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These catches are available
commercially, but that does not mean there is never a need
to have to make one. They are one of the strongest and most reliable catches
that can be made in an hour or so. I use these when I make a
watch strap, for chains and bracelets. In fact, I have one
on my day to day watch and it has not once in four years let
loose. The example below is made out of 14kt gold.
I
start with a piece of plate about 0.7mm thick. This one is
for a narrow chain. If the chain were heavier, I would make
it more broad and then out of 1mm plate.
Then
I pierce it out like this. The bottom section is going to be
used for the top of the catch. Wait, you will see...
Here I
have cut the bottom section off and stamped and trimmed it
and filed two grooves in it. This is to give a clean neat
bend when the arms get bent up and soldered.
I have
soldered the two arms and also bent the front up.
These
are filed straight and trimmed and the tops are rounded off.
This
is the part that I cut off in the beginning. I file a groove
at the end.
I
solder a piece of wire in the groove. I use solid wire
because I drill it afterwards, but tubing could also just as
easily be used. Also I trimmed the arms and drilled then
with a 1mm drill.
Here
the wire is drilled and the top will be bent round.
Like
this. I burr a small depression in the front where a small
little ball will be soldered on. This is to allow one to use your
nail to open the catch.
Here
the ball has been soldered and the top been riveted. I like
the riveted look but, of course, they could just as easily
be soldered flush.
The catch is in place in the chain.
This is a fold over version that I use on a Titanium watch
that I made.
And this is a derivative that I used for a fancy Lavulite
chain I made. Essentially the same principle.
Also have a look at this
Jewelry Tutorial on Making a Bayonet Catch.
If you have any questions or wish to be notified of any new tutorials that are posted,
email me at hansmeevis.tutorials@gmail.com |
