How to make a clasp on a bracelet: original and simple ideas, step-by-step description

December 2, 2018
Needlework
Svetlana Funtova

Many girls, in order to diversify their look with original jewelry, make them themselves. You can make a product unique not only by an unusual design or by using rare materials. In this article we will look at how to make a clasp on a bracelet so that it complements it in an interesting way.

Is it possible to repair a chain lock yourself, or only in a workshop?

The locks have something on two chains.
They open randomly, the chain falls off, and so on.

Is it possible to repair it myself, or should I take the chains to a jewelry workshop?

There are quite a few types of those same locks on jewelry.

Not every lock can be repaired even in a workshop; in case of serious damage, the lock is simply replaced with a new one.

By the way, the locks on expensive gold chains are hand-made products, that is, not stamped.

If you have a carabiner lock and the damage is not serious, for example this carabiner ring has become bent,

You just need to slightly bend the ring on the carabiner, I usually do this with the handle of a small screwdriver, the handle is wooden.

Try it several times, but do not hit the ring too hard, and then check whether the chain does not jump out of the “tongue”.

If the “tongue” itself does not work, then the reason is a failed spring inside the lock, that is, the spring mechanism needs to be replaced.

This is not done at home; even in workshops they often suggest replacing the carabiner rather than the spring mechanism, especially if the breakdown of this mechanism is serious.

It is possible to produce an individual lock for a specific product.

If the lock ring simply bursts, then laser soldering is needed, that is, the conditions of a jewelry workshop.

Source

Screw lock for bracelet

This type of fittings is very popular due to its versatility - it is equally suitable for both small and complex multi-layered decorations. It is aesthetically pleasing and does not weigh down the product. In addition, the screw lock is quite easy to secure. There are several ways to do this. The simplest of them involves creating a beaded ring. You need to string several beads onto a thread or fishing line, and then half a lock. Then you should pick up the beads again and close the ring.

The screw lock has the disadvantage that it is not the most reliable. There is a risk that the lock will come loose at the most inopportune moment, and the bracelet will slip off your hands unnoticed.

How to repair or solder a gold or silver chain at home

If worn continuously, hollow or defective, gold and silver chains may break or become deformed. And problems arising in the locking mechanism can lead to loss of the product. How to repair a gold or silver chain at home and what is needed for this? Is it possible to repair a broken chain so that the break point is invisible?

How to solder a chain at home

Repairing a silver chain with your own hands is a filigree and responsible job. It is necessary to have equipment, a set of reagents and, most importantly, skills to work with them. Otherwise, you can damage the product, and instead of restoring it, disfigure it. If the required equipment and reagents are not available and this type of work is new, it is better to abandon the intention of soldering a silver chain at home, and leave this work to a specialist from a jewelry workshop. The same applies to repairing a gold chain.

Basic concepts and definitions

Before you begin repair work on silver or gold, it is important to have a set of necessary materials:

Solder is a special metal alloy that has a melting point lower than pure metal.
Flux is a mixture or single substance of an organic or inorganic nature that promotes uniform distribution of solder over the surface and prevents oxidation of the metal when heated.
An acid solution (not to be confused with acid flux) brightens the metal after soldering.

How to solder a silver chain

Depending on the standard of the silver jewelry, the brand of solder is selected, which is produced in the form of rods, pieces, etc. An equally important characteristic of the auxiliary alloy is its fluidity and hardness.

Silver solder consists of silver, zinc and copper, and may include tin. The higher the silver content in the alloy, the stronger the soldering will be. The melting point of solder ranges from 640 to 780 °C, while the melting point of pure silver is 961 °C.

Soldering a silver chain at home involves several stages.

Using any fireproof material (brick, asbestos), securely fasten the parts of the product.
Treat the joints with flux and put solder between them.
Carefully heat the metal evenly until a soldering seam is formed (try to solder the silver chain so that the seam is strong and at the same time invisible).
Cool the product, remove flux and solder, then polish.
To lighten the soldering area, treat it with an acidic solution, such as nitric acid.

It is possible to solder a silver chain at home with a soldering iron yourself, using special solder combined with flux.

Is it possible to solder a gold chain?

At home, it is possible to solder a gold chain in the same way as described above, using gold solder. It contains gold, silver, copper, zinc and in some alloys cadmium. The melting point of solder ranges from 710 to 850 °C, while that of pure gold is 1063 °C.

It is important to understand that repairing a gold chain by a non-specialist, even with the necessary materials, is quite difficult. Therefore, the best way out of the situation is to use the services of jewelry repair specialists.

