Using Clasps with Chain Mail
There are lots of ways to finish chain maille designs. Here are some ideas on using various commercially available clasps.
I have a love affair with clasps! Especially with ones that are beautiful, elegant in design, functional, and help make my jewellery special to wear.
There are many different kinds and qualities of clasps.
Here are some different kinds and their pros and cons.
There are many different kinds and qualities of clasps.
Here are some different kinds and their pros and cons.
Hook-and-Eye or S-Hook Clasp:
These two clasps use a hook on one chain end and a round link on the other for the hook.
The round link can be a soldered jump ring, split ring, figure-8 link, or toggle ring part.
Multi-strand versions exist: hook and eye attach to a decorative rectangle with small rings for multiple strands.
These clasps are easy for users to fasten.
These two clasps use a hook on one chain end and a round link on the other for the hook.
The round link can be a soldered jump ring, split ring, figure-8 link, or toggle ring part.
Multi-strand versions exist: hook and eye attach to a decorative rectangle with small rings for multiple strands.
These clasps are easy for users to fasten.
Spring Ring Clasp:
This round clasp opens by pulling back on a lever-then a round link is inserted into the opening. When you let go of the lever, it closes. To see options for the round link, read the Hook-and-Eye clasp description.
This clasp is functional and secure, but can be somewhat difficult do connect using one hand, as with a bracelet.
Lobster Clasp:
The lobster clasp works like a spring ring: pull the lever (trigger) to open, insert the ring, then release to close.
The "ring" is a round link at the chain's other end-see Hook-and-Eye options.
It ranges from small and modest to larger and decorative.
Moderately tricky to fasten one-handed (like bracelets), but very secure.
The lobster clasp works like a spring ring: pull the lever (trigger) to open, insert the ring, then release to close.
The "ring" is a round link at the chain's other end-see Hook-and-Eye options.
It ranges from small and modest to larger and decorative.
Moderately tricky to fasten one-handed (like bracelets), but very secure.
Dexterity Clasp:
The dexterity clasp is a variation of a clasp that hooks into a ring. To open the clasp, pinch the ends together-then slide it onto the ring part and release the pinching. An intriguing design!
This clasp is unobtrusive, fairly easy to do up, and quite secure.
Snap Clasp or Trailer Hitch Clasp:
The snap clasp looks and works something like a trailer hitch, and is very secure. The open ring part pushes down over the part with a ball.
It's very functional but unpretentious in appearance, and not too difficult to connect with one hand.
Toggle Clasp:
The toggle clasp has two parts: a ring at one chain end, a bar at the other.
To close, turn the bar sideways and push through the ring.
The bar needs a short one-in-one chain (usually 3-5 small jump rings) for clearance.
Toggles range from plain to decorative and artistic.
Easy to connect one-handed. Most have one ring per part; some 2-strand versions exist.
The toggle clasp has two parts: a ring at one chain end, a bar at the other.
To close, turn the bar sideways and push through the ring.
The bar needs a short one-in-one chain (usually 3-5 small jump rings) for clearance.
Toggles range from plain to decorative and artistic.
Easy to connect one-handed. Most have one ring per part; some 2-strand versions exist.
Slider or Tube Clasp:
This clasp has two tubular parts, one per jewelry end.
One slides over the other, held by friction (tight fit) or a magnet.
Multi-strand design connects 2, 3, 5, or more chains even 9 strands.
Elegant variation uses rectangular tubes that slide together.
This clasp has two tubular parts, one per jewelry end.
One slides over the other, held by friction (tight fit) or a magnet.
Multi-strand design connects 2, 3, 5, or more chains even 9 strands.
Elegant variation uses rectangular tubes that slide together.
Magnetic Clasp:
Magnetic clasps have a bad reputation for unreliability.
They can pull apart during clothing changes, stick to metal objects like filing cabinets, or fail due to glue breakdown.
Newer versions improve this with strong magnets and ridges to prevent sideways opening.
Worth reconsidering they're super easy to fasten and ideal for those with dexterity issues.
Check out the beautiful, blingy options!
Magnetic clasps have a bad reputation for unreliability.
They can pull apart during clothing changes, stick to metal objects like filing cabinets, or fail due to glue breakdown.
Newer versions improve this with strong magnets and ridges to prevent sideways opening.
Worth reconsidering they're super easy to fasten and ideal for those with dexterity issues.
Check out the beautiful, blingy options!
Fold-over Clasp:
Most of us are familiar with this concept because some watches have this kind of clasp-one end of the clasp folds over the other end (which may be a ring or a bar) and snaps closed.
These clasps can be tiny and inconspicuous, or they can be a decorative focal point. They are relatively easy to fasten.
Box Clasp:
Box clasps have two parts: one with a tongue that fits inside the other.
Easy to fasten, but without a safety latch, they can pull apart.
Add a safety chain a delicate chain linking both parts, allowing hand slippage (like on some watches).
They range from small and unobtrusive to beautifully decorated with inlays, bezels, pearls, gemstones, or metalwork.
Also available large for chunk
Box clasps have two parts: one with a tongue that fits inside the other.
Easy to fasten, but without a safety latch, they can pull apart.
Add a safety chain a delicate chain linking both parts, allowing hand slippage (like on some watches).
They range from small and unobtrusive to beautifully decorated with inlays, bezels, pearls, gemstones, or metalwork.
Also available large for chunk
I hope that you've learned a few things about clasps and feel like you can make a more educated choice for your next project!
Materials
Jump Rings
Gold Clasps
Silver Clasps
Sterling Silver Filled Clasps
Rose Gold Clasps
Tools
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- Category: Chain Maille
- Technique(s): Chain Making, Design
Marilyn Gardiner
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Combine Chain Maille with your Other Crafts
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