# Types of Jewelry Clasps: What Each One Is and When to Use It Source: https://beadingnest.com/blog/types-of-jewelry-clasps Published: 2026-11-03 Publisher: Beading Nest A clasp is the small piece that decides whether a necklace or bracelet is easy to put on and stays on all day. There are a handful of common types, and each has its own strengths and quirks. This guide explains what a lobster clasp is, how spring rings, toggles, magnetic clasps, box clasps and hook and eye closures work, and which designs suit them. It is a plain overview of the clasp names you will see in shops, not a buying guide for a specific product. ## What is a lobster clasp? A lobster clasp, also called a lobster claw clasp, is a small hook with a spring-loaded gate. You press a tiny lever to open the gate, slide the clasp onto a ring or chain link, and release the lever so the gate snaps shut. The shape of the hook resembles a lobster claw, which is where the name comes from. It is popular because it is secure and easy to use with one hand, once you get the feel of the lever. Lobster clasps come in several sizes, from tiny ones for delicate chains to larger ones for heavier necklaces and bracelets. Choose a size in proportion to the piece, and test the spring action, which should feel firm and snap back each time. [Compare lobster clasps](https://beadingnest.com/best/best-lobster-clasps) ## Spring ring clasps A spring ring clasp is a small round ring with a tiny spring-loaded gate that opens when you pull on a small tab. It is a classic closure on chains and light necklaces, and it is usually lighter than a lobster clasp. It is also a good fit for delicate jewelry. Because the tab is small, a spring ring can be hard to operate for people with limited dexterity. The spring can also weaken over time, so check it occasionally on pieces you wear often. On a heavy necklace, a lobster clasp is usually a better choice. Spring rings are usually sold in several diameters, so match the size to the chain thickness. A very small ring on a thicker chain can be hard to fasten and may fail sooner. ## Toggle clasps A toggle clasp has two parts: a ring (or loop) on one end and a bar on the other. To close it, you slide the bar through the ring and it sits crosswise, held by the weight and tension of the piece. Toggles are easy to use, even for people who find tiny springs hard, and they can be a decorative feature on the front of a necklace. The main drawback is that a toggle can work loose if the piece is too short or light, because the bar needs tension to stay crosswise. Match the toggle size to the weight of the beads, and choose a design where the bar is a bit longer than the ring's diameter. [Compare jewelry clasps](https://beadingnest.com/best/best-jewelry-clasps) ## Magnetic clasps A magnetic clasp has two halves that snap together using magnets. They are very easy to fasten, which makes them popular for bracelets and for anyone with arthritis or limited hand strength. A good magnetic clasp holds firmly but separates with a gentle pull. Their strength varies, and a strong pull or a heavy pendant can cause a weak magnet to come apart. People with certain medical devices, such as pacemakers, are often advised to keep magnets away from the device, so check with a doctor if that applies. Use magnetic clasps on lighter pieces and consider a safety chain for valuable items. [Compare magnetic clasps](https://beadingnest.com/best/best-magnetic-jewelry-clasps) ## Box clasps and hook and eye clasps A box clasp has a small tongue that slides into a box-shaped catch and clicks into place, often with a safety latch. It is common on pearl necklaces and bracelets and has a neat, flat look. It is secure when the tongue is in good shape, but it can be fiddly to fasten behind the neck. A hook and eye clasp is a simple hook that slips into a loop. It is lightweight and easy to make, but because there is no gate, it is best for light or decorative pieces and for situations where the piece is under steady tension. Wire hooks are popular in handmade designs because makers can shape them themselves. ## Extender chains and other finishing options An extender chain is a short length of chain with a clasp that lets a necklace or bracelet be worn at several lengths. It is a useful addition for gifts and for pieces that need to fit different people. Slide or sliding-knot closures are common on adjustable bracelets and need no metal hardware. Other closures include screw clasps, which twist closed and are useful for stacked beads, and fold-over clasps for flat cords. If you are not sure which to use, start with a lobster clasp and an extender chain, which suits most designs. When adding an extender, attach it to one end of the piece with a jump ring and let the clasp fasten anywhere along the extender chain. A tiny charm or bead on the free end looks neat and gives the end some weight so it hangs in the right place. [See extender chains](https://beadingnest.com/best/best-extender-chains) ## How to choose the right clasp Match the clasp to the weight of the piece and the wearer. Heavier necklaces need a strong closure like a lobster clasp or a box clasp with a safety latch, while lightweight chains can use a spring ring. For people with limited dexterity, choose a magnetic or toggle clasp. Check that the clasp is in proportion to the beads, because a tiny clasp on large beads looks unbalanced and may fail. Finish matters too. Choose a clasp in the same metal color as the rest of the piece, and check that plated clasps are not scratched before you use them. Our guide on choosing clasps covers how to match a closure to a design in more detail. Always test the clasp before finishing the piece, by fastening and unfastening it several times and giving it a gentle tug. A clasp that feels loose or awkward in the workshop will feel worse once the piece is worn. If a clasp opens too easily, replace it rather than relying on glue. [Read choosing clasps](https://beadingnest.com/blog/choosing-clasps) ## Related buying guides - https://beadingnest.com/best/best-lobster-clasps - https://beadingnest.com/best/best-jewelry-clasps - https://beadingnest.com/best/best-magnetic-jewelry-clasps - https://beadingnest.com/best/best-extender-chains