How to make jump rings.
Tools & Supplies needed
- 18 gauge round half hard wire, you can also use 20 gauges, but I’ve found 18 gauge wire makes a stronger jump ring.
- Wood dowel or round mandrel.
- Flush Cutters
- Ball peen hammer (optional)
- Steel bench block (optional)
Making jump rings is fairly easy. I bought a package of wooden dowels at Wal-Mart for around $2.00 or so in craft section. They come in a package of different sizes, both round and square.
Select the size dowel you’d like for your jump ring to be and take a length of wire and wrap it around the dowel. It helps if you leave a length of about 1 inch to help you hold the wire steady.
Once you have wrapped it several times remove it from the dowel and pick up your wire cutters and cut evenly across the wire.
Now, wasn’t that easy.
Next you’ll want to check each jump ring at the cut because; sometimes it will leave a jagged edge. You will need to use a small file to even them out.
It is also a good idea to harden your jump rings for strength. You have two options, use a tumbler or I use my ball peen hammer and steel bench block and tap it lighting a couple of times on each side to harden the wire.
Now they are ready to use to make your wonderful designs with!
