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Using Split Ring Pliers and Tweezers to Attach Charms

by: evercharming( 39607Feedback score is 25,000 to 49,999) Top 5000 Reviewer
159 out of 165 people found this guide helpful.
Guide viewed: 13945 times Tags: Charms | split rings | charm bracelets | pliers | sterling silver


In this guide we cover the following topics

  • How to attach split rings using split ring pliers or split ring tweezers
  • Are pliers better than tweezers?
  • How to choose the right size split ring for your bracelet or chain

How to attach split rings using split ring pliers or tweezers

Using split rings to securely attach your sterling silver charms to your charm bracelet or necklace is a snap when you use split ring pliers or tweezers.  With the right tools you will not damage your fingernails trying to open the rings and you will not have to watch the little buggers go flying across the room as they snap shut and try to escape.

Step One: 
   You will need a split ring, split ring pliers or tweezers, and the item you will attach to the split ring. Remove any jump ring from your charm so the split ring will be the only link between the charm and the bracelet.

 

Step Two: 
   Open the pliers and slide the split ring on the longer arm of the tool. As you close the tool, make sure the pointed (curved) arm comes down between the coils of the split ring to separate them.  Once you have a grip on the split ring, you can slide it around toward the open end so you can add your charm or bracelet to the ring.

 

Step Three:
   Slide the object that you are attaching to the split ring onto the open end. Hold the object in your fingers and use flat nose pliers or fingertips to slide the split ring around to the other side, until the object and ring dangle freely.  (Just like putting a key on a keyring)

 

Step Four: 
   Repeat steps 2 and 3 to attach the charm to your bracelet or chain.  Open the other side of the split ring and repeat the process to attach the item to a charm bracelet.  Opening each side of the split ring will help keep it from stretching out and losing its shape.

 

Are split ring pliers better than tweezers

Pliers and tweezers both work exactly the same.  Tweezers are a low cost alternative to pliers but they truly work equally as well.  The main difference is the grip.  With pliers you grip the handles using your entire hand (in a "C" shape if you are left-handed and a backwards "C" shape if you are right handed).  When using tweezers you use the thumb and index finger to press the tip of the tweezer together and open the split ring.

 

Choosing the right size sterling silver split ring for your bracelet

5mm Split Rings:

5mm sterling split rings are the softest and most likely to lose their shape if attached to a bracelet with large links. This size ring is best for the smallest bracelet links and small charms.

6mm Split rings:

6mm is the most common size.  Most charms come with either a 6mm jump ring or a split ring.  For medium weight charm bracelets 6mm rings will work well.

7mm & 7.3mm:

7mm and 7.3mm rings are best for charm bracelets with think chain links.  7mm and 7.3mm rings usually snap back to shape better the smaller sizes but if used on a small link bracelet the distance from the bracelet to the charm can appear too big.  We recommend these split rings for thick, heavy chain links.

Please visit our eBay store for all your charm bracelet needs

We carry 10, 15, 25, 50 and 100-packs of each of the split ring sizes listed above as well as pliers, tweezers, polishing cloths, and over 3500 different sterling silver charm styles!



There is a wonderful two-part charm F.A.Q. guide written by the highly respected vintage seller gelatogrrl that covers many topics of interest for new and vintage charm buyers.  You can find those guides here-
Charm FAQs for Vintage Charm Bracelet Collectors I
Charm FAQs for Vintage Charm Bracelet Collectors II

Guide ID: 10000000000904895Guide created: 04/29/06 (updated 08/27/08)

 
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evercharming
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