Beadiversity - Skill-Building Tutorials - DIY Beading Projects

How to Use Lobster Clasps

Learn the basics of lobster clasps: what they are and how to use them.

Time: 5 min
Skill Level: Easy

There are four different size ranges of lobster clasps but they are generally paired with the style and size of beads being used. They generally come in the following sizes: small, medium, large and extra large. Lobster clasps can be used on necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. They are often chosen as a preferred clasp due to their ease of opening an closing.

Things You'll Need

  • Lobster clasps
  • Crimps
  • Jump rings

Step by Step Instructions

How to operate a lobster clasps

1 Position the Clasp

Place the latch part of the clasps closest to the finger

2 Press Down

Press down on the latch firmly

3 Open Hook

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.

Attaching Tigertail to a Lobster Clasps

4 Slide Crimp On

Slide a crimp into a tiger tail.

5 Slide Clasp on Wire

Put tiger tail through the loop on the bottom of the lobster clasp.

6 Loop Wire Back through Crimp

Take the end of the tiger tail back through the same crimp that you used in the previous step.

7 Position the Crimp Pliers

Place the crimp bead into the second crimp notch of the crimp pliers

8 Crimp the Crimp!

Squeeze the crimp pliers until the crimp bead is completely closed

The crimp should have an indented shape

9 Position the Pliers

Place the indented crimp and place it on the first notch of the crimp pliers

10 Squeeze Close

Squeeze the pliers closed.

How to Attach a Jump Ring to a Lobster Clasp

11 Open Jump Ring

Open a jump ring using a flat nose pliers

Apply pressure by moving one side towards you and the other side away from you to slightly open

12 Attach Lobster Clasp

In the opening of the jump ring attach the bottom loop of the lobster clasp

13 Close Jump Ring

Close the jump ring by applying the opposite pressure used when opening the jump ring. You know it is closed when the two ends meet face to face.

Tips & Advice

Conclusion

Questions? Ask below and we'll be happy to help!

About the Materials

In this tutorial, we use basic materials including lobster clasps, crimps, and jump rings. These are materials you should keep well stocked as you will be using them regularly!

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