The Five Cs of Wire Wrapping Step 3 Coil

We are back with Step 3 of the 5 C's of wire wrapping. This step focuses on the wrapped coil that closes the circle and creates a secure connection.

We will alternate between plier and wire movements. When moving the wire, the pliers act as an extension of your hand. You could technically wrap the coil with just your fingers, but this is harder with short tails or heavier gauge wires. Learn to use the pliers correctly. Move them as an extension of your hand, one movement at a time, without twisting or pivoting during wire motions.

Plier(s): Hold the circle you created with chain-nose pliers. Point the short wire tail coming from the circle straight up. Grip the tip of the tail with your round-nose or chain-nose pliers.

Wire: Wrap the wire tail toward you around the other wire for a half turn. Do not pivot your pliers.

Plier: Open your pliers and reposition them so your hand is parallel to the table again. This prevents the wire end from wrapping around the pliers. You may end with a small U shape at the end of the tail, which is fine. Keep holding the wire with your pliers as needed.

Repeat the last two wire and plier movements until you have 2-3 wraps.

TIP: End your wrapped coil so the wire tail is perpendicular to the circle whenever possible. This will help you cut more cleanly in Step 4 next week.

Click below to navigate to the next lessons in this series:

Five Lessons to Perfect Wire Wrapped Loops
The Five Cs of Wire Wrapping Step 1: The Circle
The Five Cs of Wire Wrapping Step 2: Connect
The Five Cs of Wire Wrapping Step 3: Coil
The Five Cs of Wire Wrapping Step 4: Cover then Cut
The Five Cs of Wire Wrapping Step 5: Clean