Bails | 🌟What Are They and How to Use Them |

[@lynn69jackson]

I'm fairly new to jewellery making and these videos are invaluable to me . The ones on findings especially. It saves me money by knowing what I need for a project without having to buy stuff I'm not going to use.

[@FireMountainGems]

We are so happy to hear that you are finding them helpful. We are always happy to help and welcome you to call our customer service department directly at 1.800.423.2319 should you have any questions that our videos can't answer for you. Happy creating, Lynn!!

[@sarahhellen6282]

Thank you so much! I actually use pendants for my suncatchers so this will come in handy.

[@lucindanobles7728]

Bravo! What a relief to know more about bails, i.e. types and how to use them. We have several beautiful beads/stones that are perfect to use with bails. Now we know. Huge thanks.

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

All of these very beautiful and very different

[@gretchenscholtz9766]

Thank u for helping me to understand more components and how to work with them

[@FireMountainGems]

Happy to help! Glad to hear it was helpful.

[@JaneThomas58]

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@FireMountainGems]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tammyrobison2670]

Thank you! This is the best video I've seen to explain what to use and how to!

[@FireMountainGems]

Thank you so much for watching! 😊

[@bevcote2357]

Thank you. Blessings.

[@jesscherry404]

Exactly what I need to know!

[@rvprossjjlrzar]

Thank you! Love FMG's KZbin channel. Am a long time customer and just finding you on here. Now I can refer new beaders to you.

[@FireMountainGems]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@deepeterson3835]

Great info on bails. Thanks,

[@FireMountainGems]

Our pleasure!

[@sarahbishop422]

This was so useful thanks

[@FireMountainGems]

Glad it was helpful!

[@2ksbill724]

Great information and easy to understand. Thanks!

[@FireMountainGems]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@StitchesbySharonH]

I’ve never seen the donut bails before! Great to know about them! Thank you for sharing!

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

Same here

[@FireMountainGems]

You are so welcome and thanks for watching!

[@majorkeanu3882]

pro trick: watch movies at Flixzone. Been using them for watching loads of movies lately.

[@makaistanley6490]

@Major Keanu Yup, I have been watching on Flixzone} for months myself :)

[@crimsonbutterfly5818]

You will see it more on jade donut in china

[@theartisancompany]

Love using bails. TFS!

[@FireMountainGems]

Thank you for watching!

[@tonyaneeley7895]

This was very helpful! Thank you!

[@juliedeane9541]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. There are many different projects I create and needed to learn more about bails, the types and what they are best used on.

[@FireMountainGems]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching!

[@marishaa.2846]

This was so helpful, thank you so much!!!!!

[@FireMountainGems]

You're very welcome and we're glad it was helpful!

[@susanmcdaniel7900]

thank you so much for this, I have been looking for help with bails, this was great

[@Cringequeenslay]

Thank You for a well presented video

[@FireMountainGems]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DonnaDyer]

I would like a demo on how to make a bail out of wire, please? 🥰

[@TheLilliBlue]

Love your voice. The information was great. I subscribed after watching your video.

[@FireMountainGems]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jodic9290]

Very helpful- thanks.

[@FireMountainGems]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@emc425]

Thank you so much!

[@FireMountainGems]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@blewtori999]

Thank you

[@nicolamoyes9790]

Such a good video thank you ☺️

[@FireMountainGems]

Thank you for watching!

[@shastastan1935]

This is a most excellent video as it's very informative, helpful, explanatory, and very well presented. Thanks so much. I'm just getting started into lapidary and interested in making some cabochon necklaces.

[@FireMountainGems]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@maggieshreve8107]

Super helpful 😃

[@FireMountainGems]

Glad we could help! 😊

[@kawtaraidaoui7387]

You're the best ! Thank you so much !!!!!

[@FireMountainGems]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@normanacree1635]

Turning Petoskey stones into necklaces for grandkids. This REALLY helped me.

[@FireMountainGems]

So glad we could help! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@littlemissmental22]

hi could u please give me a list of the glue in bails u mentioned please and any links to find some if u dont mind..im a newbie whos self teaching and came across ur video lol

[@FireMountainGems]

Hi there. Thanks for watching and we hope you'll subscribe so you can see all of other upcoming videos. Here's that link: www.firemountaingems.com/shop/glue_on

[@Toobero]

I am trying to make some necklaces for me and my friends, and I have stones that have a flat side, so this really helped me!! Thank you!!

[@FireMountainGems]

We are so glad to hear that! You're welcome.

[@flyingsquirrel5213]

Wonderful video - thank you!

[@FireMountainGems]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching!

[@luisgomez385]

Quick question: Are they available in sterling silver?

