khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,980
|
Post by khara on Dec 16, 2022 11:39:45 GMT -5
I've been searching for copper jump rings and split rings and am noticing that most are actually made of brass or iron with a copper finish. Is copper just too soft, not strong enough for the purpose of a jump ring? I know an option is to make them myself but if they won't be strong maybe the coated brass/iron ones are better? Many also say either nickel, lead, or cadmium free. I've never understood the importance of these notes so would be interested to know whether this is important to others. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by rockjunquie on Dec 16, 2022 11:49:55 GMT -5
Yes, copper is too soft. Unless it is a big, heavy gauge that you hammer.
A lot of people have an allergy to nickel and I believe all three of those are poisonous.
|
|
khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,980
|
Post by khara on Dec 16, 2022 17:00:10 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by susand24224 on Dec 16, 2022 17:21:03 GMT -5
I agree 100% with Tela that unless you use a heavy gauge, or something more than a simple jump ring, copper is too soft. But if nothing but copper will do, I make larger jump rings with 16-gauge square hammered (bracelets or a bail) and for smaller things I do a coil with several layers. The coil is still soft but the weight is spread over several layers so it holds up fairly well (think key chain attachments). Photo of large jump ring, you could make one smaller, but of course are limited by the thickness of the wire. For some reason, the square seems to hold its shape better.  |
|
|
|
Post by rockjunquie on Dec 16, 2022 18:10:01 GMT -5
I agree 100% with Tela that unless you use a heavy gauge, or something more than a simple jump ring, copper is too soft. But if nothing but copper will do, I make larger jump rings with 16-gauge square hammered (bracelets or a bail) and for smaller things I do a coil with several layers. The coil is still soft but the weight is spread over several layers so it holds up fairly well (think key chain attachments). Photo of large jump ring, you could make one smaller, but of course are limited by the thickness of the wire. For some reason, the square seems to hold its shape better. Nice bracelet! |
|
khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,980
|
Post by khara on Dec 18, 2022 14:29:30 GMT -5
susand24224 Interesting Susan, thank you. The square option is good to know, I’ll keep that in mind. Yes I was starting to think the same thing, 18 ga or larger and maybe trying to work harden it but I am looking for some fairly small ones to have on hand for pendant cords. I guess I’m ok with everything not being 100% pure copper now that I’ve looked and tried. I’d rather it be strong than the wrong application. Really cool bracelet, it looks like a lot of work!
|
|
|
|
Post by susand24224 on Dec 18, 2022 16:58:11 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliments on the bracelet! It is 50% not original; I purchased a tutorial on Etsy from a Ukrainian seller, but like all tutorials, I followed it for a while, screwed up, and then invented the rest myself.
|
|
|
|
Post by fernwood on Dec 19, 2022 3:50:20 GMT -5
I purchased these off Amazon. I prefer split rings to jump rings. Liked the patina on them and the variety of sizes. There is more patina than the listing shows. I now have enough split rings for several years. Ended up getting the silver, gold and antique bronze ones before the copper. www.amazon.com/dp/B07CXKFN23?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1The price has increased a couple of dollars since I purchased.   |
|
|
|
Post by liveoak on Dec 19, 2022 7:25:02 GMT -5
I agree about the split rings. I have some brighter copper colored ones I purchased some years ago (no idea where).
But I will add it's very worth buying a pair of split ring pliers.
I've never tried the ring thingy,(shown on that amazon link) but a regular pliers is just annoying.
A split ring pliers makes it nice & easy.
Patty
|
|
|
|
Post by fernwood on Dec 19, 2022 7:44:26 GMT -5
I have a pair of split ring plyers. Do not like them.
I grasp the ring with hemostats. Then open one end with a paring knife.
This is what I have done for over 30 years.
I really thought the plyers would be easier, but guess I am just too stuck in my ways.
|
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Dec 19, 2022 10:36:30 GMT -5
I purchased these off Amazon. I prefer split rings to jump rings. Liked the patina on them and the variety of sizes. There is more patina than the listing shows. I now have enough split rings for several years. Ended up getting the silver, gold and antique bronze ones before the copper. www.amazon.com/dp/B07CXKFN23?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1The price has increased a couple of dollars since I purchased. Beth, thank you for posting this link!!  |
|
khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,980
|
Post by khara on Jan 2, 2023 17:02:54 GMT -5
Oh, what the heck? I never saw notification of this way back on the 18th. Thank you fernwood Yes I’ve been on the look out for split rings. I am pretty obsessive about things being secure and safe. I had bought some cheap cords with the already attached cord ends, jump rings, and lobster clasps and I couldn’t resist trying to break it. Sure enough it broke, easily, too easily in my opinion. So I’ve not wanted to use them since. Thanks for the link! |
|
