trying to find a tool that helps you open split wire keyrings and keep them open

[MiliZee]

Okay, I DO know that tool exists - swear I didn't dream it up hehe! In fact, I simply stumbled across it on the Container Store website (here: http://tiny.cc/ugfvfw). The fact I was there is odd, since I can't shop from them as they don't ship outside of N. America, and I'm in Europe, but anyway. I was there and I saw it.

Well, that was several years ago and I have YET to find such an item, despite looking just about everywhere I could think of! It's driving me plum crazy. I have tried al kinds of keyword combinations in all kinds of places, including ebay (obvious) and even smaller, specialized catalog shops with tools and homewares. Nada, zip zilch. Tried multiple times too - every few months, there I am, giving it yet another shot (usually after breaking another nail trying to open one of those evil split key rings).

I really want to get my hands on one of these. I'm always moving stuff around various keyrings, and nothing else could possibly work like this does (and believe me, I've tried!)

So I'm here to see if anyone can come up with any new ideas on how to source this. Maybe some keyword combinations I didn't try, or maybe you know of a supplier who has this or could be persuaded to order some in? I dunno. This is kind of my last idea for finding this. I know it's not, strictly speaking, a technique, but I've seen people post in this forum to ask for the name of a tool based on a photo or description they have, or to ask where they can buy one tool or another. So I thought it was worth a try!

thanks in advance :-)

[decembermoondesign]

I don't know if this is big enough.

There is also a similar tool used for fishing (split ring opener or pliers)

http://compare.ebay.com/like/110882640409?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

[andidanie]

Looks like Doreen found one for you, but if for some reason you can't get that one, I work at a bead store that sells them. Let me know if I can be of further assistance!

[MiliZee]

actually guys, the one on Doreen's link is the first thing I came up with when I tried to source the doohicky from somewhere other than the Container store!

And I did buy it, but it turns out this is actually meant to open the plain splitrings or jumprings that you use to link jewelry elements like charms etc to another piece (like a lobster clasp to go on a charm bracelet). So it's meant for these: http://tiny.cc/5v9vfw, where it works great.

But what I need help with is these bad boys: http://tiny.cc/2cawfw (like on the container store product photo in the beginning of my other post), and the one on doreen's link won't do much - it's better than my nails in the sense that using a tool at all is better, but when you handle it it becomes obvious it's not optimized for that. It's especially bad at keeping it open wider, for larger keys.

I just wanted to say a special thanks to you andidanie for offering to buy it for me if I couldn't! That's incredibly nice of you :-)

I really wish I could find this! I'd pay someone easily double the price of it to get it for me, I'm that desperate hehe. I don't know why I move my keys around so much, but I do, and it's a huge pain!

[Former_Member]

umm, can't get your link to open to see what you are looking for...

[andidanie]

No, MiliZee! The tool Doreen posted IS for Split rings, or Key rings, double rings, whatever you wan to call them, it's what you need!

Here's a link to beadsmith where you can buy it: http://www.artbeads.com/tool-103.html (even shows an image of it being used)

The second item is a jump ring, and this is the (completely unnessary, IMO) tool to open those: http://www.artbeads.com/tool-513.html?cmp=googlebase&gclid=CMmfmsPMzrACFYgERQodlQ9xYw

[Former_Member]

Milzee, yes those jumpring pliers work for various size split rings, i use them on my key chains. to open wider for thicker keys, just move the plier further from the end that you inserted it in

[ForgedMettleJewelry]

I just use the blade in my Swiss army knife, it works fine...

[Former_Member]

http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Split-Ring-Opening-Pliers/111508?pos=2

[Former_Member]

I don't do it often, but I misuse my cutters and gently pry split rings open. Don't tell my Dad, he'd have a fit: "Use the right tool for the job"! :)

[MiliZee]

Guys, I got it now! OMG, I can't believe it took me so long! I'm not normally this slow with tools lol. I just got the wrong idea from the start and then I didn't get a paradigm shift until just now :-)

Andidanie, it was your link with the pliers in use that did the trick! It made me realize I wasn't using it quite like I should - the place I'd bought it from only showed a picture of it being used to open the jump rings, and then after that whoever I saw a picture of the tool in use, it was with the same jump rings. So because of that and because of how I couldn't figure it out myself, it kind of got stuck in my head that it was just good for jump rings. So that pic really shook something loose and now I know how to use the existing tool!

Thanks you guys! This helped even more than I could have hoped for, as I now don't have to find the Container Store tool, I can use something I've already got! Okay, the container store tool is still neat because it's way more portable than the pliers so it's good to take on a trip in case you need to switch keys, but that's more of a rare use so I'll be okay!

Oh man, I'm really excited! awesome :-)