[@FireMountainGems]

We've got a wide variety of bails in sterling silver. Here's a link: www.firemountaingems.com/shop/sterling_silver-bails-precious_metal

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

Hi, What size hole is used for the agate slab at 1:15 and which bail is that? Thanks

[@FireMountainGems]

Hi Ronald. The drill hole in the slab is approximately 2 millimeters. Here's a link to the bail that was used on that slab: www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h202959fx

[@joon4yu]

Great video and I subscribed. New to jewelry making and I'm focusing on making earrings. Can you use bails for earrings? Thank you in Advance.

[@FireMountainGems]

Absolutely! Here's an example of using a bail on earrings: www.firemountaingems.com/resources/gallery-of-designs/nk2b Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@trains48]

What glue do you use. I have read mixed reviews on E 6000

[@FireMountainGems]

There are a number of different glues you can use. Our jewelry designers prefer a 2 part epoxy like Devcon. Here's a link in case you're interested: www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h201954tl

[@juliemann3243]

Will these work on earrings also? Thanks.

[@FireMountainGems]

Yes, some are better suited for pendants, but most bails can also be used for earrings.

[@TheSanguineRaven]

Hello I have a question on the ice pick bail. Do you drill the hole all the way through the piece and do you use any glue or adhesive?

[@FireMountainGems]

Yes, if you aren't using a pre-drilled piece, drill the hole all the way through. There shouldn't be any need to use glue or adhesive with the ice-pick bails. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@maryannwarner4253]

Where do you get the beads to use with the bails?

[@FireMountainGems]

You can shop everything at www.firemountaingems.com/ Here is the link to all of the bails: bit.ly/3fW9cnT Here is the link to our gemstone drops and pendants: www.firemountaingems.com/shop/gemstone-pendants_drops_and_focals Hope that helps!

[@juliemann3243]

How do I determine the size of the ring on my pendant to order the bail?

[@FireMountainGems]

It would depend on the type of pendant. If the pendant has a loop already, it may be large enough to slide directly onto the chain, cord or other stringing material. If you do need a bail, to find the size, you will want to measure the inside diameter of the loop on the pendant to ensure that the bail will fit. If you have any other questions or any more info on the type of pendant you are trying to use, we can definitely help! Thanks for watching the video!

[@moniquafrancis]

This was informative! Do you know if there are nails for rings? Like glueing stones on rings with a flat pad?

[@FireMountainGems]

You can use an adhesive such as a 2 part epoxy.

[@emc425]

Hi im new to jewelry making just about to start my first piece and i have a question that might be stupid. When using a bail (i am going to use a pinch bail) do i also need a jump ring? I have the same question about eye pins. I have seen people make charms out of polymer clay and then add an eye pin to the top of them to create a necklace. Can i just thread my chain through the bail or eyepin so i don't need to buy jump rings or do i need to put a jump ring on the bail or eyepin before threading the chain through. Just trying to figure out what supplies i really need. I don't want to over spend.

[@FireMountainGems]

It's a great question! The bails are designed to have a loop that the chain/cord can be fed through, so typically there is no need for a jump ring. If you are using an eye pin, you would just need to make sure that the eye is large enough to accommodate your chain/cord. If it is large enough, you could feed the chain/cord through without the need for a jump ring. If you do have a piece that would require a jump ring, we have a large selection of very affordable and high quality jump rings you can browse here: www.firemountaingems.com/search/jumprings I hope this helps!

[@laurareutter6928]

It would be good to know how to prep the stones for gluing; also how do you drill holes in the stones for bails?

[@FireMountainGems]

Hi Laura. Roughing up the stone and the bail a bit prior to gluing is recommended. To drill holes in stones: Set up a variable speed rotary drill or flex shaft (one with foot pedal control is best) and fit the collet with a diamond drill bit. If possible, start with a drill bit that is smaller than the finished hole size so you put less stress on the bit, the drill and the stone. Set the drill or flex-shaft into a drill press if you have one. Prepare a shallow dish with water and if using a drill press, place the dish on the base of the press otherwise just have it available in front of you. Mark the hole placement on both sides of the stone using a permanent marker, then set the stone into the water to ensure it is not so deep the water overflows, yet is deep enough the water can help to flush the hole as you make progress with drilling and keep the drill bit free from debris. Put on a dust mask to protect you from inhaling any dust particles that may become airborne while drilling. Turn on the drill and bring it toward the surface to begin drilling the stone. Work slowly at first so you can adjust to the speed, as well as keep the bit in place as it begins to break through the surface of the stone--since your stone is already polished, you want to avoid having the bit skitter across the surface. Continue drilling, putting gentle downward pressure on the drill, allowing the bit to do its work yet not forcing it into the stone. Flush the forming hole and drill bit to remove debris and to keep the bit and stone cool. Continue drilling and flushing the hole and drill bit until you reach about halfway through the stone. Turn the stone over and begin drilling toward the other side of the stone and work until the holes meet in the middle. Once the hole is drilled through, increase the drill bit size and open the hole up to suit your needs.

