This post is intended to give a brief summary of the various types of hardware used to make keychains. In jewelry maker's lingo, any metal component that is used in making jewelry is called a "finding". Despite what non-collectors might think about all keychains being the same, there are actually a variety of findings that can be used to make keychains. The most common of these findings seems to be the "split ring" or "keyring".
A split ring is shaped like a circular coil with two ends. To attach a key to a split ring, one end of the coil is fed through the hole in the top of the key. Then the key is slid along the length of the ring until it passes under the other end.
This isn't as complicated as it sounds, but it can be a little tricky if your fingernails aren't long enough to separate the coils of the ring.
The second most common finding, at least for older keychains, would probably be the "ball chain" or "bead chain".
As the name suggests, a ball chain looks like a chain made up of tiny metal balls. The last ball in the chain slides into a clamp of sorts at the other end.
To attach a key, simply unclip the last 'bead' of the "bead chain", then slide the chain through the hole in the top of the key and snap the end 'bead' back into the clamp.
An "infinity ring" keychain is similar to a split ring, except that instead of being shaped like a circle, the loop part of an infinity ring is shaped more like a figure 8.
The example shown above commemorates a Revolutionary War re-enactment event in Bordentown, New Jersey. Turned sideways, the figure 8 shape becomes the symbol for infinity, which explains the name "infinity ring".
The "snake chain" keychain was named, not for the clasp that the keys attach to (which is called a "snap end") but for the snake like chain that attaches the snap end to the decorative part of the keychain.
I've also seen snap end keychains that use a standard chain, instead of a snake chain. An example would be this vintage 'tiki' keychain from United Airlines.
The next type of keychain used to be called a "c-ring", but the term seems to have fallen out of favor, since nowadays the word 'c-ring' refers to something completely different.
(Incidentally, the bird keychain pictured above is branded on the back with the 'designer' fashion brand, Chico's.)
The "snake chain" keychain was named, not for the clasp that the keys attach to (which is called a "snap end") but for the snake like chain that attaches the snap end to the decorative part of the keychain.
I've also seen snap end keychains that use a standard chain, instead of a snake chain. An example would be this vintage 'tiki' keychain from United Airlines.
The next type of keychain used to be called a "c-ring", but the term seems to have fallen out of favor, since nowadays the word 'c-ring' refers to something completely different.
(Incidentally, the bird keychain pictured above is branded on the back with the 'designer' fashion brand, Chico's.)
This keychain finding was likely referred to as a c-ring because it's shaped like a letter C, with a ball or some type of decorative element on each end. On the Philadelphia Phillies major league baseball team keychain that is pictured below, one end is shaped like a baseball while the other end is shaped like a baseball glove. I believe the pink ribbon charm is for breast cancer awareness.
A key is attached by unscrewing one of the ends, sliding the key onto the 'C' shaped part of the keychain, and then screwing the end back on.
A "screw lock" keychain sort of combines the functionality of a c-ring with a more traditional keychain shape.
Screw lock keychains feature a rectangular or an ovoid shaped loop at the top. A segment of this loop is unscrewed so that keys can be attached. The screw lock keychains pictured above are souvenir items from Glenhardie Country Club in Wayne, Pennsylvania and the city of Schweinfurt in Germany, respectively.
Keychains can also be made with a clip type finding. There are a few variations of these, some of which might not technically qualify as keychains. But I'll be discussing that in more detail in my next post. For now, here is a photo of a few different clip type findings.
The first clip in the row is called a "lobster clasp", due to the fact that it resembles a lobster's claw. As you can see above, some clips are plastic rather than metal.
"Carabiners" were also popular as keychains for a time.
Originally used by rock climbers, carabiners became trendy with the general public, who used them for keychains and backpack clips. Basic Fun Inc. even released carabiner versions of some of their popular board game keychains.
I've done my best to verify the names of the different keychain types, both online and at my local craft stores. If anyone reading this post notices any corrections that should be made, please leave a comment. If nothing else, I think I've proven my point regarding keychains not all being the same.
Signed, Treesa
A key is attached by unscrewing one of the ends, sliding the key onto the 'C' shaped part of the keychain, and then screwing the end back on.
A "screw lock" keychain sort of combines the functionality of a c-ring with a more traditional keychain shape.
Screw lock keychains feature a rectangular or an ovoid shaped loop at the top. A segment of this loop is unscrewed so that keys can be attached. The screw lock keychains pictured above are souvenir items from Glenhardie Country Club in Wayne, Pennsylvania and the city of Schweinfurt in Germany, respectively.
Keychains can also be made with a clip type finding. There are a few variations of these, some of which might not technically qualify as keychains. But I'll be discussing that in more detail in my next post. For now, here is a photo of a few different clip type findings.
The first clip in the row is called a "lobster clasp", due to the fact that it resembles a lobster's claw. As you can see above, some clips are plastic rather than metal.
"Carabiners" were also popular as keychains for a time.
Originally used by rock climbers, carabiners became trendy with the general public, who used them for keychains and backpack clips. Basic Fun Inc. even released carabiner versions of some of their popular board game keychains.
I've done my best to verify the names of the different keychain types, both online and at my local craft stores. If anyone reading this post notices any corrections that should be made, please leave a comment. If nothing else, I think I've proven my point regarding keychains not all being the same.
Signed, Treesa
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