Wire and Sheet Gauge Measuring Tool
Wire gauge tools are used to measure non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, aluminum, nickel silver, tungsten, sterling silver, Argentium silver, fine silver, gold and gold-filled, as well as platinum in jewelry making and crafting. It is one of those tools you don't need, until you do. You probably won't use it often, but it is worth having. The first time you need to use it you will understand why.
If you always label and put your wire and sheet metal away where they belong, you may never need this tool.
If you always remember what gauge you're using when you return to a project after a break, you won't need it either.
And if you can tell the gauge just by looking at a piece of wire or sheet metal, this tool isn't for you.
But if you've ever picked up wire thinking it was one gauge only to find it didn't work in your project then this inexpensive tool is for you!
Round wire gauge tools are often paired with rectangular pocket wire gauges. That wasn't the case when I bought mine, so I'm now looking for a small rectangular one to add to my travel tool bag.
Both shapes work equally well for jewelry makers. However, many pocket gauges only measure down to 24 gauge (0.020"), which may not be fine enough.
Wire wrappers and weavers often use much finer wire. Most 3-5/16" (84 mm) diameter round gauges measure down to 36 gauge (0.005").
My circular wire gauge tool fits easily in a standard desk drawer alongside my most-used items.
I saved the packaging because it makes storing the tool easier. Many rectangular gauges come with sleeves for that same reason.
If you always remember what gauge you're using when you return to a project after a break, you won't need it either.
And if you can tell the gauge just by looking at a piece of wire or sheet metal, this tool isn't for you.
But if you've ever picked up wire thinking it was one gauge only to find it didn't work in your project then this inexpensive tool is for you!
Round wire gauge tools are often paired with rectangular pocket wire gauges. That wasn't the case when I bought mine, so I'm now looking for a small rectangular one to add to my travel tool bag.
Both shapes work equally well for jewelry makers. However, many pocket gauges only measure down to 24 gauge (0.020"), which may not be fine enough.
Wire wrappers and weavers often use much finer wire. Most 3-5/16" (84 mm) diameter round gauges measure down to 36 gauge (0.005").
My circular wire gauge tool fits easily in a standard desk drawer alongside my most-used items.
I saved the packaging because it makes storing the tool easier. Many rectangular gauges come with sleeves for that same reason.
There are different types of wire gauge tools. The one you buy depends on where you live, how wire and sheet metal are labeled, and what materials your patterns or tutorials call for.
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) is generally used in North America. The British Standard Wire Gauge (SWG), sometimes called the Imperial Wire Gauge, is usually used in Great Britain. Most other countries measure wire in millimeters. Canada uses both systems.
AWG and SWG measure wire differently. For example, 14-gauge silver and gold wire I use for stack rings measures as 16 gauge on the SWG. This small difference usually isn't a problem unless exact measurements matter, like with jump rings where interior and outer diameter are critical in chain designs.
To add confusion, many industries have their own systems, like the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) wire gauge used in automotive and boating. Avoid gauges not made specifically for jewelry making and crafting.
Since SWG popularity has declined, AWG is the best bet for jewelry makers. If you live in the U.S., you need to buy AWG tools, sometimes labeled as American Standard Wire Gauge.
For those near the U.S.-Canada border, be cautious when buying wire in Canada. Some Canadian manufacturers use SWG, others use AWG. All U.S. companies use AWG.
I'm not promoting any particular brand-most are similar when bought from reputable dealers.
The photos of my gauge and its packaging are meant to give you visual info to help find what works best for you. Mine is an AWG with fractions of an inch markings on the back.
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) is generally used in North America. The British Standard Wire Gauge (SWG), sometimes called the Imperial Wire Gauge, is usually used in Great Britain. Most other countries measure wire in millimeters. Canada uses both systems.
AWG and SWG measure wire differently. For example, 14-gauge silver and gold wire I use for stack rings measures as 16 gauge on the SWG. This small difference usually isn't a problem unless exact measurements matter, like with jump rings where interior and outer diameter are critical in chain designs.
To add confusion, many industries have their own systems, like the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) wire gauge used in automotive and boating. Avoid gauges not made specifically for jewelry making and crafting.
Since SWG popularity has declined, AWG is the best bet for jewelry makers. If you live in the U.S., you need to buy AWG tools, sometimes labeled as American Standard Wire Gauge.
