Jewelry-making Basics: What is a lobster claw clasp?

Its easy after a while for someone who works around jewelry supplies and bead projects to forget that everyone doesn't know all there is to know about beading components.

I decided to blog about some jewellery-making basics to help address that.

What is a lobster claw clasp?

Lobster claw is a term often used generically for a family of clasps that have a trigger that opens and closes, allowing the piece to lock around a jump ring or chain link on the opposite end of your beaded necklace, beaded bracelet or beaded anklet. Jewelry purists will show you that lobster claws are usually straight and long with rounded ends. Oval- or rounded trigger clasps have a more teardrop shape. Balloon clasps are usually a slimmer oval than oval trigger clasps. Other specialty clasp shapes include heart trigger clasp, elephant trigger clasp and cat trigger clasp.

Lobster Claw	Oval Trigger
Elephant Clasp

Lobster claw clasps are sometimes considered less stylish than toggles (which will be explored on a separate page). However, they are usually more secure than toggles.

The most common flaws of lobster claws, which are still rare are:

• A trigger that sticks (most common with plated- or base-metal toggles treated with a surface finish (oxidized brass or oxidized copper)
• A trigger with a spring that "pops" (a rare occurrence)
• A base with little strength (that may twist off with ungentle wire wrapping, more common with less expensive base metal clasps and plated jewelry clasps)

One style of claw clasp that will increase the wearer's comfort are swivel clasps. (See sizes 1, 2 and 3 in the shopping cart.) The base rotates separately from the rest of the claw, giving another "degree of freedom" to the beaded bracelet, necklace or anklet.

Paul
www.ohiobeads.com Bead Blog
www.ohiobeads.com: online shopping for bulk jewelry chain, findings and other jewelry-making supplies 

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