13mm Split Rings

Wanted
1

I’m getting totally cheesed off with the split rings I’ve been purchasing recently.
I use 13mm to attach to the suncatcher and another 16mm on the end of the chain… to hang onto a hook.
I buy stained steel supposedly and have never had problem with the bigger 16mm presumably they are made of a thicker, better quality metal.
I used to get the 13mm from the same supplier but they stopped doing them and since then I have struggled. They go RUSTY. Bad enough if I spot one in my supply box before attaching but if actually alreadt on a suncatcher I sometimes take one one out of its box ready to post off to find a rusty ring which can also stain the suncatcher. Very frustrating and sometimes means I have to resolder bits to remove any stain…
I had thought at first maybe I was getting moisture in my air tight boxes but I looked in my box where I keep the new rings tonight and there are more rusty than not. I’ve changed from a tin to a wooden box and even have a silicon sachet in there but still they rust and annoy me , Cheap enough but not if i keep throwing them away and if they go rusty on my stock then they go rusty on my customer’s suncatchers.
So help please. Does anyone buy 13mm split rings which don’t rust and if so where from ?

2

I don’t use split rings so can’t help you I’m afraid. But you’ve given so much help and advice to people here’s hoping someone can now do the same for you. Commented so it gets bumped up the page.

3

Have you tried using a protective coating such as renaissance wax? With regards to storage you could try keeping the rings in ziplock bags within airtight tupperware containers. That’s how I store my silver and never have a problem with tarnish so I would imagine it would prevent rust too.

4

Thanks Heidi xxx

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5

Angela
Thanks. I don’t think its a problem with the way I store them but the fact that these smaller ones are made of inferior metal being of a smaller dimension wire than my others. Supposed to be stainless steel but rather obviously not. It’s not just the fact they rust before I use them but also afterwards when they are attached to my suncatchers and in an airtight box, with a bubble wrap base and the boxes are stored in crates. If they rust in my boxes then they must also rust when hanging in the customer’s window and I’m not happy about that.
I don’t think silver rusts… it may tarnish but tarnish comes off, rust doesn’t as it eats into the metal and leaves a rough surface.

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6

Must be very frustrating! Hope you find a solution.

7

I checked all of my suppliers as I know some of them do key ring components but no one had that size only the standard 25mm ones. I did a quick google search and found this 13mm Split Ring Keyrings - Keyring Store might be worth asking them for a sample.

8

Thanks Sasha I’ll try that.
I will be more careful with my next lot to make sure I keep them separate from any older ones so I can be sure that they are not tarnishing and if they do I will be sending back for a refund. Getting to be quite a nuisance… The last lot I bought are the worst but they have been going rusty on an off for a couple of years.
Sold a suncatcher today which I made in June 2000. One of the rings was completely rusty, the other on the turn. Fortunately it hadn’t quite managed to tarnish the copper foil.

9

Hi Joy,

I buy a variety of sizes from ebay although my supplier of smaller ones is currently on hols, so no point linking to that shop… However, I did a quick search for “steel 13mm split rings” and lots of results came back, so hopefully there will be one there that will have the colour you want.

I also buy lots of supplies from Green Grizzly on ebay and am always happy with the quality, although they’re not usually the cheapest. They have some good quality 15mm ones that might worth for you: Split Rings Key Ring 15 20 24 25 30 32 35 mm - Pack Size 10 to 1000 keyring | eBay

Hope you find what you need!

10

Thanks Debbie. I’ve ordered some from Ebay and paid a little more and these are British as my old good ones were. They look fine but I probably won’t find out for about 3 months so am keeping them completely separate from any old ones so if any go rusty I will know which they are.
Joy xx

11

Hi Joy,

When I replied to you before, I forgot about this other place that has really nice quality ones: Key Rings / Split Rings - artisanleather.co.uk I was just ordering some leather on their site and remembered! Hopefully you’re sorted now, but thought I’d mention anyway.
x

12

Debbie Thanks ever so much. I have now acquired 100 rings and I have put them separate from the others so I can keep a close eye on them to make sure no rust appears. If it does I will be going through all the other suggestions on here again.

Joy xx