Wire Working Tools

So we discussed working with wire, but what about the tools used for wire working. There are several different types of jewelry making tool. I started out with the most common of the type, beading; and grew into wire working and sculpting. As I learn each technique and put my own twist of creativity into the design, I move into other more advanced or new techniques and types of jewelry making.

Here are a few of the most common used wire working tools; at least from my studio. I would recommend first though, before investing into the tools and wire that you take a class from your local craft, hobby or beading store. This will give you the chance to really get your hands ‘dirty’ before putting out the money in the right tools and wire.

Wire working tool are some of the same ones that are used in every type of jewelry making; however there are a few specialty tools for working with heavy gauge wire and to make things like jump rings, connectors and findings. Here are some of the more common essential wire working tools. In future posts, I’ll be listing some specialty wire working tools and techniques.

Bent Nose Pliers(to the right): Use these to shape or straighten wire and to hold it in place while using other tools. I keep a pair of both large and small sizes to fit most projects. Inspect your pliers before purchase and avoid any with notches on the inside as that can scratch wire. Over time, your pliers will start to show wear and tear; to keep them around longer I wrap blue painters tape around the jaws to keep from marring the wire.

Round Nose Pliers(to the left): These are perfect for curving wire or making hooks and loops, which can be used as findings or for attachment pieces. Again here I have several different sizes ranging from small, medium and large depending on the design, stones and project.

Chain Nose Pliers (to the right): These pliers a are square on the outside, flat on the inside, with a tapered nose to reach small places. These are excellent for making angles in wire.

Wire Cutters (to the left): These are used to cut normal wire such as gold, sterling, and artistic wire. Do not confuse them with the specialty memory wire cutters that are only used to cut memory wire. The sharper the cutter, the better, as it will last longer.

Jeweler’s Files (to the right): These come in sets with several sizes and shapes which are used to smooth off the metal. Wooden handles make it more comfortable to hold than all metal files; but is not necessary. Whatever your choice, make sure to get a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any project.

Bench Block (to the left): This is one of my favorite wire working tools; it is used to flatten wire and metal. It gives you a nice, sturdy, solid surface to work from.

Chasing Hammer (to the right): This round tipped hammer is used with the bench block to hammer wire flat. You can also use it in more advanced techniques to give a more hammered or textured look to your wire or metals.

Thing-a-ma-jig Wire Jig (to the left): For making just about any loop, curve, link, or design, a wire jig makes it easy. If you can draw or move a string in any shape, then you can do the same thing with wire in a jig.

Tips About Wire

Working with wire is extremely fun, it means having patience (loads of it), a creative and imaginative mind; with a touch of flare or spice. Being able to ‘see’ your piece within the wire are the many talents and gifts of artists around the world.

Wire is one of the essential supplies in my jewelry making business; why? Because it adds that little bit of ‘flare, spice, or spark’ that I’m looking for when working with natural stones, crystals, or any metals. How do you know which is the right size and what material is best? You need to look at durability, malleability, style, color and manufacturer.

Wire is measured in gauges, from 16 all the way to 34; with 16 being the heaviest/thickest and 34 being the smallest/thinnest wires. Typically, the thicker the wire, the sturdier it will become. However, the type of material used for the wire also affects how flexible a particular gauge will be.

Rules of Thumb
*For bracelets, heavy necklace pendants designs or winding wire around very large beads, making charms or creating chain links, a 16 to 18 gauge is suggested.
*Gauges 20 to 24 are considered medium to thin thickness and are good for wire wrapping beads, as well as for constructing findings, headpins, and ear wires. This is typically the gauge used for making earrings and 20 or 22 are the best for ear wires.
*The smallest, skinniest wires are 26 to 34 gauges. They are easily manipulated and flexible, perfectly for use with small beads in embroidery and stitch projects.

You can find wire in brass, copper, pewter, or artistic non-tarnish are inexpensive and typically soft wires to work with; while sterling silver and gold filled are more expensive and typically vary in hardness’s from dead-soft to half-hard.

*Sterling Silver is great looking and made soft or hard. The only thing to remember is that silver will tarnish.
*For wire that will not tarnish and will retain its beauty and luster, try working with non-tarnish wires; it is very inexpensive and usually made from a copper core; covered with a silver, gold, or colored coating that has been treated so that it will not tarnish.
*While the others run the spectrum of price; the most expensive wire to work with is gold or gold-filled, which does not tarnish. Some wire works will substitute gold-plated wire for cost effective designs.

Whatever your choice, you will find that working with wire brings out the artist and craftsman in every design.

To browse and purchase wired natural gemstone jewelry, visit Timeless Designs.

Final Tips for Jewelry Wire Work Tools

So for the past several posts we have been discussing the wire and jewelry tools. Taking the leap into the jewelry making business, even for a hobby, can be expensive for anyone. It is an overwhelming and sometimes a bit intimidating in learning about and choosing just the right tools.

Here are some last suggestions, details, or recommendations to maybe help make that decision whether or how to purchase jewelry and wire working tools.

1) The most important tools will be your pliers. Invest in good quality, heavy duty tools, even ergonomic tools if that is what you require. You will be working with these tools so much, you will need something that is comfortable and easy to work with and handle.
2) A good smooth steel bench block. You will be doing a lot of pounding and this tool saves a lot of countertops and desks.
3) Good chase hammer and files. Purchase a good light hammer; if you want to make textures and/or flatten wire, you’ll be glad you invested. Buy files in a kit so you get a lot of different angles, lengths and depths. You never know when what you might run across in needing to work with wire.
4) Research and look around before buying your tools. Check out the local hardware store, craft/hobby store, Ebay, or even the local discount store. Even starting out with ‘used’ tools will give you an idea of what you will expect before you make the leap into investment for expensive tools. You may even check with other Artists to see if they are selling ‘2nd hand’ tools. They can also give you advice on what to and not to look for.
5) Make no mistake; what you pay for is what you get. If you want quality and something that will last a long time, expect to pay more.

Whatever you choice, be sure to do you research and ask around. The more information you get to make a better decision, the better your jewelry designs will turn out.

Good Luck!