The simplest way: drill a hole and thread it
The fastest method is to drill a small hole near the top of the pick and string it on a chain or cord. Use a drill bit between 1/16 and 1/8 inch — small enough that the pick hangs straight, large enough that the cord slides through without fraying. A standard guitar pick is thin enough that a handheld drill or even a rotary tool works; you do not need a press. Clamp the pick in a vise or hold it steady against a scrap of wood so the bit does not slip and crack it.
Once the hole is drilled, thread the pick onto a chain, leather cord, or beaded string. A 2 to 3 mm chain works well and keeps the pick visible. If you use paracord or fabric, seal the cut end with a lighter to stop fraying, then thread it through. The pick will hang at whatever angle the cord naturally settles — usually face-forward, which shows off the design or color.
Key Takeaways
- Drilling a hole near the top of the pick is the most reliable method and takes less than five minutes with a handheld drill.
- A 1/16 to 1/8 inch drill bit is the right size; anything smaller risks cracking the pick, and anything larger makes it hang loose.
- Leather cord, paracord, and thin chain all work as stringing material, depending on the look you want.
- Resin casting lets you embed the pick in a clear or colored pendant if you want a more finished appearance.
- Gluing a bail (a metal loop) to the back of the pick avoids drilling and works for picks you do not want to damage.
Gluing a bail to the back instead of drilling
If you want to keep the pick intact or are worried about cracking it, glue a bail — a small metal loop — to the back. Bails are sold in jewelry supply shops and online, usually in packs of 10 to 20 for a few dollars. Clean the back of the pick with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely, then explore a strong adhesive like epoxy, super glue, or jewelry-grade resin to the bail and press it firmly onto the pick for 30 seconds.
Hold it in place for the full cure time — usually 24 hours for epoxy, a few minutes for super glue. Once set, thread your chain or cord through the bail loop. The pick stays whole, and the bail sits flush against the back so it does not show from the front. This method works especially well for vintage picks or ones with sentimental value that you do not want to drill into.
Embedding the pick in resin for a polished look
For a more finished pendant, cast the pick in clear or colored epoxy resin. Buy a two-part epoxy resin kit (the kind used for jewelry, not industrial epoxy) and a silicone mold — either a straightforward round or square mold, or a custom pendant mold shaped like a guitar or teardrop. Mix the resin according to the package directions, pour a thin layer into the mold, place the pick face-up in the center, then pour the rest of the resin around it until the mold is full.
Let it cure for 24 hours, then pop the finished pendant out of the mold. The pick is now sealed inside clear resin, protected from wear and water. You can add mica powder, glitter, or alcohol ink to the resin before pouring to create colored or sparkly effects around the pick. Drill a hole in the top of the cured pendant or glue a bail to the back, then string it on a chain. This method takes longer but produces a professional-looking piece.
Using a pendant frame or bezel for a quick alternative
A pendant bezel or pendant frame is a metal holder designed to hold a flat object — exactly what a guitar pick is. These come in dozens of shapes and sizes, from straightforward rectangles to ornate ovals. Drop the pick into the frame, and many designs have a glass or resin cover that snaps or screws on top to hold it in place. No drilling, no glue, no waiting for resin to cure.
Bezels are inexpensive and come with a built-in bail loop already attached, so you can string them when ready. The downside is that the pick sits inside the frame rather than being the pendant itself, so the metal shows around the edges. This works well if you want a polished, finished look or if you are using a pick with a design you want to protect from scratching.
Choosing the right cord or chain
The material you hang the pick on changes how it looks and how long it lasts. A thin metal chain (2 to 3 mm) is durable and shows off the pick clearly; stainless steel or silver-plated chains resist tarnish. Leather cord gives a more casual, vintage feel and works especially well with wooden or vintage picks. Paracord is strong and comes in many colors, though it is thicker and can overwhelm a small pick.
Beaded chains and ball chains are also options if you want texture or a specific aesthetic. The length matters too — most people wear a pick pendant 18 to 24 inches from the clasp, which places it at the collarbone or slightly lower. If you are stringing it yourself, buy a chain a few inches longer than you think you need, then adjust after you see how it hangs.
Protecting the pick from damage
A pick worn as a necklace will get bumped, bent, and exposed to sweat and moisture. If you drilled it, the hole is the weakest point — the cord can eventually wear through the plastic at that spot. Check the hole every few months and replace the cord if it starts to fray or thin. If you glued a bail, inspect the glue joint occasionally; epoxy lasts longer than super glue, but both can fail if the pick is pulled or twisted.
Resin-cast picks are the most protected because the resin seals the entire surface. Pendant frames also protect the pick from direct contact with skin and sweat. If you wear the pick daily, expect it to show wear — small scratches, fading color, and a dull finish are normal. Some people see this as part of the charm; others prefer to keep a pick necklace as a display piece rather than everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size drill bit do I need for a guitar pick?
A 1/16 inch bit is the smallest that works reliably without cracking the pick; 3/32 inch is safer if you are new to drilling. Test on a spare pick first if you have one. Clamp the pick firmly so it does not slip, and drill slowly to avoid heat buildup.
Can I use a regular sewing needle to poke a hole instead of drilling?
A needle will not work — guitar picks are too hard and dense. The needle will bend or break before it pierces the plastic. A drill is the only practical tool for making a clean hole.
What glue works best for attaching a bail?
Two-part epoxy is strongest and lasts the longest, though it takes 24 hours to cure. Super glue (cyanoacrylate) sets in seconds but can fail if the pick is pulled or twisted repeatedly. Jewelry-grade resin is also reliable. Avoid hot glue — it does not bond well to plastic and breaks down with body heat and sweat.
How do I keep the resin from sticking to the mold?
Silicone molds release resin naturally once it cures — no mold release needed. If you use a plastic or rubber mold, spray it lightly with cooking spray or mold release before pouring. Let the resin cure fully (24 hours) before trying to remove it.
Can I make a necklace from a pick I actually use to play?
Yes, but it will wear faster than a display piece. Sweat, friction from the chain, and bumps will dull the surface and eventually fray the cord. If the pick is sentimental or rare, make a necklace from a duplicate or cast it in resin to protect it.