I am very new to this hobby/addiction and I've acquired my limited knowledge through books, magazines, etc.  My question is how to join jump rings without using a torch.  Is there a glue, fusing material, call it what you will to keep the rings closed?  Does it make any difference if they are larger, heavier guage, if the article is light or heavy?

 Please tell me there is a magic product somewhere since I am not ready for the propane torch just yet (althogh I am tempted to get one just to make head pins).

Thanks for your help.

eleanorg:

My question is how to join jump rings without using a torch.  Is there a glue, fusing material, call it what you will to keep the rings closed?  Does it make any difference if they are larger, heavier guage, if the article is light or heavy?

 Please tell me there is a magic product somewhere since I am not ready for the propane torch just yet (althogh I am tempted to get one just to make head pins).

Thanks for your help.

No magic.  If you want them permanently closed they need to be soldered or fused.  Now if money is no object, check the Hot Spot Jump ring soldering machine in Rio Catalog - they run about $600. 

I agree with Loopy that the only way to permanently close a ring is soldering it.  However, I'd also point out that jump rings don't always need soldering.  I make chain maille; most weaves have so many rings thus increasing the tensile strength of the weave to the point that soldering isn't absolutely necessary (nice maybe, but certainly not essential).

Another option is Snapeez rings -  http://www.viamurano.com/shopping/index.html?loadfile=catalog74_0.html.  I've never used them myself but apparently they're pretty slick.

Hmm, it's just occurred to me that perhaps you're asking how to close jump rings properly (which is something you need to do before you can solder them anyway) ...... so here's a link to a tut that shows you how to do that:

 http://urbanmaille.com/articles.asp?id=122

And here's a handy little You Tube video that shows you how to solder jump rings if you decide to go that route:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYVl35kvKHs

If you're not ready for propane, you might try a butane torch.  Jump rings are generally small enough that the solder will melt in that smaller flame.  (Incidentally, use hard solders, not soft solder.)  But you can also buy an attachment for a propane torch, which screws onto the top of the tank and has a little hose leading to the torch head.  This head gives you a smaller flame and is easier to handle than having to pick up the whole propane tank each time you solder.

 Get started on soldering -- you'll love it!

 JudyBj

 

 What Judy said - and I've actually done things as large as a fairly good size bezel setting with a small butane torch.  also, the butane torches are fine for doing the head pins that you want to be able to do. 

Another option if you're concerned about just attaching a clasp is to do that w/ a split ring.  A split ring is one where the wire goes around twice, like a smaller version of a key ring.  They're not likely to be pulled apart under almost any circumstance.  However, you don't want the bother of working w/ them if you're making a whole necklace, for example.  And yes, there is a specialty plier to hold them open when you do use them.

You can join jump rings without solder if they are heavy enough to stay closed e,g in Idiot Delight bracelets, but---- if you want the thing you are making to last and not snag or catch it is wise to use solder.The deciding factor is how heavy the rings are and their diameter.Heavy wire will stay closed , but the lighter ones may come adrift.it is up to you to decide about this.There some chain designs which which soldering is not really practical , its up for you to decide. Byzantine Chains are usually not soldered , the weight of the wire and the number of links interwoven keeps them secure.

 Hi,

Many of the worlds best wire jewelry artists do cold working and do not solder jump rings. In order to have a jump ring that can not be opened easily you must use heavy gauge wire. I use 18g and heavier. 18g jump rings that are cold worked should be smaller in diameter. You must work-harden the wire. Test their strength by trying to open them with your fingers. If they can't be opened easily then you are OK. I love 16g jump rings they are very hard to pull open and have such a wonderful tactile quality. Using jump rings this way is part of an ancient system of wire working and should be done this way intentionally and in a certain context. This type of jewelry can have an ancient beauty and incredible strength.

If you are finding a way to close jump rings without soldering to save time or money or becasue you are not at the soldering point yet then you must ask yourself if you are cutting corners? In that case you risk making a weaker piece of jewelry. These decisions should be deliberate and further your design and style.

Good Luck & Have Fun!

 Lisl Armstrong,

Out Of the Blue Seaglass Jewelry