Though you can buy pre-made jump rings from most jewelry suppliers, if you need a lot of jump rings, for making a chain for example, then you might want to make your own. There are probably as many ways to make jump rings as there are to cook chicken. In fact, I’ve already posted instructions for making a basic jump ring. However, after purchasing a ring jig from Rio Grande, my husband has perfected his own technique for making jump rings. So, I grabbed my digital camera in order to show you yet another way to make lots of jump rings.

You’ll need:

a bench vice
2 pairs of vice grips
large drill bit (Pictured is a 5/16 inch - 18 inch long bit.)
wire (16 gauge round is a good choice.)
hand saw & saw blades
bees wax
Brookhart ™ Plus Ring Jig

Note Concerning Supplies: First a note about some of the supplies used here. He used what we had already. So, don’t go out a buy a huge drill bit for example. Look around, and use what you have on hand. A large screw driver might work or even a nail. As far as the wire used, again, he used what we had and what he likes, which is 16 gauge round sterling wire. Use what you have or what is appropriate for your project.

Note About the Jig: Rio Grande has two jigs that are both made by Brookhart ™ and are very similar. The Jump Ring Maker allows you to both wrap the wire and saw the rings. The Plus Ring Jig does not allow you to wrap the wire, only saw the rings. However, it does have an area for cutting rings and watches, so that can be handy. This project uses the Plus Ring Jig.

Wrapping the Wire:

This first section shows how to wrap the wire into a long coil so that later it can be cut into your jump rings.

1. Start by putting your drill bit into the vice and tighten so the bit is firmly in place.

2. Now start with at least a foot or two of wire, and use the vice grips to hold the wire up against the bit.

3. Attach the other pair of vice grips to the other end of the wire.

4. Hold the vice grips attached to the end of the wire, and wrap the wire evenly around the bit.

5. Continue to wrap the wire until you have wrapped all of it.

6. Pull the coil of wire off the bit and prepare for sawing the rings.

Next Page->To saw the rings using the jig - includes a printer friendly link.

Sign up for the weekly Jewelry Making Newsletter and
find out about new additions to this site each week.

Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name	Email

Chat with other jewelry makers in our chat room.

All graphics created by Tammy Powley.

Previous Features

From Tammy Powley,
Your Guide to Jewelry Making.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Related Articles

Weekly Feature - Jump Ring Joy Part 2Jump Ring Joy"Proper" Jump RingWeekly Feature - Square Design Wrap RingJump Ring Quality