Using magnetic clasps

[Luann Udell]

I just bought a few samples of your button-type magnetic clasps, in sterling silver, #39-536 and #29-539002.  The catalog says not to use jump rings to connect these, but to directly attach the stringing material to the clasp (or use split rings).

If I'm using the 49-strand Beadalon stringing material, will the little "handle" part of the magnetic clasp cut through that?

If so, will a cover of French wire be enough to protect the Beadalon?  And will the French wire go through the little "handle"?  (I don't know what else to call it, the clasp looks like a tiny round cookie cutter with a magnet inside, and the "handle" is what the stringing material would pass through...)

Thanks,
Luann
P.S. my amber thread got lost in the holiday shuffle, I think.   '>

[Metalman]

How about using the wire guardians R&T#41-050-3 [silver plate] or -4 [gold plate]  page 345 in the SUper supplement which should arrive any day in your neighborhood

[marym]

Hi Luann!  Good to see you.

Before purchasing French wire or wire guardians, let me do a little testing to make sure these will actually fit. The handle on these clasps can be pretty small. I'll get back to you by the end of today and let you know.

-Mary

[marym]

Luann,
Sorry this question took an extra day to get to.

On the 39-539 - The wire guardian does not fit. Neither does the fine French wire.
I have used this clasp- with just bare soft flex- and so far, have noticed no problems with the cord.  If you do find that it wears down your cord (or you just don't even want to take that risk)- I am sure customer service will have no problem accepting a return.

BTW- I'm letting our buyers know that this could be an issue.  That little handle isn't even big enough for a split-ring!  Yikes.

For product # 39-536
Fine French wire does fit through the loop- a wire keeper does not. (And standard split rings are also good to go).

We don't recommend jump rings on these clasps simply because the magnetic pull is so strong that you can actually pull your jump rings open.

I wish I had better news for you- but thank you for bringing this up- that was not even a question I had considered when I used and tested the first clasp.
 
-Mary

[Luann Udell]

Thanks for the detective work, Mary!  You guys really do go the whole nine yards....!   '>

I see that some styles have a regular soldered jump ring as the attachment point, which will probably be much easier on the stringing materials.  But they are all on the more expensive clasps, too.  

I did some product testing yesterday, myself.

I replaced the lobster claw clasp on a bracelet with the larger of the two magnetic clasps.  I used sterling silver split rings as connectors.  The bracelet was made with round leather cord, so it had cast sterling silver end caps/rings on it.

The rings permanently forced the split rings apart a little, which worried me, but I think they will be okay.  I HOPE so.

I wore it all day clothes shopping.  I was surprised how often the bracelet popped off!  It didn't come off with normal use, but the clasps definitely could not stand up to trying on sweaters and T-shirts....  I think it came off three or four times in the dressing rooms.  (Women shopping--serious business!)

I know some customers will love how easily the clasps will work, but I'm going to have to warn them that they WILL come off easily with a tug.  

So...lobster claw clasps only work if you have another person to help fasten them.  Magnetic clasps are simple to get on and off, but are much less secure.  Toggle clasps take a bit of a wiggle to get on and off, and are reasonably secure but you need an extra bit of length in the bracelet to maneuver--resulting in a looser-fitting bracelet.

No perfect solutions...  '>
(sigh)
Luann

[marym]

Thanks for the product research and feedback!!!  

There is ONE thing you can do if you really want the ease of a magnetic clasp on a bracelet-

I did this with a bracelet I made for my mother. I attached a safety chain.  Although the clasp pops open on occasion, the two inch chain keeps it on her wrist.

Other than making sure you are using the strongest of magnetic clasps, this is about the only measure you can take.  

Bracelets... sigh... their in a clasp of their own.

[Luann Udell]

Quote

Bracelets... sigh... their in a clasp of their own.

OH, too, TOO funny!!!  '>

The safety chain might work, Mary--thanks for the tip!
Luann

[LynnK]

Bingo on the safety chain...I've used them on some magnetic clasps that I didn't totally trust (not purchased at R&T ) ...one hint might be to use a metalicised plastic chain, it won't cling to the clasp.  I have an old chain that is non metallic and I cut off a few links if someone wants a safety chain. Holds up just fine.

I love magenetic clasps.  R&T needs to carry more in more fun styles. '>