How to Use a Barrel Glue-In Magnetic Clasp

Add a Crimp and Glue-In the Magnet

Skill LevelBeginner

Time1-3 Hours

The barrel glue-in magnetic clasps are great for giving your designs continuous style. The magnets are glued into the clasp after you crimp your stringing material in place. This Handy Tip will show you how it's done

Step-by-Step Instructions Expand All Steps

You will start with the Alacarte Glue-It-Yourself magnetic barrel clasp of your choice. The clasp set consists of four pieces: two clasp sections and two magnets.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 1

One side of each of the clasp sections is convex to fit to beads. The other side is recessed to hold crimped wire and a magnet. Each of the magnets has a recess to hold the crimped wire. Use an emery board or some sandpaper to file the surface of the magnet that will be inserted into the clasp. This will allow the adhesive to bond to the magnet better.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 2

We used epoxy resin for our adhesive. Squeeze out equal amounts of the epoxy resin and the hardener that comes with it.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 3

Mix the two parts together thoroughly.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 4

Apply some of the adhesive to the convexed side of the clasp.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 5

Thread your stringing wire through the hole in the clasp, with an inch or two of wire extending through the clasp on the side thatl will hold the magnet. Add a bead to the long end of the wire. For this project, we used a crystal pearl. Use a bead stopper to ensure the pearl is snug against the clasp.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 6

Slide a crimp tube onto the wire coming through the other side of the clasp. It should sit centered in the tiny recess of the clasp. Apply a liberal amount of adhesive to the inside of the clasp. Be sure to get adhesive under and inside the crimp tube. We left the adhesive out of this image so you can see the placement of the crimp tube.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 7

Flatten the crimp tube with a pair of chain nose or bent nose pliers and trim the end of the wire flush with the crimp.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 8

Insert the magnet into the recess of the clasp. It should fit over the crimp and sit flat within the clasp. If the magnet is crooked, it won't close securely.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 9

Allow to dry thoroughly. Give it at least 24 hours of dry time. The pearl will dry in less time than the adhesive around the crimp and clasp. We suspended the clasp so that the magnet is upright to ensure the magnet stays level until dry.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 10

Once the adhesive is dry, thread the rest of the beads for your design onto the wire and repeat these steps to add the second half of the clasp. Again, we suspended the clasp so the magnet would stay level. Allow to dry at least 24 hours once again to ensure the adhesive around the crimp and under the magnet is dry. Don't be tempted to close the clasp before it is dry, as this may pull the magnet out.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 11

This is how the finished clasp will look in designs. It offers a seamless closure and works well with the beads.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 12

You can learn how to make the necklace we made for this tutorial, as well as find a list of products used, by checking out the Champagne a la Mode design instructions.

Barrel Glue-In Magentic Clasp Tutorial Step 13

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Nice choice! All or most of the products needed for this project are shown below with quantities. Sometimes we sell out of components and aren’t able to order more from the manufacturer (we know, it is very disappointing to us, too). Use the opportunity to mix up the design and make it yours by substituting similar products or altering the entire color scheme—it’s up to you!

Artbeads Designer Jewelry Wire, 49-Strand .019 30-Feet (9.1 Meters)

Code ZP49-30F-019

$12.99

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Sterling Silver 2 x 2mm Crimp Tube Bead - Min Qty 10

Code SS-CRM2

$0.13

$0.17

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Bead Stopper - 6-Piece Pack

Code BEADSTPR

$4.87

$6.49

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Gold-Plated Scallop Barrel Glue-In Magnetic Clasp

Code CLASP-0598

$10.39

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PRESTIGE 5810 10mm Round Crystal Pearl Cream - Min Qty 2

Code 5810-CRM10

$0.61

$0.86

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Bent Chain Nose Pliers

Code TOOL-133

$10.99

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