For those near the U.S.-Canada border, be cautious when buying wire in Canada. Some Canadian manufacturers use SWG, others use AWG. All U.S. companies use AWG.
I'm not promoting any particular brand-most are similar when bought from reputable dealers.
The photos of my gauge and its packaging are meant to give you visual info to help find what works best for you. Mine is an AWG with fractions of an inch markings on the back.
How to Use the Gauge
Remember that the gauges are not perfect and that wire and sheet can differ slightly from one supplier to another.
Gauges are meant to be used as a guide to help you.
If precise and exact measurements are needed, use good digital callipers.
Gauges are meant to be used as a guide to help you.
If precise and exact measurements are needed, use good digital callipers.
Wire
I straightened quite a few short bits of wire from my scrap box to make Paddled Fringe embellishments and used one of the least straight ones for these photos. I was pretty sure it was 22 gauge, but not positive.
Test for wire gauge with wire that is not super straight: Insert the wire in the 20 gauge hole. Pull the straightest section of the wire out the slot. If it removes easily, move down one gauge and repeat the process. When the wire gets stuck in the slot, as in the photo, that is the gauge of the wire. The other way to test the wire gauge is to do the same thing, but pressing the wire in from the outside of the tool.
Test for wire gauge with wire that is not super straight: Insert the wire in the 20 gauge hole. Pull the straightest section of the wire out the slot. If it removes easily, move down one gauge and repeat the process. When the wire gets stuck in the slot, as in the photo, that is the gauge of the wire. The other way to test the wire gauge is to do the same thing, but pressing the wire in from the outside of the tool.
Alternate method for straighter, thicker, or longer wire: Since the measurement slot is longer than the gauge's thickness, the wire needs to be as straight as possible to fit into the slots.
Lay the tool on a flat surface and press the wire down into a slot. Start with a hole larger than you expect the wire to be. Place the tip of the wire inside the hole, then bring the wire down into the slot.
Move down one size at a time until the wire no longer slides easily into a slot.
I used wire labeled 18 gauge. At the 17 gauge slot, the wire fit but popped back up as it bent. At the 18 gauge slot, it was difficult to press in and remove, confirming it was truly 18 gauge.
Lay the tool on a flat surface and press the wire down into a slot. Start with a hole larger than you expect the wire to be. Place the tip of the wire inside the hole, then bring the wire down into the slot.
Move down one size at a time until the wire no longer slides easily into a slot.
I used wire labeled 18 gauge. At the 17 gauge slot, the wire fit but popped back up as it bent. At the 18 gauge slot, it was difficult to press in and remove, confirming it was truly 18 gauge.
Sheet
As with measuring wire, sheet metal needs to be as flat as possible to fit into the slots for gauge measurement.
When measuring sheet metal, always use a factory-cut edge without distortions or burrs. Edges you cut, even if flattened, may give inaccurate readings.
If no factory-cut edges are available, consider using reliable digital calipers to measure thickness further into the piece.
Slide the sheet metal edge into a slot larger than you expect the gauge to be. The sheet easily fit into the 19 gauge slot.
Working down in size, it went into the 20 gauge slot, but not easily. Do not push the metal in, as the correct slot size will fit without force, and pushing may scratch the metal.
Note: The number 20 is stamped on the piece of sheet metal I used in the photo. I label all scrap pieces 1" square and larger so I don't always have to check the gauge.
When measuring sheet metal, always use a factory-cut edge without distortions or burrs. Edges you cut, even if flattened, may give inaccurate readings.
If no factory-cut edges are available, consider using reliable digital calipers to measure thickness further into the piece.
Slide the sheet metal edge into a slot larger than you expect the gauge to be. The sheet easily fit into the 19 gauge slot.
Working down in size, it went into the 20 gauge slot, but not easily. Do not push the metal in, as the correct slot size will fit without force, and pushing may scratch the metal.
Note: The number 20 is stamped on the piece of sheet metal I used in the photo. I label all scrap pieces 1" square and larger so I don't always have to check the gauge.
Materials
No materials listed
Tools
AWG American Wire Gauge for All Sizes of Wire - Pack of 1
G7-8
- G7-8
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $11.95
- Gold Club Price: $8.96
Wire Gauge by Euro Tool
GAU-144.10
- GAU-144.10
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.97
- Gold Club Price: $10.48
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- Category: Tools
- Technique(s): Tools
Judy Larson
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