When I use softflex I crimp the end and attach the jump ring then the clasp, often if I pull the softflex it comes through the opening on the jump ring - I am wasting lots of the jump rings as I cannot get them to close enough - any help greatly appreciated.

Hi

Split rings are the answer. They're like a mini keyring and because they're completely closed your thread can't slip through. They're a bit of nightmare to open though if don't have split ring pliers.

A lot of people don't like the look of split rings.

If you are working in sterling silver closed (soldered) jumprings are one of your best options. Also another very good idea is to switch to using oval jumprings (easily available in most metals). As the split is in the side the wire is less likely to be able to slip out, and oval jumprings are also generally stronger.

Hope this helps.

If you are using SS jumprings, the maillequeen's website has good instructions on how to open and close a jumpring properly.

As most clasps and hooks have a solid ring I attatch the beading wire directly to the clasp.

Melanie

Gillian

Personally I dont use split rings its only cause I hate the feel of them silly, but they remind me of keyrings and number of times caught finger in them.

Sorry to ramble, this problem use to happen to me all the time, and I was always worrying when I sold pieces, and then my superstar friend Jo came to the rescue.

A shop on ebay called e-shave sell heavy jump rings a little bit more expensive but greattttttttt they never come apart and are just amazing.

Hope this helps.
Kara
xx

Nice to see you back Bea - have you been able to get hold of those Beadsmith magical crimping pliers?

Are they any good?

Melanie B

I'm not sure if they are still made or where you can get them but many years ago I have bought oval jump rings with a small 2mm gap between the join and a little sleeve of silver like a long crimp - or small liquid silver piece- on one side of the opening. You use it like an ordinary jump ring but once it's in place you slide the tube over the gap so both ends are in the tube and lightly crimp the middle.
I can't find them anywhere at the moment but maybe those more enterprising could experiment with an oval ring and a crimp bead !!!

Melanie