If you’ve ever owned a key in your life, then you know what a split ring is. Split rings are those round things you commonly find on keys. They usually go a couple of circles around, and the tip of the metal ends near each other. You just lift up one end to insert a key or accessory, and then the metal springs right back. These split rings are usually made of metal for durability. The plastic ones tend to break when you pull them up too much.
So how are these metal split rings used? Here are the most common ways:
- Identifying keys. Keys are usually made with holes specifically for metal split rings. You just slide the key through the split ring, along with a keychain or a plastic piece on which you write down some info or label. It’s the quickest way to differentiate different keys.
- Bunching keys together. If you have a massive number of keys to handle, then you can use a larger split ring to keep them all together. As a student, you may have noticed the caretaker with these instruments. The big split ring groups all the school keys together in the most convenient way.
- Holding up a window curtain. These split rings are also a great way to hang window curtains. The rings make it easy to open or shut the curtains, and they’re often strong enough to handle the weight.
- Putting up a shower curtain. While the plastic variants are also common, metal split rings can also be used for this purpose. Since there’s a lot of moisture in a bathroom, its essential that you only use 100% stainless steel split rings in wet areas to avoiding rings rusting out over time.
- Book binding. You can also make your own book by using split rings to bind a bunch of papers into one.
- Identifying your dog or cat. Your pets collar may also use a split ring to carry your dogs name, your home address and phone number.
- Identifying parrots. In some special cases, parrots may warrant the use of a metal split ring. This is according to the Parrot Society, just in case you’re wondering. They’re very complicated to put on, and very difficult to remove.
- For fishing lures. Metal split rings are important when you are making a lure. It doesn’t matter how big your lure may be, there’s a split ring that’s appropriate for the job.
- Joining jewellery components. Many people have found split rings quite useful in jewellery making. For example, you can use them to attach a charm to a bracelet. Since these split rings are often small, you may want to consider using a pair of special split ring pliers. You can also use tweezers for the really small ones.
- Identifying bags and mobile devices. Bags and mobile device packs often use zippers, and you can thread a metal split ring in it in order to put your name and contact info in case the bag gets lost.
As you can see, the humble metal split rings have a lot of uses, so keeping a few in your home or workplace will really come in handy.
When ordering split rings, first work out the exact size you require, quantity and if they are to be used in wet areas. This will help the supplier give you the most accurate quote. Happy split ringing!
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