This Instructable is inspired by my complete inability to keep track of things, especially tiny ones. I've dropped countless nails from atop ladders and have completely lost Dremel bits, that I swear...were just there a second ago!

These simple wire rings use tiny neodymium magnets to hold on to small parts. They easily hold several nails, a couple bits or those bookshelf things that I always, always misplace. But they are not so strong that you'll be picking up all the hardware around you or pulling the iron out of your friends' blood.

Since these are intended to be worn only while working on projects, the emphasis is on speed and ease of construction over durability. Fully expect them to occasionally bend out of shape or need a new magnet now and then. If you want something stronger, a soldering gun and more complex wire wrapping techniques could be employed.

Admittedly, the crystals add no practical value, however, being in your workshop all day doesn't mean you have to be a ragamuffin : )

Step 1: Cut and Wrap Wire

These are the supplies for all the rings. I've divided the rest of the Instructable by design type as the steps are pretty straightforward.

Materials
16 gauge copper wire
Neodymium magnets
Swarovski crystals
Jewelry glue
Foil (Design 3 only)

Tools
Vise
Round pliers
Flat Pliers
Wire cutter
Mandrel
Metal File

Step 2: Design 1: Double S-Shape (Adjustable)

The convenient thing about this,and the next, ring design is that since they are not closed circles, they are adjustable. So it is not a problem if it turns out the wire was a little too long or short. You can also wear on any finger.

Steps

Measure wire on mandrel and cut (For a Size 7 ring you'll need about a 4" piece of wire.)
Use round pliers to create two loops on each end of the wire (S-shape)
Turn both ends sideways
Bend around mandrel to shape
Place in vise and set in magnets and stone

Step 3: Design 2: Two Loops (Adjustable)

This one is just an easier version of the first (and probably the most practical). You can make this in about 30 seconds, plus the amount of time for the glue to dry.

Steps

Measure wire on mandrel and cut (For a Size 7 ring you'll need about a 3" piece of wire.)
Use the round pliers to create one loop on each side
Turn loops inward
Use ring mandrel to bend into shape
Set ring in vise and glue in magnets

Step 4: Design 3: Large Magnet

This design if for setting a larger magnet. The one in the picture is about 3/8" in diameter.

Steps

Measure wire on mandrel and cut (For a Size 7 ring you'll need about a 8" piece of wire)
Keeping the wire on the mandrel, wrap both ends clockwise to form a circle* just slightly smaller than the magnet
Leaving enough wire to create small loops, cut the ends
Use round pliers to make a loop on each end
Flatten wire circle if need be
Set ring in Vise
File down center to create as flat a surface as possible
Cut a piece of foil the same size at the wire circle
Glue foil to center , magnet to foil and add crystals (or additional tiny magnets) in the loops