The lock on the chain is broken: how to fix it

There are mainly 3 types of locks used in jewelry:

carabiner, in which the pin or spring may break;
springel - practically cannot be repaired, only replaced with a new one;
box - the tongue or insurance breaks.

It is easy to repair a lock on a chain with your own hands if its individual parts are not broken, but somewhat deformed, for example, in the case of a box lock. You just need to press a little and return them to their previous position. You can repair the carabiner by replacing the pin or spring (if available).

How to make a clasp on a beaded bracelet on a machine

For a beadwork woven using a special device, a ribbon clip can serve as a lock. Before attaching it, both edges of the bracelet are secured with threads or thin fishing line. Then each is inserted into clamps, which are squeezed with pliers until they hold tightly.

The loops on the lock can be connected with a lock, ribbon, carabiners or a pair of pins. Clamps can be purchased ready-made or made on a machine yourself.

Making your own bracelet guarantees its uniqueness. In the process of work, you can show your imagination, creativity and creativity, use any materials you like, and choose a design taking into account your personal style. And the original clasp, corresponding to the style of the product, will add originality to it.

What to do if the chain is stretched

Since silver and gold are soft metals, the weave can stretch out if not handled carefully. First of all, this applies to products made from low-quality alloys or with complex filigree weave. Under severe external influence, a stretched silver chain or gold weave becomes irreversibly deformed.

Heavy gold chains in the Sunlight catalog

If a gold chain of simple weaving has stretched, you can independently remove some of the “extra” links to the previous length. If the weaving is complex and multifaceted, then regardless of the material, it is better to seek the help of a specialist.

Magnetic clasp

Magnetic clasps are very convenient to use, however they are usually quite heavy, making them unsuitable for some types of bracelets. One of the advantages is that this fittings are easy to hide and are not noticeable. Magnets are often used for decorations made using the knitted rope technique.

Why does the chain around your neck break?

If you believe superstitions, this sign has a dual explanation.

If the chain with a cross breaks, God gives you the right to choose your own path.
Another explanation says that people with negative energy have appeared in the environment, who wish evil, cause damage, and the sacred symbol neutralizes this effect.
If the chain with the cross breaks, but you managed to catch the cross, health problems lie ahead.

If we discard all signs and superstitions, the breaking of the chain is explained either by careless handling or poor quality of the product.

“Close my love around your neck, I live to adorn you - you are my jewel,” said Grace Livingston-Hill (American writer). Careful and careful handling of jewelry will prolong the joy of “communication” with it for many years.

Source

Tools and materials

If you wish, you can experiment and create a clasp yourself.

This can be a large bead with a loop or a beaded toggle. This braided lock looks neat and harmonious. It will match any decoration.

Below is a simple example. We will need:

beads of suitable colors (sizes used – 11/0, 8/0);
beading needle;
fishing line or monofilament.

Repair and replacement of locks on chains, earrings and bracelets

Beautiful jewelry can make even the simplest look bright and interesting. Therefore, it is not surprising that many modern people quite actively use gold and silver items, both in everyday life and on holidays. But sometimes you have to look for the answer to the question of how to fix it if the lock on the chain is broken?

Main types of chain locks
Locks for jewelry chains and bracelets: which one breaks more often
How to solder a silver chain: restoring jewelry at home

Magnetic buckle lock

This type of clasp for a bracelet does not require additional decorative elements, since the buckle itself, as a rule, is decorated with beautiful carvings, intricate patterns or inlaid with stones. It's a great idea to use a lock like this on a thick product. Depending on the diameter of the recess, a thick cord or many thread-like ropes made of beads, felt, or leather can be used.

This idea is especially suitable for those who are interested in the question of how to make a clasp on a bead bracelet. Both parts of the lock have a small recess, which is lubricated with glue and placed on the ends of the product.

Why do locks on chains and earrings break?

Not everyone knows that repairing or replacing a lock on a chain is a quick and not very difficult operation if a master gets to work. Professional repair of locks on jewelry requires special equipment, optics, a laser welding machine, and consumables. If you do not want to part with your favorite jewelry, the jewelers of the ArtBazar workshop in the center of Rostov-on-Don will quickly repair or replace the lock on a chain, bracelet or earrings in your presence. The lock on a chain, earrings or bracelet, regardless of its type and complexity of manufacture, must function correctly so that there is no risk of losing the jewelry. A working lock on a chain fastens and unfastens smoothly, effortlessly, and closes tightly. Unfortunately, due to frequent use or careless handling, the chain lock mechanism wears out, begins to jam, or does not close completely. If you do not immediately send your jewelry for repair, it may break completely or even slip off unnoticed and get lost. If you notice that the lock on the chain does not work the first time, jams, or does not work as well as before, it is better to immediately bring the jewelry to a jewelry repair shop and find out whether the lock needs to be repaired, replaced, or just have the jewelry professionally cleaned.

