A clasp has to hold, and still open

A clasp is a small machine. The bar of a toggle has to be longer than the ring but still go through it. A box clasp's tongue has to spring hard enough to lock and not so hard that it bends for good. A bayonet's slot has to leave the tube strong.

Claspmaker works out the measurements of seven clasps, shows each one opening and closing in 3D, checks what tends to go wrong, and draws every part at true size – strips with their folds, tubes with their slots to wrap round, plates and wire to bend.

What it does

• Toggle clasp – a ring of wire or sheet in round, square, heart or flower shape, and a bar with or without balls on the ends.
• Hook and eye – the wire, the bend and the turned-back part, hammered flat or not.
• S-hook – a small closed loop and a large loop with a gap that springs open for the ring.
• Box clasp – built the Revere way from one scored strip, with a folded tongue or sawn spring arms, an end plate or a second box, and safety catches or a safety chain.
• Round tongue clasp – the box clasp in round barrels.
• Round box clasp – a hidden bayonet inside two barrels, held by a coil spring: push, turn and pull.
• Bayonet clasp – a tube with an L-slot and a plug with pins, with or without a notch.
• Checks – how far the spring is strained against what your metal can take, and what does not fit or will not hold.
• Parts, 1:1 – every part drawn at true size with its folds, cuts and holes, and a 50 mm ruler to check that the print is true.
• Files – SVG to print and STL for 3D printing.

Beta

Claspmaker is new. Make the first one in copper or brass and check it before you cut silver.

Made for makers

Claspmaker is part of Silversalen's tools for silversmiths and hobby makers, next to Linkmaker, Chainmaker, Kintsugimaker, Filigreemaker, Bezelmaker, Boxmaker, Conemaker, Signetmaker, Ringmaker and Bench Mandrel.