How to Easily Close Loops on Your Jewelry

Have you ever closed so many loops with your fingers that they hurt, or lost so many loops by them flying out of your pliers that you wanted to scream? I am not a screamer, but I have gotten frustrated by doing this, and a number of years ago was shown a little tool to help make mine, and your life a little less stressed. I was surfing the “Aspiring Metalsmiths” Facebook page yesterday and saw a post that reminded me of this “cool-tool” to show you today. (thanks Gretchen)

First, find yourself a household flathead screw, I like a rounded one. You can make more of these in different sized for different thicknesses of wire and loops. Then cut it down so that approximately 3mm is left from the back side of the head to the end of the screw. Also find or make yourself a ring that will fit comfortably over your index finger. Either make one out of some brass, copper, silver, etc. You might even find a piece of tubing that fits your finger just right. I am right handed, so I make one for my left hand, that way I can handle the jewelry with my dominant hand and keep my left hand pretty much stationary.

After the screw is trimmed, I used a Saw Frame with a 3/0 Saw Blade to cut the screw head off, then file or sand the end of the screw flat to prepare for soldering. To solder, I use my Mini Torch and Silver Solder to attach the 2 pieces together. I solder from underneath to get good solder penetration.

Next, after the 2 pieces are soldered together, I make sure the screw head is free from scratches and burs so the tool will not mark the loops that I am closing. I sand this first with my Medium Grit Snap-on Disc, then a Fine Grit Snap-on Disc. I also rub it with 600 Grit Sand Paper by hand to finish it off.

Now that you have this completed, put it on your finger and give it a try. Place your loop into the slot in the screw end and twist until closed.

There you have it, a “Stress Free” way of closing your loops on your jewelry.

JewelryMonk, not only concerned with helping your jewelry go easier, but your mental health as well.

Now go show off your mental state…..

Doug