Learn all you need to about lobster clasps. We break down their constructions, benefits, and tips for soldering near a clasp.
Lobster clasps are a popular choice among jewelers, and for good reason. They’re strong, last a long time, are simple to use, and come in a huge range of styles and materials. Keep reading for the lowdown on how they’re made and why you might want to use one.
Creating your own jewelry can be an immensely rewarding hobby or side business However, improper sizing can lead to pieces that are uncomfortable to wear or even dangerous if a clasp comes undone Lobster claw clasps are a popular choice for their ease of use and secure hold. Measuring them correctly ensures your designs have a custom fit.
What is a Lobster Claw Clasp?
A lobster claw clasp gets its name from its resemblance to the crushing pincers of a lobster’s claws. The lever resembles the abdomen of a lobster. When open, the arm springs back and the clasp can be attached to a jump ring or chain. Releasing the lever allows the arm to close tightly around the ring.
Lobster clasps provide a secure hold and are easy to open and close. They come in a variety of sizes and materials like brass, gold, and silver You’ll find them on all types of jewelry from necklaces to keychains They tend to cost more than other clasps due to their higher metal weight.
Why Proper Measurement Matters
Taking accurate measurements ensures your lobster claw clasp is the optimal size for your design. One that’s too small can pinch the wearer or dig painfully into their skin. An oversized clasp risks coming open accidentally causing your piece to fall off.
The size of the clasp should complement the size and weight of the full piece. For lighter weight jewelry, opt for a smaller clasp. Use larger clasps for heavier statement pieces to provide adequate hold. Matching clasp and chain width also creates a cohesive aesthetic.
Measuring the Length
You’ll need to measure two components – the length of the lobster arm and the diameter of the jump ring or chain it will attach to.
To measure clasp length:
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Use digital calipers for an exact measurement in millimeters. Calipers can measure the inner and outer diameter of the closed clasp.
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A cloth measuring tape also works well. Wrap it around the outer edges of the closed clasp.
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If you don’t have measuring tools, use a piece of string. Wrap it around the clasp then measure against a ruler.
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For a piece with a lobster-claw clasp and an extender chain, measure from the outer tip of the clasp to the outer end of the link where you usually attach the clasp.
Determining the Right Jump Ring Size
The jump ring or chain needs to be slightly smaller than the clasp to ensure a snug fit. However, too small of a discrepancy makes it hard to open and close the clasp.
Follow these tips for choosing the right jump ring size:
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For an 11mm clasp, opt for a jump ring around 9-10mm.
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Use digital calipers to measure jump ring outer diameter (OD).
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If unsure, purchase a few different jump ring sizes to test what fits best.
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The jump ring should move freely when the clasp is open but remain secure when closed.
Attaching the Clasp to Your Jewelry
Once you’ve determined the ideal clasp and jump ring sizes, attaching them takes finesse. Follow these steps:
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Use two sets of pliers – chain nose and round nose work best. Make sure they properly fit the clasp.
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Gently pry open the jump ring or clasp loop with the pliers. Be careful not to distort the shape.
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Slide the open clasp onto your chain or cord at the desired spot.
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Reposition the pliers to close the loop, taking care to line up the ends evenly.
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Check that the clasp moves freely and has a snug fit when closed.
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If the fit seems loose, re-open the loop and adjust as needed.
Achieving a Custom Fit
With the right tools and some practice, you can master measuring and attaching lobster claw clasps. Taking precise measurements allows you to customize the fit of your jewelry designs. Pieces with properly sized clasps will delight your customers with their comfort and security. Use these tips to elevate your homemade jewelry creations.
Construction of a Lobster Clasp
We need to know how lobster clasps are made before we can talk about all the good things about them. We’ll talk about how the clasp is put together physically, as well as the magnet test, the assay, and how plating treatments might change your clasp.
Just like our other favorite clasp, the spring ring, lobster clasps are also constructed with a steel spring. They are made up of 3 parts – the spring, the trigger, and the body. In spring rings, the spring is inside a tube. The spring in a lobster clasp has a slightly different shape, with only one coil instead of many. When you pull the trigger, it pushes the spring against the body of the clasp. When you release the trigger, it springs back into a neutral position. For more information about spring rings, read our blog Spring Rings: All you Need to Know.
The main metal used to make lobster clasp bodies and triggers is usually sterling silver, 14k gold, or gold-filled. However, the spring is always made out of steel. In the pictures above of a lobster class that has been taken apart, you can see that the spring is made of a darker metal. Because of this, a precious metal spring would quickly lose its ability to pull apart after being used a lot, and it would stop working. Steel springs maintain this important tensile strength “springy” property for lifetime use. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates jewelry industry practices. They allow certain key jewelry components to contain steel mechanisms because of the necessity for tensile strength. On that list are clasp springs, hinge pins used in things like leverback earring findings, and the glass-face holding bezels for lockets or watches. The small steel parts in these findings may make them magnetic, even though the main body of these items is made of precious metal. You may notice a stronger magnetic pull on the findings when you are near the steel component.
The introduction of steel into a clasp will affect the piece’s assay. Assay is a lab test that tells you what your piece is made of so you can be sure it is pure precious metal. For example, sterling silver is 92. 5% fine silver, and 7. 5% copper. Adding the steel spring has made the piece heavier and less pure because it is made of a different material. But that steel spring is very important because, as we already said, silver and gold aren’t strong enough to be springs. Keep this in mind when you use your lobster clasp or any other clasp with a steel spring, like a spring ring: it can change the assessment. When you send your materials to a lab for quality control tests, you should always take off any clasps that have steel in them or let the lab tech know that your testing sample may have clasp springs that need to be taken out before it is analyzed.
Sterling Silver Lobster Claw Clasps
FAQ
What size should a lobster clasp be?
How to measure bracelet with lobster clasp?
Is a lobster clasp adjustable?
What sizes do Lobster clasps come in?
Because lobster clasps are so popular, you can find them in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and beyond. Halstead offers lobster clasps from 4x7mm to 9×17.5mm and beyond in size. We also stock sterling silver, gold-filled, rose gold-filled, and solid 14k gold.
How does a lobster clasp work?
The latch will swing the trap side open, allowing you to insert a loop for attachment All lobster clasps have a hoop on its bottom to attach various types of threads and metal fasteners to secure jewelry. Unless it is designed differently, the hoop on the bottom is a universal technical part of a lobster clasps.
How do you choose a lobster clasp?
Certain lobster clasps feature a more rounded look mimicking the shape of a lobster claw, while others may have a flatter design. The choice of clasp type is influenced by the weight and style of the necklace or chain it is intended to secure, ensuring both safety and coherence in design.
How do you attach a lobster clasp to a ring?
How to connect them to your jewelry pieces: Both Spring rings and lobster clasps usually have a jump ring attached to it which you can connect to the end of your necklace or bracelet. The part that opens and closes hooks into a jump ring or metal loop on the opposite end of the piece.