Large lobster clasps

[michelle]

I should have waited to post until I had the opportunity to take this picture showing the clasp.



I typically use magnetic clasps. But this necklace just seemed too heavy. And I didn’t want to risk breaking the large ceramic beads if the necklace fell off. However, I hate trying to fumble with small lobster clasps. So I ordered these large lobster clasps. Just about as easy to manipulate as a magnetic clasp. 😄

[caeterle]

Large and pretty! I like the drop on the clasp part.

I have a whole bunch of really small lobster clasps from when I started making jewelry and a Secret Santa sent me some stuff. She probably couldn't use them all up, either.

[DawninCal]

Ooooh, I like seeing your gorgeous necklace close-up, Michelle.

I have a supply of large lobster clasps too. They are so much easier than fumbling with those small clasps that are hard to open, especially for those with arthritic fingers. I first bought them because a customer with arthritis asked me if I could swap out a clasp for one larger. Now I use them all the time.



Dawn

[Irith-Rita]

I have lobster clasps in various sizes, but this one with the decoration is prettier than all of them.

For my necklaces I use my hammered hooks.

[michelle]

Sounds like we all have a stash of those small clasps. LOL! I won’t be going back to the small ones now. Maybe I can chain them together? 🤔😉

[brad]

I have had more bad lobster clasps, or when friends ask if I can repair their necklace-it is often the lobster clasp is broken. Where do you buy more dependable lobster clasps? Brand?
I was considering (for my WIP silver pendent) making my silver wire clasp. Seems there are some nice designs on youtube that "appear" reliable to stay hooked? Brad

[DawninCal]

My main suppliers are Rio Grande, Monster Slayer and Lima Beads. I've only once had a lobster claw clasp break that I am aware of and I consider that a decent track record.

Hook clasps stay closed because the weight of the necklace keeps them in the proper position. I wouldn't use one on a bracelet. When making a hook clasp for a necklace, I use 18g or 16g wire as I don't think one made out 20g would be sturdy enough.

Toggle clasps are also a nice option. I use those on both necklaces and bracelets and there are so many pretty designs out there. The only problem with those is that they can be difficult to open or close (especially on a bracelet) if one is lacking finger dexterity.



Dawn

[brad]

Apr 3, 2024 11:21:07 GMT -6 DawninCal said:

My main suppliers are Rio Grande, Monster Slayer and Lima Beads. I've only once had a lobster claw clasp break that I am aware of and I consider that a decent track record.

Hook clasps stay closed because the weight of the necklace keeps them in the proper position. I wouldn't use one on a bracelet. When making a hook clasp for a necklace, I use 18g or 16g wire as I don't think one made out 20g would be sturdy enough.

Toggle clasps are also a nice option. I use those on both necklaces and bracelets and there are so many pretty designs out there. The only problem with those is that they can be difficult to open or close (especially on a bracelet) if one is lacking finger dexterity.



Dawn

Good information.  Thank you.  I am not sure what online outlet I bought lobster claw clasps, that was many years ago.  I have several gauges of silver wire, and maybe some of it is 18 ga.  I will check my drawers.  Brad

[DawninCal]

Brad, I wanted to share with you a hook clasp I made to give you more of an idea of how they can look. This one was made from either 18g or 16g wire (can't recall for sure, although I'm thinking it's 16 as I worry so much about things being strong and secure enough). After I formed the hook, I hammered it until the wire was fairly flat. I also like to make the hook fairy closed to lessen the chances that it might slip out of the jump ring (which has also been hammered flat).



More for you to ponder!



Dawn

[michelle]

I bought these from an Etsy supplier, but I have no history with them, so we will see.

[caeterle]

There are also loads of tutorials for wire clasps on YouTube, different looks, too. S hooks, also in the swan style, or toggles.

[brad]

Apr 6, 2024 10:36:13 GMT -6 DawninCal said:

Brad, I wanted to share with you a hook clasp I made to give you more of an idea of how they can look. This one was made from either 18g or 16g wire (can't recall for sure, although I'm thinking it's 16 as I worry so much about things being strong and secure enough). After I formed the hook, I hammered it until the wire was fairly flat. I also like to make the hook fairy closed to lessen the chances that it might slip out of the jump ring (which has also been hammered flat).

View Attachment

More for you to ponder!



Dawn

I like those.  I have plenty of wire to do nothing like that. Thank you for sharing. Brad

[brad]

Cat, I will be doing YouTubing for sure. Thanks. Brad

[Irith-Rita]

Dawn, I love the hook you made. Just beautiful!