Slipknot

In the last few years, rope bracelets have become especially popular among young people. If the base is most often made of nylon cords or specially woven chains, then the decor can be very diverse. Some needlewomen even weave a bracelet with different ropes. However, not every clasp is suitable for such decoration. The sliding knot looks best in this case. There is nothing easier than making a clasp on a cord bracelet in this style.

The convenience of this fastening lies in the ease of putting it on. In addition, it allows you to easily adjust the size with just a pull of the thread.

This is done in the following way:

The ends of the bracelet are placed on top of each other crosswise.
One of them is wrapped around the main strand (on which the decor is strung), a loop is made on the right, and then exactly the same on the left.
The end of the cord is threaded through both holes and pulled into a tight knot.
Then they retreat a little and repeat the manipulation, forming a similar knot. It is important to note that when performing the second element, you must not confuse the threads, otherwise the bracelet will not be adjustable.
The final stage is trimming the excess length and burning the ends, which will prevent blossoming.

Types of jewelry lock failures

Locks on chains, earrings and bracelets come in different types of fastening. Different types of locks on jewelry have different types of breakdowns.

The following types of locks are usually found on gold and silver jewelry:

carabiner, in the form of a loop with a tongue, they often have to change the pin or spring;
springel, in the form of a thin hollow ring with a bent rod, they are more often replaced than repaired;
lock-boxes, the tongue and insurance break in them.

The most popular repairs are locks on chains and bracelets. These jewelry are worn every day and are subject to stress and stretching. Even such a reliable type of chain lock as a carabiner will eventually break.

Box locks on bracelets have additional insurance, but such locks also have to be repaired by soldering or replaced with new ones. Earring locks break less often. Reliable earring locks with screw locks, spring locks and English locks are still not immune to breakage. Masters of the ArtBazar jewelry repair workshop in Rostov repair and replace locks on gold and silver chains, bracelets, earrings of any type and any complexity.

Magnetic mount with hook

This type of lock is very popular among bracelets of various models due to its ease of use and originality. A magnetic lock with a hook can be deliberately long or, on the contrary, miniature, made in brass, gold, bronze and silver. Its use in the stylistic design of a product can significantly improve the appearance and give it a unique charm. This is a very simple solution, so it’s worth decorating it with some addition in the form of a lush flower, a few strings of beads or beads.

Hook lock

Jewelry with this clasp option also has a teardrop shape. Products with such fastening are easy to put on and take off. As an advantage, it is worth noting the huge number of variations in the implementation of such a lock. It comes in any shape, made of plastic, wood or metal. The negative point is that it is unreliable and the decoration is easy to lose.

How to make a clasp on a bracelet with a hook? To do this, each part of the lock has holes for gluing a cord, as well as small loops to which a chain or textile, or a clamping part, clings. When connecting, you can add a cord with decorative elements - large beads, key chains or plant figurines. The ends of the bracelet are inserted into the hole in the lock and then clamped using a special device.

Rules for choosing a clasp for a bracelet, types of locks

When choosing this element for your product, you need to take into account some nuances and follow a number of rules. The most important of them is ease of use and the ability to put on or remove the bracelet yourself. In addition, the lock must be securely and firmly fixed so that the decoration does not have to be lost.

Another important point is the overall combination with the product and attractive appearance. We’ll look at how to make a clasp for a bracelet with your own hands so that it meets all the requirements later in the article.

The following types of locks are most often used for hand bracelets:

magnetic;
carbines;
clamps;
hooks;
latches;
toggles;
chains;
screw;
ties.

Why you shouldn’t repair chain locks yourself

Sometimes people think that sending jewelry for repairs is expensive and time-consuming. Someone tries to repair a lock on a chain with their own hands or stops wearing jewelry. On the Internet you can find instructions on how to repair a lock on a chain or earrings yourself. In fact, it is better not to repair locks on expensive jewelry yourself. As a result of rough manipulations, you can break the jewelry, reduce the weight of the valuable metal in the product, reduce its price, and make the repair site visible to the eye. All this is unacceptable in relation to jewelry. Moreover, repairing locks on chains, bracelets and earrings in the ArtBazar jewelry workshop in Rostov is quite inexpensive and is done in the shortest possible time.