[@lauramarrs1183]

Thank you so much for this video. As a newbie this info is so important. ONE SUGGESTION if you could put some text into the video and spell the names of the product. At one point she says eyebail or is it I-bail. Also was it ice pick bail? Thank you.! Here is a pic of my attempt to use an "icepick bail" did I say that right?

[@lauramarrs1183]

Cant figure out how to post my pic. Oh well

[@FireMountainGems]

Hi Laura. We appreciate your suggestion! We have chapters in the description of the video that are titled by the bail type. If you're on Facebook or Instagram, tag or mention us with your design. Not sure you can share pictures here on KZbin. Thanks for watching.

[@christinadefalco7071]

Really interesting and clear video. Can you tell me what would be the best bail for a stone that is really wide at the top? or for a large sphere? like 25mm?

[@FireMountainGems]

It depends. If there is no hole, then a glue-on bail would work well. If there's a hole, then a pinch bail would work. If you need help picking the right ones out, give our customer service department a call at 1.800.423.2319 and they'd be happy to help you! 🙂

[@pamelatorgerson5558]

What was the name of the last bail you showed with the double loop? I think that's what I need. I just received a memorial necklace of my Dad's thumbprint along with a Dad charm and his birthstone charm, and it is always twisting, so you don't always see the fronts. It is 3 charms on a chain. It is fine sterling silver, I believe? I want to place an order, and I have many things sitting in my cart waiting to see which bail I should get. I hope I hear from someone. Thank you.

[@FireMountainGems]

The last bail is called a Rabbit Ear Bail. That could potentially prevent the twisting. Just be sure that the bail is large enough to accommodate the chain/cord and that the charms have loops going the correct direction to face forward when connected to the bail. Here is a link to our Rabbit Ear Bails: bit.ly/4b9znA7 Please let us know if you have any questions!

[@pamelatorgerson5558]

@FireMountainGems Thank you. I think I found what I need so I'll put in an order.

[@debbieg217]

Hello! 😊 Do you sell solid sterling silver (not plated) bails? If not would you mind recommending a trusted seller that I could buy some in bulk? I love the variety you've shown in your video. 👍

[@FireMountainGems]

Hi! You can find all of our sterling silver bails here: www.firemountaingems.com/shop/sterling_silver-bails-silver_colored-precious_metal

[@debbieg217]

@@FireMountainGems Wow thank you so much for the link & fast response! 😊

[@FireMountainGems]

You're very welcome!

[@richhubbard5430]

What type of glue do you recommend for rough stones?

[@FireMountainGems]

2-part epoxy is an excellent adhesive to use. Here's a link to it: www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h201954tl

[@nataliexjean]

Hi which glue do you recommend?

[@FireMountainGems]

Hi there. There are a couple and it's really a personal preference. 2-part epoxy like Devcon is an excellent adhesive to use when gluing bails on. Here's a link: www.firemountaingems.com/shop?keywords=devcon Another adhesive that is great to use is G-S Hypo Cement. Here a link to that: www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h201956tl We hope that helps.

[@nauticaxo1]

The thing im wondering is how do I take a bail off the pendant so I could replace that with a jump ring..?

[@FireMountainGems]

We're not sure what you mean. Removing the bail could require cutting it off, or simply using pliers to remove it.

[@nauticaxo1]

@@FireMountainGems Right, I want to take the bail off completely but it's welded together and for that reason I was wondering how else do I cut or break it off? What tools or whatnot can I use for that?

[@FireMountainGems]

Ahhh, thanks for the additional info. Depending on the metal and gauge of the metal the bail is made out of, you will want to use a cutting tool that will cut the bail. It's hard to recommend what that would be without knowing the metal type and gauge of the metal on the bail.

[@nauticaxo1]

@@FireMountainGems Oh ok, it's a (supposedly 316) stainless steel bail

[@FireMountainGems]

You may be able to use metal shears or side-cutters. We wouldn't recommend our cutters because that may damage or dull the edges, but you can find industrial duty metal cutters at various industrial supply stores. You may also be able to use a grinder or a rotary tool with the appropriate metal cutting disk. Again, we don't have any specific recommendations, so you would need to confirm that you have the correct tool for the application, and that you use appropriate safety gear.

[@cathyrezba3132]

Thank you for the info! I've wondered how to finish a few of my donut pieces.

[@FireMountainGems]

Happy to help and so glad to hear it was helpful.

[@orirune3079]

Is glue strong enough to make jewelry that will last for years? I'd be afraid that the stones would just fall out.

[@FireMountainGems]

Using the right glue is the key. Also, the treatment of the piece that uses the glue. There isn't one type of glue unfortunately that will last forever. Thanks for watching!

[@mrsmunro1417]

Thank you; but it could have been more directly to the point. Also I find the manicure distracting, sorry!

[@FireMountainGems]

Thank you for the feedback, we appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@josephina4792]

I couldn't agree more.

[@tracywright9727]

Great info for this newbie!

[@FireMountainGems]

Glad it was helpful!