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Paracord Bracelet Fixture/Jig

by MacGyver9 on July 15, 2011 Table of Contents Paracord Bracelet Fixture/Jig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Paracord Bracelet Fixture/Jig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Tools & Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Disassemble Angle Divisor Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Cut Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Drill and Assemble The Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Attach Female Ends of Buckles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Attach Male Ends of Buckles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Drill Dimble ....................................................................................................... 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 8

Step 8: Remove Sharp Edges From Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 9: Create Sizing Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 10: Record Initial Marks For Buckles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 11: Determine Remaining Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 12: Finish Sizing Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-Bracelet-FixtureJig/

Intro: Paracord Bracelet Fixture/Jig

This tutorial will show how to make a paracord bracelet fixture that can be used with or without side release buckles. As I began making more bracelets it became readily apparent that I needed to build a fixture for this purpose. I looked at several designs that were being used and decided to create my own version. When I decided to make the fixture, these were the objectives I wanted to achieve: - It had to be simple to use - It must be portable for traveling & camping - It must be easy to make - Must be inexpensive I accomplished the objectives and decided to share my design. I was able to make this fixture in about an hour for under $12. It is adjustable from 3 to 12 inches.

Step 1: Tools & Materials

Tools needed: - Drill & drill bits - Saw - Screwdriver(s) - sandpaper (optional) - counter-sink drill bit (optional) Materials list: Quantity Part Description (Approx Cost) 2 x 1 flat head bolts ($ 0.20) 1 wing nut ($ 0.10) 1 screw protector cap ($ 0.25) 4 2 wood screws ($ 0.99) 1 angle divisor - also called angle divider ($ 7.99) 2 cable clamps ($ 0.20) 1 5mm x 10mm pan head machine screw ($ 0.19) 1 size 8 x screw ($ 0.08) 1 5mm hex nut ($ 0.19) 36 1 x 4 standard grade board ($ 0.74) 1 3/8 side release buckle ($ 0.40) 1 5/8 side release buckle ($ 0.44) Total $ 11.77

Step 2: Disassemble Angle Divisor Tool

In order to reduce the amount of woodworking skills required and make the project construction easy and quick, my design uses parts of an angle divisor. I used a Tool Shop angle divisor I picked up from my local Menards (hardware store). If you dont have a Menards store nearby, the same angle divisor can be found listed under other brand names as angle dividers (Promax 79050, Big Horn 19050, etc.) Start by removing the rivet connecting the three aluminum bars at the end of angle divisor (far right in the main photo). Tip: Grind off the backside of the rivet using a grinder or Dremel tool with grinding wheel bit, then remove the rest of rivet with pliers. Remove the adjustable thumbscrew and keep the slotted bar and shinny rectangular guide piece (bottom of the second photo) discard the rest of the angle divisor. Use a drill bit to enlarge the hole in the shinny rectangular guide piece. The hole is very close to already, but still needs to be enlarged.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-Bracelet-FixtureJig/

Step 3: Cut Wood

Saw the 1 x 4 board into one 22 section (the base) and four 3 blocks. Stack the base and 3 blocks as shown in the photo. The grain of the wood of the 3 blocks should run perpendicular to the grain of the base. For clarification: The size of the smaller blocks (3 blocks) should be cut to the same width as the board - on dimensional lumber this is usually 3. If the piece of wood you are using isn't exactly 3, then adjust the length of your cuts accordingly.

Step 4: Drill and Assemble The Wood

Drill two pilot holes through the base and each of the top 3 blocks. On each of the bottom 3 blocks, drill the pilot holes only way through dont drill all the way through. On one of the bottom 3 blocks, drill a hole through the center. Counter sink the hole using the tip of a drill bit or a countersink bit. Insert one of the 1 flat head bolts into the center hole. Take the 22 base and drill a hole through the center. Countersink the hole this will now be the bottom of the board. Insert the other 1 flat head bolt into the center hole. Assemble the wood pieces using the 2 wood screws.

Step 5: Attach Female Ends of Buckles

Attach a cable clamp, a female end of a 3/8 side release buckle, a female end of a 5/8 side release buckle to the side opposite the markings on the end of the slotted bar that had the rivet.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-Bracelet-FixtureJig/

Step 6: Attach Male Ends of Buckles

Attach a cable clamp, a male end of a 3/8 side release buckle, a male end of a 5/8 side release buckle to the 3 block that doesnt have the bolt in the center. See photo for correct placement of cable clamp, etc.

