Opening & Closing Loops or Jump Rings

To open or close a loop or jump ring, use two pairs of smooth chain-nose pliers (bent or flat-nose pliers work fine as a second plier).

Push the ring or loop open with the right pliers while holding the side across the ring or loop with the left pliers. To close the ring or loop, hold it in the same way and rock the ring or loop back and forth until the ends rub against each other or you hear a click. Moving the ring past the closed position and then back hardens the ring and assures a tight closure.

Watch the beading video tutorial below for another method of opening and closing a jump ring or simple loop.