How to make wire jewelry clasps
Learn how to make wire jewelry clasps to really slay those jewelry crafts! It’s really easy, even for copper jewelry making beginners. This post contains affiliate links.
If you’re making your own jewelry using wire, you can make simple clasps for bracelets and necklaces! Here, I teach you how to make wire jewelry clasps.
These clasps are best for wire jewelry creations because they really flow with the look. They are stupid simple S hook clasps that anyone can make.
Use these on stiff bracelets or on necklaces. Loose bracelets will be less secure with this clasp.
I originally made this for my simple beaded bangles but it can have so many other applications!
I’ll take this moment to remind you how wire gauge works. The lower the number the thicker the wire. The thicker the wire the more sturdy it is, and the easier it is to work with.
I used 16 gauge wire to teach you how to make wire jewelry clasps because:
- Some of my tools (wire cutter, end rounder) are recommended for a maximum thickness of 16 gauge.
- It is easier to work with but totally thick enough, making it a “happy medium”.
I happen to be obsessed with copper so I used this exact wire, but you can do this with any real, non-coated metal, such as silver or brass.
What you need to make DIY jewelry clasps
- Wire – I like to use copper. 20 gauge at minimum, 14-16 is best
- Wire cutters
- Optional: file to smooth the end
- Round nose pliers
- Nylon jaw pliers
- Chasing hammer
- Steel bench block
How to make wire jewelry clasps
1. If you’d like, smooth the end of your wire using the file. Fold it back as small as you can using nylon jaw pliers so you don’t nick your wire.
2. Leave about an inch and curve back. I used the widest point of of the pliers to measure the size of this curve.
3. Trim your wire off the spool. I left just about the same length as the length of the clasp.
4. Form a simple loop from the end you just cut off. Use the nylon jaw pliers to bend your wire slightly TOWARDS the first fold you made in step 1. This should be just below that point, as pictured. Use the round nose pliers to form a loop starting form the tip, and curling away from the loop.
5. Work harden your clasp by hammering it with the flat side of a chasing hammer. You can also use the ball side to add a fun hammered texture.
6. Attach your clasp to your bracelet or necklace and enjoy how gorgeous it looks!
You’ve successfully nailed how to make wire jewelry clasps! Keep making more and more and watch your skills improve!
Now try these:
Sharing is caring! 3.3K shares I’m excited to share with you how to make a DIY mom necklace from black acrylic using the xTool F1 laser engraver. xTool sent me a machine to facilitate this post. This post contains affiliate links. When you’re done, make sure you check out my DIY wood and acrylic laser…
Enjoy the free SVG to make these acrylic laser earrings, cut using a diode laser. When you’re done, check out my big list of DIY dangle earrings ideas. This post contains affiliate links. One of the coolest things about stepping into laser crafting is the incredible new materials that I can play with. And as…
Enjoy my in-depth review of the xTool F1 Laser engraver – including some material tests and settings! Also check out my favorite crafting gadgets. This post contains affiliate links. Heads up: this review is long and in-depth so if you want, you can skip to your specific questions using the table of contents: For the…
Learn how to make a resin pendant with flowers inside – or other fun embellishments! When you’re done, learn how to make resin earrings too. This post contains affiliate links. The possibilities with resin crafting are truly endless, and as you’ll see in this tutorial for how to make a resin pendant. While pendants can…
Make these gorgeous, classy horizontal stripe friendship bracelets with a subtle ribbed texture! When you’re done, try making a chevron friendship bracelet. This post contains affiliate links. When I first learned how to make a horizontal stripe friendship bracelet, a unique spinoff popped in my head. Flip it over instead of running it backwards to…
Learn how to make small thread tassels the easy way – and how to make them perfectly sized! These are perfect for your jewelry making crafts. This post contains affiliate links. I’ve shared a few techniques for tassels in the past, and I like to always build on skills using different materials. While making tassels…
Learn how to make your own DIY wire bookmarks using a simple technique and a bunny template! When you’re done, check out how to wrap crystals with wire. This post contains affiliate links. Who doesn’t love a bunny rabbit? This one may not be quite soft and fluffy, but he is definitely ready to cuddle…
Craft your own DIY chain bracelets using a simple wire wrapping technique to make a paperclip chain! Then, try something else from this list of DIY bracelets. This post contains affiliate links. I originally decided to make myself a paperclip chain bracelet WITHOUT necessarily blogging a tutorial, but then on a whim picked up my…
This beginner tutorial for Kumihimo bracelets will teach you everything about how to make a rope friendship bracelet using this easy round braiding technique! When you’re done, go ahead and try making some name friendship bracelets. This post contains affiliate links. One day, I came home and found a huge box of threads from DMC,…
Learn how to make name friendship bracelets with free printable letter graphs to help you chart your own name! When you’re done, try making this incredible diamond friendship bracelet pattern. This post contains affiliate links. For a while I’ve been wanting to share how to make name friendship bracelets. It was one of my favorites…
I’m so excited to teach you how to make a buffalo plaid bracelet with this friendship bracelet pattern! When you’re done, try making heart patterned friendship bracelets too. This post contains affiliate links. This buffalo plaid bracelet pattern is not your childhood friendship bracelet! It’s sophisticated, modern, and oh, so cool – the perfect fall…
Learn how to make braided leather earrings – it’s so easy! Then check out this list of DIY leather earrings you can make. This post contains affiliate links. Braided leather hoops are a fun trend in jewelry making – and they’re really, really easy. Spoiler: they’re not actually braided. They’re knotted. First of all, you’ll…
Learn how to make rolled leather beads with this easy DIY! Then check out more things to make with leather scraps. This post contains affiliate links. For a while, I have on my “to craft” list to try making rolled leather beads. It’s one of those things that I figured would look so chic, but…
Learn how to make resin earrings using molds – including resin hoop and flower earrings. Learn how to make a mold for epoxy resin casting here. This post contains affiliate links. Today, I’m going to share with you some basics of how to make resin earrings using UV resin. I made a few styles to…
Learn how to make a magic leather braid bracelet – one of those jewelry crafts that you won’t be able to get enough of! This post contains affiliate links. A few weeks ago, I shared some leather napkin rings, and before that, DIY leather bookmarks. Today, I have another incredibly cool (and easy) leather craft…
Looking for some cool things to make with air drying clay? These ideas range from jewelry making crafts to home decor and beyond!This post contains affiliate links. I have made a lot of air drying clay projects that I’ve shared in this space, so I can sing the praises of this versatile yet amazing product!…
Great tutorial on clasps. And-easy peasy! I just made one, it’ll be perfect for my necklace projects. Many thanks for sharing!