The standard barrel clasp has a groove. Pandora also sells some lobster clasps, which are like keychain hooks. You simply press the button to open the clasp, then slide the end of the bracelet off it.
Brace the sides of the clasp with your other fingers or the side of your body. After you get accustomed to opening the bracelet, you may be able to do it with a single nail. Starting with 2 nails is easier and gives you more leverage on the clasp.
To keep the charms secure, the clasp may be a little stiff and difficult to open. Apply more force to leverage it without the use of additional tools. If you have trouble opening the clasp, adjust your grip and try again. Most clasps pop open without much trouble, but you may need to get a clasp opener to remove a stuck clasp.
Pandora sells a clasp opener that looks like a flower pendant. It has 4 petals, each with a flat edge that can be used to open clasps. If you don’t have a Pandora clasp opener, you can use a generic clasp opener. Look for tools designed for jewelry or even phones. You can also use small coins or other sturdy objects with a flat edge.
Hold the clasp steady by bracing it against your fingers or the side of your body.
If you can’t open the clasp right away, adjust your grip on it. Make sure the opener is firmly wedged in the groove. The bracelet permanently attaches to the clasp at 1 end, so identify the removable side and pinch it between your fingers to lift it out.
The easiest way to put the bracelet on is by draping it over your wrist. Position the clasp on top of your wrist, then bring the rod end around to meet it. If the rod is outside of the groove, the clasp will not close correctly. The bracelet may end up falling off your wrist. Check the placement carefully as you close the clasp.
Use your free hand or fingers to hold the rest of the bracelet steady as you work.
Avoid forcing the clasp if it doesn’t close correctly. You could end up breaking it. The problem likely is that the rod isn’t snug in the clasp’s groove. Open it up and try again.
Note that you have to open the bracelet before you can open any beads. This allows the clip bead to prevent other components from sliding off the bracelet. Opening the clip bead is very similar to unlocking the bracelet itself. They both use the same type of mechanism.
If you’re wearing the bracelet, pin it to your wrist with your fingers to keep it still. You can also use a clasp opener or the side of a thin coin to open the bead.
As soon as the bead pops open, you can move it off the bracelet. Be careful to avoid spilling the other beads.
Hold the bead steady with your other fingers. You can pin it against a flat work surface or your wrist to prevent the other beads from shifting.
If the bead doesn’t seem to close correctly, avoid forcing it. Open it up and check its alignment. The bracelet may not be firm inside the bead’s groove.
