Are you mastering the art of using a ring sizer tool? As a jeweller, this is an area of your business that will encourage customers to come back again and again, as long as your work is accurate. So, investing in a professional ring stretcher/reducer tool will help you master the art of ring resizing and make light work of resizing requests from your customers.
Here’s our guide on how to use a ring stretcher/reducer tool, with some additional tips to speed up your process.
How to use the ring stretcher reducer pro
Before you start:
- Make sure you anneal the rings before you start resizing them – this will make the whole process much easier.
- Have a marked triblet to hand so that you can accurately measure the size of the ring as you work.
- Consider securing your Ring Reducer Stretch Pro to your workbench, so that you can apply pressure without your tools or workbench shifting.
- This kind of ring size adjuster is only for use with ring bands. It is not for use with rings that feature stone settings.
Planning on resizing rings with more intricate features and stone settings? Read our detailed guide on how to resize a ring using more complex soldering techniques.
How to make a ring tighter
Reducing the size of a plain ring is a simple process with a ring size reducer. Don’t rely too heavily on the marks of the ring reducer tool. Instead use a triblet with accurate size markings that you know are true to size to keep an eye on the size of the ring as you work.
Now, all you have to do is place the ring into the base of the ring adjuster, choosing the tapered hole that is just a little too tight for the band to sit in. It’s important to place the ring into the tapered hole that is just a little too tight as this will make sure the ring size is properly reduced.
Once you’re happy with the position of the ring, turn the base of the ring adjuster until the hole with the ring in sits directly below the flat plate.
Check that the base of the ring adjuster, where the ring sits, is sitting flat. If it has not been secured into place properly and is not completely flat it could affect the outcome of your work.
Once you’re in position, you can then pull the lever of the ring size reducer and apply pressure. Always remember to flip the ring over and repeat the process again so that the adjustment is equal on both sides.
As you will be applying a fair amount of pressure to the lever as you work, it’s recommended that you mount the Ring Stretcher Reducer Pro to your workbench. It features four holes in its base, so that you can easily fix it to your workbench and avoid it shifting under the pressure you apply to the lever.
See for yourself how a ring reducer tool works in the following video, which also covers how the ring stretcher part of this jewellery tool works – a process which you can find more information on below.
How to use a ring stretcher
The ring stretching tool sits on the top of the pro tool – it’s the mandrel that sits adjacent to the lever. And much like a mandrel, it’s easy to use.
It’s recommended, as above, that you use your own accurate triblet to measure the size of the ring before you start stretching the ring, and as you stretch it. That way, you can get a more accurate idea of how far you need to stretch the ring.
To use the ring stretcher, simply place the band loosely onto the mandrel-like tool. Squeeze the ring down a little further onto the tool to ensure it stays firmly in place.
Place one hand onto the ring stretching tool to steady it, and then apply pressure to the lever. Put the lever back into its neutral position, then rotate the ring slightly. Pull the lever again, applying pressure.
Now check your ring using your trusted triblet for an accurate measurement. Has it stretched sufficiently?
You may need to repeat this process in order to reach the desired size. And remember to flip the ring over so that you don’t end up with a tapered ring.
Using the Ring Stretcher Reducer Pro is a straightforward process that could help you speed up your resizing requests, helping you to make more time for the creative collections you have planned.
Cooksongold