Choosing Wire Hardness for Wrapping
Here are some good tips and useful charts to help you choose the correct hardness for your wire wrapping.
Instructions
Rhonda says:
When wire wrapping cabochons and beads, the wire hardness you choose is dependent on several factors:
1. The size of the piece you’re making
2. The intricacy of the piece
3. Personal preference.
When wire wrapping cabochons and beads, the wire hardness you choose is dependent on several factors:
1. The size of the piece you’re making
2. The intricacy of the piece
3. Personal preference.
Types of Wire
Dead soft wire is better for pieces that are small or intricate, since the wire will harden as you work with it. Dead soft wire scratches and dents more easily, so you need a more delicate hand, but it allows for more control.
Pro Tip: Hint: Dead soft wire is also used for coiling, crocheting, knitting, and weaving, or to mix with half hard wire in certain situations. Depending on the size (gauge) of the wire, dead soft wire does not hold its shape in stress situations, such as prongs; however, it can be hardened and/or beautifully textured by using a variety of jewelers’ hammers. (answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong)
Half hard wire can be better if you won’t be doing a lot of work hardening.
Pro Tip: Hint: Half hard wire will beautifully hold any shape it is bent into and because it will work harden quickly, it is the perfect choice for executing prong designs. Half hard wire forms crisp clean angles.
Testing Wire Hardness:
A good way to test out wire is to buy about 10 feet of 22 gauge and 24 gauge wire in both dead soft and half hard. Experiment with these wires. Your experience level and wrapping style will lead you to the best choice for you. Ultimately, you should use the wire you’re most comfortable with.
A good way to test out wire is to buy about 10 feet of 22 gauge and 24 gauge wire in both dead soft and half hard. Experiment with these wires. Your experience level and wrapping style will lead you to the best choice for you. Ultimately, you should use the wire you’re most comfortable with.
Here’s a great chart to help you understand wire gauge and the way that it’s sized.
Additional articles that will help you choose the type of wire that would be best for your next wire project:
Wire Gauge
Wire Temper
Wire Shapes
Wire Gauge
Wire Temper
Wire Shapes
Materials
Wire
Tools
WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
- G15-20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $170.72
- Gold Club Price: $128.04
Supply Detail
loading...
Change Metal:
This Tip requires:
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): Design
Rhonda Chase
Wire Twisting like a Pro
Creating Bracelets with Pattern Wire
Creating with Pattern Wire
Getting Rid of the Tail
The premier place for all your jewelry making needs. The best in wire, tools, cabochons, gemstone beads and more. As well as a superior resource for educational support to help build your jewelry making skills and techniques.
Connect With Us
® 2007 - 2024 Wirejewelry.com Powered by ClaimTheWeb Cart