01/05 Sister Hooks & Swivel Closures
01/05 Sister Hooks & Swivel Closures
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):
- 14g round wire
- #52 drill bit
and/or
- 16g round wire
- #55 drill bit
and/or
-
3/32" (2.38mm) OD (outer diameter) tubing (Amazon)
- 2.3mm drill bit (#42 would be best, if you can find them)
and/or
- 1/8" (3.2mm) OD (outer diameter) tubing (Amazon)
- 1/8" drill bit (Amazon)
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:
- Torch and fuel (both these torches use disposable 1lb propane tanks, most insurance allows this size inside the home)
- Sparker or Torch lighter - 114.205 (Otto Frei)
- Solderite pad 6"x6" - 502064 or other fireproof soldering surface (fire brick or scrap of cement board, i.e. Hardie backer cement board)
- Pickle - 5010233 - OR sodium bisulfate for pools from the hardware store
- Pickle pot - 501021 - OR small crockpot; OR glass jar + PLASTIC lid + mug warmer
- Copper tongs - 501017
- Flux brush - 115141 OR small cheap paintbrush with natural bristles (size 4 is good)
- Solder pick. This can be made from a length of wire coat hanger (pointed on one end with a flat spiral handle)
- Tweezers (for solder placement) - 115018
- Jewelers saw frame (2.25" throat) -110039
- 4/0 jewelers saw blades (pkg/12) - 110304
- Bench pin & anvil - 110014
- Cross-lock tweezers - 115051
- Dividers - 116224
- Brass sliding gauge - 116075
- Pin vise - 113146
- Center punch - 118117
-
Chasing hammer - 112225
OR small ball pein hammer - 119333 - Riveting hammer - 112087 (optional, if you have a chasing hammer)
- Flat/half round forming pliers - 111180
- Chain-nose pliers - 111911
- Flat-nose pliers - 111912
- Round-nose pliers - 111913
- Side cutters - 111931
- Ring mandrel - 112575
- Ring clamp - 113969
- Nylon mallet - 112013
- Metal ruler - 116493
- Flat hand file (#2 cut is good, get a handle as well) - 114925
- Half-round hand file (#2 cut is good, get a handle as well) - 114931
- Set 6 needle files (cut #2) - 114797
- Joyce Chen shears (Amazon)
- Emery board or sapphire nail file (Amazon)
- Sandpaper (800, 600, 400, 220 grits) + popsicle sticks + masking tape
- Sanding sticks (DIY)
- Loupe - 113780
- Patina - Liver of Sulfur gel - 331033
- Polishing cloth - 337039