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WIRE-WRAPPING A CHAIN
TM
A secure way to attach a clasp to a chain is wire-wrapping a bead unit between the two.
Better than a jump ring and more attractive than a split ring, the wire-wrap looks finished and
is extremely safe.
The same technique is used to attach chain to chain with a bead unit between the two. Again,
it s much safer than doing just a rosary loop which will eventually work its way open. So,
whether you are attaching chain to clasp or chain to chain, the technique is the same.
Ingredients for Wire-Wrapping a Chain
TOOLS NEEDED
C A. Bent-nose chain pliers
B
B. Needle-nose chain pliers
C. Rosary or
D
D. Round-nose pliers
A
E. Wire cutters
E
F. Tape measure
F
1 13mm Sterling silver lobster clasp
3' Per wire-wrap. Sterling silver wire, 20-26 gauge
depending on the bead hole size.
Chain
Beads
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Wire-wrapping a chain Wire-wrapping a chain Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
to a bead then clasp. to a bead then a chain. Holding the needle- a) Using your finger, a) Switch to the
nose chain pliers grab bend the short end round-nose pliers
the wire about one inch of the wire at a b) Place the tips of
from the end. right angle. the round-nose
pliers above and
below the right-
angled short wire.
Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8
Use your finger to push Rotate your pliers a Continue to bend the Center the loop on top To open the loop, lift
the short end of the quarter turn. wire all the way around of the long wire. it out of its plane. Do
wire over the top to form a complete not pull the loop open
plier leg. circle. This is the wire- sideways or you will
wrapped loop. distort its round shape.
Step 9 Step 10 Step 11 Step 12 Step 13
Slide the chain into Use the needle-nose Switch to the round- Starting at the base Complete up to three
the loop. chain pliers to close nose pliers. of the loop, begin full turns of the wire.
the loop. wrapping the short
wire around the
long wire.
© Copyright 2004-2005 Bead Happy All Rights Reserved 2
Step 14 Step 15 Step 16 Step 17 Step 18
Using the wire cutters, Using the bent-nose Slide your bead onto Using the tips of your a) Using your finger,
clip off excess wire. chain pliers, press in the wire. needle-nose pliers, bend the wire at a
the end of the wire so it grab the wire up right angle.
is smooth to the touch. against the bead. b) Repeat steps 3-8
to make your loop.
Step 19 Step 20
a
You may: Repeat steps 10-15
a) Slide the clasp or to wire-wrap your
b) a new section of loop closed.
chain into the loop.
b
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