Assessing the Damage
A claw clip can break easily if you apply too much force or if it falls from a height. Assessing the damage is necessary, so you can determine if you can fix the claw clip or if you need to buy a new one. A broken claw clip can be frustrating, especially if you need it to style your hair every day. However, before you panic, assess the damage and determine if it’s worth fixing or replacing.
Here are the different types of damage that a claw clip can sustain:
- A Broken Spring: The spring is the mechanism that holds the two arms of the clip together. If the spring is broken, the clip will not stay closed, and it will become useless.
- A Broken Arm: The arms are the two sides of the clip that hold your hair. If one arm is broken, the clip will not hold your hair properly and may even fall out.
- A Loosened Spring: The spring can become loose if it is stretched too far or if it’s bent. If the spring is loose, the clip will not hold your hair properly, and it may even fall out.
- A Scratched or Damaged Surface: The surface of the clip can become scratched or damaged if it’s dropped or if it’s used too often. A damaged surface can cause the clip to slip from your hair, and it may even damage your hair.
If you notice any of these types of damage on your claw clip, assess the severity of the damage. If it’s a minor issue, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, if the damage is too severe, you may need to buy a new clip.
One way to assess the damage is to examine the broken parts of the clip. If the clip is broken into pieces, it may be beyond repair. However, if the clip is only slightly bent or twisted, you may be able to fix it with a few simple steps.
Another way to assess the damage is to try using the clip on your hair. If the clip stays in place and holds your hair properly, then the damage may be minor, and you can proceed with fixing it.
Assessing the damage is the first step to fixing a broken claw clip. Once you’ve determined the extent of the damage, you can proceed with fixing the clip or purchasing a new one.
Gathering the Necessary Supplies
If you have a broken claw clip lying around, don’t throw it away just yet! With a few simple supplies and a little patience, you can fix it in no time. Here are the things you’ll need to gather for this project:
- A broken claw clip: Of course, you’ll need the item you’re trying to fix. Make sure the clip is clean and free from any dirt or debris before you start.
- A replacement spring: In most cases, the spring inside a claw clip is the component that breaks. You can usually find replacement springs online or at a craft supply store. Check the size of the spring in your clip before you buy a replacement.
- Screwdriver: Depending on the design of your claw clip, you may need a small screwdriver to disassemble it. Look for any screws that are holding the clip together and use the appropriate tool to remove them.
- Super glue: Once you have the clip disassembled, you’ll need some glue to hold it back together. Choose a strong adhesive that will work on plastic or metal, depending on the material of your clip.
- Clamps or clothespins: You’ll need something to keep the pieces of your clip together while the glue dries. Clamps or clothespins work well for this purpose.
With all of these supplies in hand, you’re ready to get started. Make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on and plenty of light to see what you’re doing.
Replacing a Broken Spring
If your claw clip has lost its spring, don’t throw it away or waste your money purchasing a new one just yet. The spring that helps the claw grip your hair and stay securely in place can be replaced easily at home with a little bit of effort. In this article, we will show you how to replace a broken spring in a claw clip using just a few basic tools.
Before you start working, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need a replacement spring, pliers, and a small screwdriver. You can find replacement springs at your local craft and hobby stores, or you can purchase them online.
The first step is to remove the old spring from the clip. To do this, hold the claw clip in one hand and the pliers in the other. Grasp the end of the old spring with the pliers and pull it out gently. If it doesn’t come out easily, use the screwdriver to help pry it out.
Next, prepare the new spring by straightening out any bends or kinks. It should look like a long, thin, and straight piece of metal without any bends or twists. Place the new spring into the claw clip, making sure that the looped end of the spring is facing the opening of the clip.
Once the new spring is in place, use the pliers to bend the straight end of the spring upwards towards the opening of the clip. This will create tension in the spring, allowing the claw to grip onto your hair firmly. Test the claw clip to make sure that the spring is working correctly, by opening and closing the claw a few times.
If you find that the claw clip still isn’t staying in place, you may need to adjust the placement of the spring. Use the pliers to make any necessary adjustments to the spring’s position until the claw is gripping your hair tightly.
Once you’re happy with the placement and tension of the spring, use the pliers to bend the end of the spring upwards to prevent it from slipping out of place. You can also use a small amount of glue to secure the spring in place, but this is not necessary for the spring to function.