Bracelet with carabiner

Another popular type. It is also versatile, but due to its rough appearance it will look better on simple items. The carabiner can withstand a lot of weight, it is convenient to use, since it can be fastened with one hand. One of the advantages is that a broken carabiner can most often be easily repaired. Sometimes, while wearing the lock, a gap forms between the loop and the moving part, from which the ring pops out.

Clasps (clasps) for jewelry

1) Size of jewelry: small clasps will look neat in miniature jewelry; large clasps are better suited for massive jewelry.

2) Weight of jewelry: for heavy jewelry, for example, from large stone or porcelain beads, it is better to select the most reliable fasteners, such as carabiners, sliders, toggles, and some types of hooks.

3) Number of rows in the decoration: for multi-row or wide decorations, you should choose clasps with several loops or use adapter connectors.

4) Type of decoration: almost all types of clasps are suitable for neck jewelry, but for bracelets it is better to use more reliable clasps that will not unfasten on their own when your hand rubs against clothes or other objects. In addition, for bracelets it is better to use clasps that you can unfasten or fasten yourself while putting on the bracelet. Despite such limitations, you can choose a suitable clasp for a bracelet in almost any type of clasp - the main thing is to take into account all other factors. In our opinion, the most convenient clasps for bracelets are toggles, sliders, strong magnetic clasps, carabiners (if you get the hang of fastening them yourself).

5) Ease of use: when assembling jewelry, you must take into account the fact who will wear this jewelry. For people with low vision and impaired fine motor skills (for example, older people), it is better to use large, easy-to-fasten/unfasten clasps. For small children, it is better, on the contrary, to use clasps that are difficult to unfasten on their own - this reduces the likelihood that the decoration will be lost.

6) Does the length of the jewelry need to be adjusted: if the jewelry is made for sale, it is better to install a clasp that allows you to change the length of the jewelry, for example, by using an extension chain. Such fasteners include: carabiners, rings, hooks, snap fasteners. If the jewelry is created for a specific person, you can make the jewelry of a fixed size and use any type of clasp. Note that all types of fasteners can be used for transformable jewelry that has variable length. Even if the clasp does not have the possibility of extension (it consists of two parts that can only close on each other), you can make a decoration with several such clasps. That is, the decoration will consist of several parts, each of which can be fastened either on its own or attached to another part of the decoration. In this way, you can make beads/necklaces that can change length, or a bracelet and necklace that can be worn as a set, or can be clasped together and worn as long beads, as shown in the photo below:

7) Decoration design: of course, when choosing a clasp, you should definitely take into account the design of the decoration. The clasp should not stand out from the overall style of the decoration or draw attention to itself (unless, of course, it is the central element of the decoration).

In some cases, you can do without a fastener. For example, when assembling jewelry using an elastic band, memory wire, or when creating long beads worn over the head or tied in a knot. On bracelets woven from cords, the clasp can be replaced with a slip knot or a button clasp. Wide textile or leather bracelets can be laced. Examples of jewelry created without the use of clasps are presented below:

Magnetic lock for a long bracelet

This type of fastener is not only a fastener, but also a decorative part of the decoration. Simply put, half of the bracelet is the metal part of the lock, and the other part is made of leather, textiles, beads, and so on. This fastening is much less common than all those listed, thanks to this, jewelry using it looks especially unusual.

Let's describe how to make a clasp on a beaded bracelet:

With regalis cord. A lock is glued onto one side of it, then beads, figurines and other details are strung. Then the bracelet is applied to the wrist, the excess length is cut off and the other part of the clasp is glued in. If desired, such an accessory can be made without additional elements at all, while remaining simple and stylish.
With thin cords. This type of bracelet consists of several thin plain or multi-colored stripes. Since the accessory is not heavy and loose, let’s consider how to make a clasp on a bracelet from threads. To do this, you need to gather one side of the cords into a bundle, grease the ends with a small amount of glue and wrap tightly with thread. Then a little fixing compound is applied again on top of it so that it does not unwind and holds the edge tightly. Wait until dry. After this, the tip is cut evenly with a knife, and the cut is again treated with glue. Repeat the same steps with the second side. To be sure that the edges fit into the hole, you need to check this before attaching the lock. If everything is fine, finish the job.

Where to repair a lock on a gold or silver chain in Rostov

Jewelers from the ArtBazar workshop perform quality and professional repairs and replacement of locks on jewelry, clean and adjust locks. At the same time, you receive free advice on caring for your jewelry so that your chains and earrings do not break for as long as possible. Most often we have to carry out the following types of repairs on locks of chains, earrings and bracelets:

solder chain links when broken by placing one end on the other;
solder a torn or frayed ear by adding metal or narrowing the hole;
make a new ear instead of a broken one;
unsolder and insert a new spring instead of a broken one into the lock of the product.

