Sealing open jump rings

[emma]

Hi I have just started making my first bead bracelets. I decided to use open jump rings as links. I’m not yet at the stage where I want to be soldering things and have seen that you can use a dab of superglue/epoxy instead as a way to prevent those rings from reopening.


Has anyone done this and if so can you recommend a good product?

Thanks x

[caeterle]

I have never done that, so I can't recommend anything. Usually if the jump rings are not too thin, I didn't have a problem with them reopening and I only know one person with a piece of mine who managed to reopen a jump ring, but that's mostly because the bracelet is a little big for her and she keeps catching it on door handles

What wire gauge and metal are the rings you are using?

[silverjewellerygirl]

I've never soldered jump rings either, or glued them. So not much help, I'm afraid. But you should be able to work harden them if you close and open them a few times with your pliers. Just remember to bend the ends towards the front and back if you are holding the ring whilst looking at the circle. Don't open wide, otherwise you'll stretch the jump ring out of shape... wow, did I learn that one the hard way!

[gbobmi]

There are open jump rings called "Snapeez" which are a little heavier gauge and will close securely. I've never had a problem with them opening. They come in different finishes, too.

Just Google it.

[DawninCal]

I always use jump rings in gauges 20 - 16. With those thicker gauges, they should hold up to normal wear. Even people who are rough with their jewelry are going to have a tough time getting an 18 or 16 gauge jump ring open.

My general rule of thumb is 20g for earrings, 20 or 18 for necklaces and 18 or 16 for bracelets which get the most abuse because of the way people move their hands around.

If I were going to try gluing them shut, I'd use a two part epoxy to do the job. It dries fairly quickly and it's nearly impossible to break that bond.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.



Dawn

[emma]

Hi guys thanks for your input. A little bit of research took me to an article about this on Fire Mountain Gems suggested a product called Loctite 454 gel. I’ll give that a try and let you know it goes x