Step 7: Drill Dimble

On the opposite end of the base, drill a dimple near the inside edge of the base. During storage and transport the dimple will provide a hole for the nut of the 5mm screw to sit in (so that the slotted bar will sit flush to the base).

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-Bracelet-FixtureJig/

Step 8: Remove Sharp Edges From Wood

I recommend all of the sharp edges of wood be dulled using sandpaper. Since I transport mine a lot I decided to round over the edges even more using a trim router with a round-over bit. Use the screw protector cap on whichever bolt doesnt have the wing nut swap bolts when tying or storing. The cap protects your fingers while tying a knot and will prevent snagging by the other bolt when storing or transporting.

Step 9: Create Sizing Table

Using a 3/8 bracelet as an example, measure the length around a persons wrist for this example Ill use 8 inches. When making a bracelet a popular rule-ofthumb is to add an additional inch for the extra bulk due to knotting so our modified length will be 9 inches. Because the bracelet will be inserted into the buckles of the fixture, we need to adjust the slotted bar until there is 9 inches between the female end and the rim of the male end.

Step 10: Record Initial Marks For Buckles

Record the marking on the slotted bar - in this case 57. In the future, each time we want to make an 8-inch bracelet using a 3/8 standard buckle by this vendor we will use the same setting. Using the same procedure for a 5/8 by this vendor, I found that the setting is 59.

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Step 11: Determine Remaining Marks

Knowing the reference marks for both buckle sizes enables us to create a table of the bracelet sizes for these buckles. Simply lay a measuring tape beside the slotted bar and align the respective reference mark with the 8 on the measurinng tape (original size of the wrist). The example in the photo is setup for the 3/8 inch buckle (57 on the slotted bar). Next, find the values for the wrist lengths you want from the measuring tape and read the corresponding marks on the slotted bar. Do this for both buckle sizes and you should get something like the next step.

Step 12: Finish Sizing Table

This is a table of sizes and markings for 3/8 and 5/8 buckles in our example. I then attached the chart to the fixture so it is always available.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-Bracelet-FixtureJig/

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-Bracelet-FixtureJig/

Comments
7 comments

Add Comment
Jul 30, 2011. 8:33 AM REPLY

benbar12 says:
Wow very creative! (I voted five stars.)

ninja42 says:
Brilliant!

Jul 22, 2011. 6:20 AM REPLY

triumphman says:

Jul 18, 2011. 10:05 AM REPLY Can I just make some aluminum bars and etch my own numbers onto them? I have scrounged an armful of flat aluminum stock a few years ago and have been making cool things ever since. One thing I made is window plant shelf brackets for my home as the windows don't have any shelf space or any way to place plants in a sunny window. Unless I open the windows, which is awkward and a bother to open and close every day in bad or hot weather. I have cut, drilled, polished, bent, the stock bars and made numerous things throughout the years. Just this week, I made a nice bracket for my brother's pancake compressor. The top is plastic and it spread apart at the seam, where you pick it up. I clamped it back together, made a bracket, and used nuts and bolts to hold it in place. It will never come apart again! When I return it he will be pleasantly surprised. I'm always fixing and improving stuff. It is what I do! Thanks for your 'ible! Just what I needed for my paracord projects. I was using a board and a screw in hook !

MacGyver9 says:

Jul 18, 2011. 1:29 PM REPLY "Can I just make some aluminum bars and etch my own numbers onto them?" Certainly. When I first designed the fixture/jig I chose the angle divisor to make the project quick & easy to finish - it had the long slotted bar, numbers were already etched on the bar, was in-expensive, durable and easy to take apart and re-use. Making your own slotted bar and etching your own numbers shouldn't cause any problems. You can still use the same methodology to create your sizing table. Good luck!

dimdiode says:

Jul 17, 2011. 2:30 PM REPLY I like it, I've been mulling over something like this for a while. Yours ought to provoke me to get off my butt and make one! thanks,

putipa says:
cool been tryin to come up with one i will make this soon thank you!!

Jul 17, 2011. 7:28 AM REPLY

ChrysN says:
Cool jig!

Jul 16, 2011. 9:31 AM REPLY

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