Making Lobster Clasps More Secure

Extra steps can strengthen a bracelet closed by a lobster claw clasp.

The lobster claw clasp is among the dozens of jewelry clasps available to those who want to make their own bracelets, necklaces and even handbags. It functions by means of an internal spring that opens and closes a lever. Already one of the most secure of jewelry clasps, lobster claw clasps can make your jewelry more secure with additional adjustments. You can bolster the strengths of the clasp by choosing the size and metal that is best suited for the piece of jewelry in question. You can also reinforce the jewelry itself with additional beading techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Crimp beads
• Beading wire
• Wire guardian
• Jeweler's pliers
• Jump rings

Instructions

1. Obtain a lobster clasp that is appropriate to your jewelry project. Match a large piece of jewelry with a lobster clasp that is sturdy enough for it; likewise, for a more delicate piece of jewelry, use a thinner, lightweight clasp.

2. Use a sturdy metal for your lobster clasp that is similar to that of your piece of jewelry. Otherwise, for overall strength, use stainless steel.

3. Add two crimp beads, instead of one, at the ends of your jewelry piece or purse handle prior to adding the lobster clasp. Do this to make the beads extra secure.

4. Add a wire guardian to prevent the clasp from touching the wire and wearing it down over time. Add a crimp bead first through the wire, then thread the wire through the guardian's openings so that the wire follows the curve of the guardian. Place the lobster clasp through the wire onto the guardian and then feed the wire back through the crimp so that a loop forms and the guardian and clasp are centered. Pull the loop so that the wire is taut within the guardian and all the components are close together. Crimp the crimp bead with pliers. Bring the wire back through the last bead in the chain and cut the wire.

5. Add two jump rings -- if there is a loop available in your piece of jewelry or accessory to secure them -- at the point where the lobster claw clasp will attach to the purse or jewelry item.

References

• Jewelrymaking Beads Library: Jewelry Clasps
• Beadalon: Lobster Clasps
• Jewelry and Polymer Clay Tutorial Heaven: Jewelry Clasps – A Mere Necessity Or Lovely Focal Points?
• Jewelry and Polymer Clay Tutorial Heaven: This Is How You Fasten A Clasp To A Beading Wire
• Create Your Style: Finishing Strands
• CQ Mag Online: Making a Beaded Purse Handle