Voila! Your claw clip is now as good as new. With just a few basic tools and a replacement spring, you can easily repair your broken claw clip and save money on purchasing a new one. This simple process will allow you to extend the life of your hair accessories and keep them in good condition for longer.
Reattaching a Broken Clasp
Claw clips can become a girl’s best friend when it comes to keeping hair up and out of the way. Unfortunately, these helpful clips can also easily break. If you are one of the many women who have a broken claw clip, don’t worry, it is not a lost cause. In fact, with a little bit of patience and a few simple steps, you can fix that broken claw clip all by yourself. Here’s how to reattach a broken clasp:
1. First, try to assess the damage. Check to see if the clasp is broken off completely or if it is still attached to the rest of the clip but not functioning. If it is still attached, skip to step 3; if it is broken off, proceed to step 2.
2. Using a small file or sandpaper, rough up the surface where the clasp broke off. This will help the glue adhere better.
3. Apply a small amount of glue to the surface where the clasp broke off. Be sure to use a glue that is appropriate for the material of the clip, such as super glue for plastic or metal glue for metal.
4. Gently press the clasp onto the surface where the glue was applied. Hold it in place for at least a minute to allow the glue to set.
5. Once the glue has dried, test the clasp to make sure it is secure and functioning. If it is, you’re all set! If not, you may need to repeat the above steps or consider purchasing a new clip.
While fixing a broken claw clip may seem like a minor task, it can be a lifesaver in the moment when you need to keep your hair out of your face. By following these simple steps, you can save money and keep your favorite hair accessory in working order.
Reinforcing Weak Joints
One of the common problems with claw clips is weakened joints, which can cause the clip to break apart easily. Fortunately, there are several ways to reinforce the weak joints and extend the life of your claw clips.
1. Gluing
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to reinforce the weak joints is by using glue. First, clean the joints with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or oil that may affect the glue’s adhesion. Then, dab a small amount of glue on the joint and hold it together firmly for a few seconds until it dries. Depending on the type of glue used, you may need to wait for several hours before using the clip again.
While gluing is a simple option, it may not be the most durable, especially if the clip is used frequently or exposed to humidity.
2. Filing
If the joint is weak due to rough edges or burrs, filing can help smooth out the surface and create a firmer grip. This method is mostly applicable to metal claw clips, as plastic clips may deform if filed excessively.
Use a fine-grit file or sandpaper to gently remove any roughness around the joint until it feels smooth. Avoid applying too much pressure or filing one spot for too long, as this can heat up the metal and cause it to weaken or bend. After filing, wipe off any debris and test the clip’s strength by putting it on and taking it off a few times.
3. Wrapping
If glue or filing doesn’t provide enough reinforcement, you can try wrapping the joint with a thin wire or thread. This method creates a second layer of support around the joint, reducing the strain on the clip’s original structure.
To wrap the joint, choose a thin wire or thread that matches the color of your clip. Cut a length that’s long enough to circle the joint several times, leaving a bit of extra at the end to knot or twist. Hold the wire or thread taut around the joint and start wrapping it tightly from one end to the other, making sure to cover the weak spot well. Once you’ve wrapped the joint several times, knot or twist the ends together firmly, then trim the excess. You can also secure the ends with a small dot of glue.
4. Heat Shrinking
Another way to reinforce a weakened joint is by using a heat-shrink tube. This method works best for plastic or rubber claw clips, as metal clips may heat up excessively and become damaged.
A heat-shrink tube is a piece of tubing that contracts when heated, forming a tight, protective sleeve around the joint. To use one, first measure the diameter of the joint and choose a heat-shrink tube that’s slightly larger. Cut a length of the tube that’s long enough to cover the joint with some overlap, then slide it over the joint. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to apply heat evenly to the tube, moving it around to ensure that it covers the joint completely. As the tube heats up, it will shrink and cling tightly to the surface, creating a durable layer of protection.
5. Hinge Replacement
If the joint of your claw clip has become extremely weak or broken, it may be time to replace the hinge altogether. Fortunately, most claw clips are designed to have replaceable hinges, which can be found at most drugstores, supermarkets, or online retailers. To replace the hinge, use a small screwdriver or pliers to remove the old hinge, then insert the new one in the same position. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package or seek professional help if you’re unsure how to do this.
Replacing the hinge may be more involved and time-consuming than the other methods, but it provides a long-lasting solution that can save you from having to buy new claw clips frequently.