Wrapped Hook Clasp
This style of clasp combines the wrapped loop technique with some of the same steps you follow to make the hook part of the hook-and-eye clasp previously described in this section. To make a wrapped hook clasp, you'll need about four inches of wire, a jeweler's file, round-nosed pliers, chain-nosed pliers, and wire cutters.
There is one important issue to be aware of before making this sort of clasp because unlike the hook-and-eye clasp where the loops are not wrapped closed, the loop on this clasp is wrapped closed. So, you need to determine if you need to connect anything to the loop part of the clasp before you wrap it closed when you are putting your jewelry piece together. For demonstration purposes, I'm going to assume you don't need to connect it to anything first.
File the ends of your wire, and start constructing the clasp by making a wrapped loop (see Figure 6.53) on one end of the wire.
Figure 6.53
Make a wrapped loop first.
Figure 6.53
Make a wrapped loop first.
Figure 6.52
Straighten the top of the wire to form a head pin.
Use round-nosed pliers to make a tiny curl on the end of wire, as shown in Figure 6.54.
Figure 6.54
Finish the end of the hook with a small curl.
Figure 6.54
Finish the end of the hook with a small curl.
About an inch or so from the wrapped loop, grasp the wire with round-nosed pliers and use your fingers to wrap the wire around the nose into a hook shape, as shown in Figure 6.55.
Figure 6.55
Create a hook shape with the wire.
This type of hook (a completed hook is shown in Figure 6.56) works well when teamed up with a simple jump ring to make a completed clasp for a necklace.
Figure 6.56
Your finished wrapped loop hook is a versatile clasp.
Figure 6.56
Your finished wrapped loop hook is a versatile clasp.
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