Simple Mandrels for Making Jump Rings
by Judy Freyer Thompson
Yes, another tip for making jump rings!
There are tons of ways to make jump rings, from fancy tools to kitchen items like wooden spoon handles.
I have used wooden spoon handles in the past; not only are you limited in size, there is also that question on how to effectively hold your starting end from spinning around the mandrel. Sometimes you simply cannot hold the wire end securely in order to get a tight wrap.

A simple solution is to drill some holes!
I have an assortment of wooden dowels and drill holes in them matching the wire gauge I am using with the appropriate number drill bit.
Instructions
I have chosen three gauges of wire, therefore I am drilling three holes in each dowel spacing a 1/3 of the way around.
Using the corresponding drill bit and pin vice or rotary tool, drill one hole in each size dowel you are using to match the wire size approximately ¼" deep.

Judy Freyer Thompson's Simple Mandrels for Making Jump Rings - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Tools, simple dowel mandrels
Using the permanent marker, label the holes for the corresponding size wire.
To make rings, use the flat nose wire pliers to make an approximate ¼" 90° bend in the end of the wire and insert the end in the drilled hole.

Judy Freyer Thompson's Simple Mandrels for Making Jump Rings - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Tools, dowel mandrels
Use your thumb to secure the wire for the first wrap. Wrap the wire around the dowel, applying tension on the wire.

Judy Freyer Thompson's Simple Mandrels for Making Jump Rings - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Tools, dowel mandrels
Judy Freyer Thompson's Simple Mandrels for Making Jump Rings - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Tools, dowel mandrels
Snip the wire at the 90° bend using the flush cutters, slide the coil off the dowel. Using the multi-purpose shear, cut the coil into rings.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Simple Mandrels for Making Jump Rings - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Tools, dowel mandrels
Judy Freyer Thompson's Simple Mandrels for Making Jump Rings - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Tools, dowel mandrels

Materials

18 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-18D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.85
  • Gold Club Price: $0.64
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Tools

Xuron Flush Cutter - Pack of 1
G2-504
  • G2-504
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Making Jump Rings, Tools