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Little Metal Foxes

01/05 Sister Hooks & Swivel Closures

01/05 Sister Hooks & Swivel Closures

Regular price $78.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $78.00 USD
Sale Sold out

Sunday, January 5, 2024 
2:00 - 5:00 pm PDT

Instructor: Julia Lowther


Sister hooks are a secure catch for bracelets and necklaces. They can add a beautifully decorative element to an otherwise simple chain of any kind. This timeless and reliable clasp is a cold-connected mechanism that offers myriad opportunities for custom design. We'll cover what types and thicknesses of metals to use, and how to adjust the tension and set the tube rivet properly for smooth rotational movement.

Like the sister hook, the swivel closure lid rotates around a hinge that is perpendicular to the lid surface, rather than parallel to it. You'll learn how to prepare a box or locket for a swivel lid, and we'll discuss some of the many ways to hold such a swivel lid closed. One advantage of this type of closure is that you can connect metal and non-metal parts without soldering.

Beginning to Intermediate Level

All classes include the video recording, which you will have access to for 60 days after the class. The Zoom link, handouts, video(s), and other important information can be found by clicking on the individual class link on the "My Courses" page. The Zoom link and handout (if any) will be available 24 hours before the class starts.

You also get 1 free session of Open Studio Access (OSA) in the month following your class, the Zoom link can be found on the course video access page.

The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.


 

Supply List for Students

The links below will take you to RioGrande.com or other suppliers. To see prices for precious metal items, you need a free Rio Grande account. Students in the Rio for Schools program enjoy wholesale benefits for six months (instructor code = RFSLMF). This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Recommended materials:

  • 18, 20, or 22ga sheet metal. Pieces that are under 1"x2” are great to practice with.
  • Ball, stone setting, flame or cone bur slightly larger than your drilled rivet hole -  used for countersinking, OR large drill bit, like a 5/16" twist drill will accomplish the same thing.

Rivet/hinge pin materials (wire can be copper/brass/sterling):

and/or

and/or

and/or

Note: 3/32" tubing will fit perfectly inside 1/8" tubing if the wall thickness is 0.014". The link above is for telescoping tubing, which is perfect for spaced rivets.

Optional tools useful if making many rivets/hinge pins of uniform size:

 Basic Tools recommended for your bench:

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