How to Make a Bracelet Tension Hinge

Tension hinges are used on hard bracelets such as bangles to allow them to open and close without having to slide them over your hand. They also allow the bracelet to be tugged without the hinge breaking easily. There are several variations of tension hinges, some hidden inside the bracelet and some visible on the outside of the bracelet. If you are making your own 6-millimeter bangle, attach a tension hinge for easy opening.

Sketch a 3-by-6-millimeter rectangle on the inner edge of your bracelet layout block.

Sketch a 3-millimeter circle where the hinge is to be placed. The edge of your circle should overlap the outer edge of your bracelet layout.

Draw a line across the 3-milimeter circle, dividing the circle in half. Draw a line down the center of the circle.

Cut a slit down the outer edge of the circle using the vertical line as a guide.

Drill the 3-milimeter hole using a drill press and blow away any debris after the drilling is completed.

Cut one 2-milimeter and two 3-milimeter square-edged pieces from your hinge wax.

Slide the three pieces on the drill shank with the two 3-milimeter wax pieces on the outside and the 2-milimeter piece in the center. Press the pieces as closely together as you can get them.

Push the pieces into the 3-milimeter hole. Tack the pieces in place with the 2-milimeter wax piece to one wall and the two 3-milimeter pieces to the other wall using a hot wax pen.

Slide out the drill shank.

File the outer two pieces to be flush with the bracelet.