split ring pliers have a pointed
tip that helps separate the loops. Use these pliers instead of fingernails
to make attachments quick and easy.
Use a jump ring maker to make your own jump rings. This is especially
great when working with craft wire because you can make jump rings to
match your project. The mandrels come in different sizes to make coils
in a variety of diameters. To make a coil, insert the wire end into the
small hole on the jump ring maker base. Place your finger inside the large
hole on the base and turn clockwise while holding the mandrel and wire
in your other hand. To turn the coil into jump rings, remove it from the
mandrel and use diagonal cutters to clip the rings apart. To make split
rings, cut every other ring.
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