Paperclip Jump Rings? No way!

Using tools that you probably already have you too can make inexpensive jump rings!

First off though, I have to say thanks to Mat from BENTFORMS, for answering all my random questions.
BENTFORMS

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Step 1: Supplies

You only need a few things,

1. A Phillips head screwdriver you wouldn't mind gouging up. The screwdrivers diameter will be the same as the rings you make.

2. Pliers. Any will do, just make sure they're not really tiny or really big.

3. Paperclips. I use the 'Jumbo' kind from a certain store that rhymes with 'Maples' you can get 700 for around $7, great deal if you ask me. Too thin of a clip won't make very good rings, however, so make sure yours are thick enough.

4. Rotary tool with cut-off wheel. This is what you'll use to cut your rings. While you CAN use a wirecutter, they will leave points on the ends of your rings, eventually 2 ring's openings will line up and they will come apart. The flat edge a cut-off wheel makes is perfect for this, although your rings will be a little misshapen due to the material the wheel takes away.

5. Vice-Grip. This is what you'll use to hold the straightened out clip on your screwdriver.

surrealdreams says: Oct 8, 2010. 1:22 PM

Since paperclips are short, pre-bent and of unknown gauge, I'd suggest some bulk wire like others have above. You'll get better rings and waste less time and material. If you're a newbie, you can get 30 yards of 20 gauge wire for maybe $6. It's not the best value, but you also don't get stuck with 3 miles of wire you don't want. 20 or 22 gauge is a lot easier to cut and work with, but when you get more into it you'll need to get 18 and 16 gauge. The thickness matters - some kinds of weaves require rings of a specific thickness to size ratio (called aspect ratio or AR).

soulscour7 says: Sep 6, 2009. 2:01 AM

Thank you for the nice, clear Instructable. Now I can't decide if I want to make a ton and create chainmaille jewelry or something larger for the fantasy enthusiast inside me.

surrealdreams in reply to soulscour7Oct 8, 2010. 1:17 PM

Start with making some chain. Start with some basics like mobius or byzantine, then try some sheets of European weaves or more complex chains. Big projects might just put you off ring mail forever. Learning the basics with some simple projects will prep you for that shirt-'o-mail.

power says: Feb 12, 2009. 10:24 PM

what's this (lol.me noob) is this the keychain ring thing or what? please explain what's this for

cupcake811 in reply to powerOct 3, 2009. 7:58 PM

Jumprings are used when working with chain and charms. The keychain rings are called split rings.

siege engines ahoy in reply to powerFeb 13, 2009. 7:57 AM

it's for making chainmail you'll also typically need two pairs of needlenose pliers

p0g068 says: Jul 8, 2009. 3:50 AM

thanks for the instructable its nice and clear!

nave says: Jun 7, 2009. 10:57 AM

i think the byzantine weave looks good....

steelgrrrlmai says: May 28, 2009. 5:15 AM

Cool! Now I can make jewelry completely out of recycled office products. Most of the stuff I use comes from trashed motherboards, and now I can use leftover paperclips to make jumprings when I need them. Thank you for this.

blugyblug says: Feb 9, 2009. 11:03 PM

Such Enthusiasm. I love the title "NO way!!".. Its just so.. unexpected on instructables. Nice ible for all those wannabe-living-in-runescape-1300s-medieval-guys

Cryptonat in reply to blugyblugFeb 10, 2009. 10:18 AM

Maille has nothing to do with Runescape. Its an active hobby and great item to sell for people who enjoy maille. There was a time when people wore maille for protection, not just in games.

112251919112 in reply to CryptonatMar 14, 2009. 11:02 PM

I make maile because of RuneScape. :)

FuzzyBearGeek in reply to CryptonatFeb 18, 2009. 2:01 PM

Haha. Chill.

blugyblug in reply to CryptonatFeb 10, 2009. 10:36 PM

Nah thats just this word i use for all those medieval guys. Nothing really to do with runescape, just alot of it was probably started by games/movies.

DELETED_Nagolias in reply to blugyblugMay 15, 2009. 10:40 PM

(removed by author or community request)

blugyblug in reply to DELETED_NagoliasMay 16, 2009. 1:38 AM

..When i say "started"i mean like gaining popularity, lil kids making stick and rubberband bows and arrows.
That kind of thing. =S

steelgrrrlmai in reply to blugyblugMay 28, 2009. 5:30 AM

Yeh, kids have been making rubberband weapons since I can remember, and I predate the consoles and pc by a few years. As for the "medieval guys" They've been doing that for even longer than I've been alive. My mom was active in the SCA before I was born. So, I doubt videogames have as much of an influence as you think.

blugyblug in reply to steelgrrrlmaiMay 30, 2009. 5:52 PM

Probably, but its an influence for kids (ie under 14-15 yrs old) ..Im 14, so yeah...

Charm2bsure says: Feb 16, 2009. 12:52 PM

Thanks! I really enjoyed this one. An alternative to screwdrivers could be an old knitting needle (make sure it is no longer wanted/needed). Also Harbor Freight has entire sets of mandrells in a wide range of sizes for very little money. Very addicitive hobby...

thepelton says: Feb 11, 2009. 1:52 PM

I have been making chainmail for some time now. I have been using a threaded rod to wrap 16G electrical fence wire around, then hook the loops together. I will look at the speed weaving tutorial, and get back to you if it has different information than I know.

ltla9000311 in reply to thepeltonFeb 12, 2009. 6:28 PM

Dude I started the EXACT same way! Go to your local hardware store and buy a couple of pieces of steel rod about 3 feet long. Different diameters are available, usually in 1/8 inch increments. I have these bent with a handle and a 2x4 jig to hold it as I wind my wire. You'll get ALOT more consistent rings with this method. If you need more info email me at ltla9000311@yahoo.com. I'll share anything you need to know!

Deathcapt says: Feb 12, 2009. 4:42 AM

If you're looking for a way cheaper / move efficient way of getting aluminum and straight aluminum for winding rings, look @ electric fence wire, or any kind of anodized aluminum or stainless steel wire that's at least 16 gauge. I bought 400 meters for $30 @ home hardware. It's available in 50 meter lengths for about $5-$10 also @ home hardware. Also, check out http://www.instructables.com/id/European-4-in-1-maille-chainmail-speedweaving/ for a look at making a sweet winding machine that'll let you turn out a couple feet of rings in a few seconds, I built one and it works great.

ltla9000311 in reply to DeathcaptFeb 12, 2009. 6:23 PM

Try Harbor Freight for stainless steel wire. It comes in a 1 pound blue plastic can. They call it safety lock wire. It is 18 gage. I can wind about 3500 rings, 3/16" inner diameter, out of a 1 pound tub. Oh yeah the tub retails for $8.99 last time I bought some.