Convenient Tools for Making Consistent Loops

by Kylie Jones
Some jewelry designs require that loops are all a certain size. So how do you make sure your loops are the size you want?

For most jewelry designs it is fairly easy to guess-timate the size a loop needs to be. This becomes easier as you get more experience. Eventually you find that it becomes almost second nature to know where you need to put the wire on your round nose pliers to get a certain sized loop.
Instructions
In my chain maille designs, I often need loops of a specific size to match other jump rings in the pattern.

The easiest way to achieve this is by using an existing jump ring or loop that's the size you want.

Place that loop on your round nose pliers and mark the spot where it sits.

Marking the pliers with a Sharpie or other permanent marker saves time and helps keep your loops uniform.

You can mark either the metal jaws or, if your pliers have them, the nylon tips.

These marks can be removed easily with a paper towel, fine sandpaper, or rubbing alcohol.

If the loop you want to replicate is already part of a design and won't fit on your pliers, use vernier calipers to measure the inside diameter of the ring.

Then, transfer that measurement to your round nose pliers for consistent results.
Pro Tip: Using jump rings and pieces from other projects is a great way to work out the size of the loops you want to make.
Pro Tip: Sometimes the loop you want to replicate will already be attached to a piece of jewelry. Calipers or verniers can measure the inner diameter of a loop and transfer this measurement to your round nose pliers.
Kylie Jones's Convenient Tools for Making Consistent Loops - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, making loops
Kylie Jones's Convenient Tools for Making Consistent Loops - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop,  attached to a piece of jewelry

Materials

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Tools

Dual Size Round Nose Plier
G2-719
  • G2-719
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $34.95
  • Gold Club Price: $26.21
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Digital Calipers With Stone Holder by Euro Tool
GAU-179.00
  • GAU-179.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $43.95
  • Gold Club Price: $32.96
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Round/Flat Nose Nylon Pliers with Single Nylon Jaw
PLR-846.00
  • PLR-846.00
  • 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): Making Loops