In some cases, we use laser welding to restore parts of jewelry locks and to secure new clasps. In this case, the seam remains invisible and the metal is not damaged. If the lock on a chain, earrings or bracelet breaks, bring the jewelry to the ArtBazar jewelry workshop in the city of Rostov. We will quickly, efficiently and inexpensively repair or replace jewelry locks of any complexity.

Decorative lock for bracelet

Toggle, or toggle, also performs a decorative function in addition to its main function. It consists of a large ring and a crossbar that is inserted into it. This is a very primitive, but nevertheless reliable mechanism. It attaches in the same way as a screw lock. Or you can simply attach it with a coil of wire or a miniature metal ring.

It is advisable to use it on jewelry that fits properly. For wide bracelets, you can use multiple toggles.

Pin lock

Having heard such a name, it is difficult to imagine how the product is fixed. In fact, the lock looks almost the same as magnetic rectangles. The only difference is that on one side there is a small pin with a thread, and on the other there is an inlet hole.

At first, the lock closes and opens with effort, but after some use the process becomes noticeably easier. How to make a clasp on a pin bracelet? It is attached in the now familiar way: by gluing it to the base of the product. It is worth noting that this type of lock is most suitable for men's bracelets or those made in a classic style.

There is an even simpler version of the pin. A ring is attached to one side of the jewelry, and a horizontal pin is attached to the other. The lock is fastened by threading the second part into the hole.

Magnetic rectangle locks

Most women have seen this type of lock, as it is often used to secure bracelets, wallets, clutches and other haberdashery items. You can purchase such a retainer at any store of the relevant goods.

Let's look at how to make a clasp on a bracelet from magnets:

Classic bracelet regaliz. Beads, rings, charms and other decorations are strung on a leather strap. Then a very thin layer of glue is coated on the inside of the lock and glued to the cord. It is important to maintain a balance here, because if there is too much glue, it will squeeze out and the product will look untidy.
Bracelet with braided cords. Regaliz fittings can be combined not only with cords, so you can safely choose other, most suitable materials. The lock is coated with a thin layer of glue and one or more braided cords are inserted into it, depending on their thickness or diameter. Then, if desired, decorative parts are threaded through or dispensed with and the lock is glued in a similar way on the opposite side.

To decorate such a clasp in an unusual way, you can insert a decoration on a chain with an original keychain into it along with the end of the bracelet.

How to improve zipper performance

There are several simple ways to treat surfaces using lubrication:

Waxing

You can rub the cloves on both sides with a regular paraffin candle or beeswax. The zipper can be closed or open.

The paraffin will fill the voids between the teeth. The runner will slide more freely.

Lubrication with pencil lead

It is recommended to follow the color scheme and carefully handle the zipper teeth with a stylus. The pencil should be soft, a 3M or 4M brand intended for drawing is best.

Lubricating the zipper with wax or pencil lead makes it easier to slide, protects from external influences and increases the life of the slider. However, graphite can penetrate clothing and contaminate it.

How to change a zipper slider

If, after an unsuccessful repair attempt, a breakdown occurs, you will need to look for a new part that is suitable in size and design, and then replace it with the broken one.

Lock selection criteria

First you need to determine the characteristics and type of the faulty slider. Its number is indicated on the reverse side. It can simply be measured with a regular ruler.

The classification of runners is discussed in detail above. However, when visiting the store, it is necessary to have a sample of the broken part, as well as a clear understanding of the type of fastener.

Slider replacement technology

After choosing and purchasing a lock, they begin to replace it. To do the job you need a simple tool:

unzip the zipper all the way;
remove the limiter on one side;
fasten the zipper and remove the slider from the side where there are no limiters;
insert a new slider;
Lightly compress the removed limiter with pliers and install it in its original place;
tuck the ends of the tape.

Features of replacing the slider on different types of zippers

Each type of fastener design has its own specifics.

Metal zippers

You should use side cutters and a screwdriver to remove the upper limiter on the right side and try to replace the slider. Thickening of the tape may interfere with this work.

In this situation, the tips of the scissors are used to cut the tissue. A slider is carefully inserted through the incision with gentle rocking. The place of the cut on the braid is reinforced with two stitches of thread or a limiter is installed on it.

Tractor zippers

The slider is usually easily inserted into such a fastener through the stoppers; it is not necessary to remove them.

If the limiter interferes, you will have to remove it, and after replacing the lock, install a metal or homemade analogue. All actions are performed with the clasp unfastened.