How to Make Clasp Hooks for Wire Jewelry

Working with wire jewelry is an excellent hobby for jewelry crafters, whether you're a beginner or an old pro. While you can purchase pre-made clasps for your handmade creations, fashioning your own loops and clasps is simple and less expensive. A few tips can teach you how to make your own hooks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Wire cutters
• Piece of wire, 2 to 3 inches
• Needlenose pliers

1. Cut a piece of wire about 2- or 3-inches long. While you only need about an inch to make your hook, it is easier if you have some extra, particularly when first learning to make your own hooks. Generally, the size of your wire should match your jewelry creation.
2. Grip the end of the wire at the largest section of your needlenose pliers and carefully twist the wire around the nose to make a circle. You will use this large loop to attach your wire jewelry to the hook, so adjust the size as you like.
3. Hold the wire with your pliers about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the circle you just made and curve the wire to make a large hook. You want the hook to curve in the opposite direction of the circle so that it rests nicely on your jewelry. The size and width of your hooks will depend on your own personal taste. Snip the wire off just a few centimeters longer than you want the finished hook.
4. Squeeze the freshly cut end of your hook with the smallest portion of your needlenose pliers and make a tiny loop. You then can squeeze the loop together to flatten it and adjust your hook for the perfect curves to complete the hook end of your wire jewelry clasp.