How to Make a Simple Clasp

Viking wire knitting wasn't my first foray into the world jewelry making, but from the very first time I tried it I was hooked! I soon learned there are different types of wire knitting and how versatile it truly is.

My name is Katherine Walters. I'm a Wire Artist, Wire Knitter, Wire Jewelry maker and Artisan Entrepreneur living on rugged Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador.

On this channel you will find jewelry making and wire knitting tips, tricks and tutorials to help you make beautiful and decorative items for yourself and your home. Using simple tools and materials, you will learn how to do different types of wire knitting as well as wire working skills necessary to bring your creative ideas to life.

Today's Video:
A clasp is a basic but necessary finding used to make many types of jewelry. In this video you will learn how to make a simple hook and eye clasp using basic wire working tools. This clasp is larger and less fussy than some manufactured types of clasps and has actually been preferred by some of my past customers who have mobility issues in their hands. A hand made clasp is a nice addition to a length of Viking wire knitting.

Tools needed:
round nose pliers - https://www.riogrande.com/product/rio... OR https://www.riogrande.com/product/rou...
two pairs of square nose pliers - https://www.riogrande.com/product/sli...
OR
a pair of chain nose pliers - https://www.riogrande.com/product/sli... and a pair of square nose pliers
flush cutters that are heavy enough to cut through 16 gauge copper wire - https://www.riogrande.com/product/swa...
Pro-polish Pad, steel wool or jewelry polishing cloth
automotive sandpaper (800 - 1200 grit)
a steel bench block - https://www.riogrande.com/product/Ste... OR with a rubber base - https://www.riogrande.com/product/rub...
chasing hammer - https://www.riogrande.com/product/cha...
plastic mallet - https://www.riogrande.com/product/Yel...

Materials needed:
16 gauge dead soft copper wire - https://www.riogrande.com/product/Cop...
two 18 or 20 gauge copper jump rings - https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/10621... OR you can check out my video on how to make your own jump rings with your super flush cutters.

Other tools mentioned but not necessary:
Nylon jaw pliers - https://www.riogrande.com/product/sli...
Wrap and Tap Pliers - https://www.riogrande.com/product/ste...

I am not a spokesperson for any type of tool shown in this video. These are my personal tools and I am sharing my experience using them in hopes it will be of help to you. The links above are suggestions only.