How to Make a Necklace With a Lobster Claw Clip

Lobster claw clips are ideal for heavy necklaces.

Lobster claw clasps are ideal for heavy and bulky necklaces, such as multi-thread necklaces and those made of stone or ceramic beads. Lobster claw clasps are sturdy and durable, as you must push a lever inwards to link it onto a loop. These clips, available in a wide array of sizes and finishes, are frequently used to secure on bracelets, wristlets, lanyards and even keyrings. Lobster claw clips are suitable for use with wire, thread and chain necklaces.

Things You'll Need

• 2 crimp beads
• Lobster claw clip
• Needle-nose pliers
• Clasp ring or jump ring
• Wire snips or scissors
• 2 crimp bead covers

Instructions

1. Thread a crimp bead onto each end of the necklace. They must be the very last beads on each end.

2. Loop the bare thread or wire at one end of the necklace through the loop at the base of the lobster claw clip.

3. Form a loop with the end of the wire or thread--looped through the base of the lobster claw clip--by running it through the crimp bead. Squeeze the crimp bead closed with a pair of needle-nose pliers to secure the lobster claw clip onto the loop at the end of the necklace.

4. Loop the other end of the necklace wire or thread through the clasp ring that the lobster claw clip will grab when the necklace is secured. Most lobster claw clips come with a coordinating clasp ring. If you don't have a coordinating clasp ring, use a jump ring instead.

5. Run the end of the wire or thread through the crimp bead and clamp it closed with needle-nose pliers.

6. Snip off the extra wire or thread that extends beyond each crimp bead. Use wire snips or scissors.

7. Place a "C"-shaped crimp bead cover over one of the two crimp beads. Squeeze it closed with needle-nose pliers so that it forms a bead around the crimp bead. Repeat this process to conceal the second crimp bead.

Tips & Warnings

• If your necklace has multiple strands, loop each strand through the base of the lobster claw clip and clasp ring and secure each loop with a crimp bead. Gather all of the strands and use one large crimp ring cover to cover the crimp beads.

• If you're using chain instead of thread or wire, use jump rings to attach the end of the necklace to the base of the lobster claw clip and clasp ring.

• For a decorated lanyard, make a long beaded necklace and loop both ends of the wire or thread through the base of a large lobster claw clip. Use crimp beads to secure the ends of the wire or thread. The lobster claw clip base will join the ends of the necklace, while the clip will be used to hold keys and an identification badge. The lanyard must be long enough to slide over your head.