Working with 11mm Oval Rollo

[dboutique]

Help!  I absolutely love this chain but I'm having a hard time working with it.  It's listed as a best seller, so I know I'm doing something wrong.  I have a really hard time closing the links once I've opened them to add a clasp.  Ive even bought new tools thinking mine were too wimpy.

Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong.  Thanks!

Tricia

[RitaD]

When opening links on chain, you should use the same technique as for jump rings... Twist open to the side (using two pair of pliers if necessary) and twist back into alignment.  I hope this helps.

[dboutique]

Rita, Thank you for the reply.  I have been doing it that way, I was just hoping there was a secret trick-  I must be really weak.  I'll try beefing up!  Thank you again!

Tricia

[Luann Udell]

I just went and actually looked at the 11mm rollo chain.  I'm GUESSING that it isn't you, it's the chain--it's "steel-based" whatever that is, but steel is harder to work with than sterling or copper. 

The links look wide and flat, too.  So it's not going to "work" as easily as a link made from round wire.

It might be simpler to use an oval jump ring to attach your clasp, rather than trying to open the rollo chain link.  I usually do this anyway, because I don't want to mess with the chain too much.  Too much "working" of a link could make it weak or brittle.  I'd rather let the jump ring take the stress than the chain itself, if that makes sense.

Hope this helps,
Luann

[Russ Nobbs]

The 40-099-23 chain is described as "steel based."  I'll have to check to see why it is called that rather than just "steel chain." Maybe it is made from copper clad steel wire rather than just plain steel wire.

Luann is right that steel is stiffer than brass chains. The flattened link is work hardened by flattening it, possibly making it even harder than round wire chain..Using an oval jump ting might work better for attaching drops to it. Cutting the chain (with heavy cutters) might be easier than trying to open and close the links, but, with practice you should be able to open and close links.

[dboutique]

Wow! Thank you for the oval jump ring idea.  I'll use that while I work on opening those links.  This sounds silly but, I absolutely loved getting solution to my jewelry troubles this way. 

[Luann Udell]

Glad the Craft Emergency line could help, ma'am.   

[Russ Nobbs]

<LOL>

Thanks Luann!