Home / Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques / My Fingers Hurt

My Fingers Hurt

by Dale Armstrong
Question:

I am a beginner with wire sculpting. My thumb and pointer fingers have become quite sore and even a little swollen from wire straightening and holding the wires tight. Is there some secret to prevent this, or do I just have to toughen my fingers up?

-Jeanne in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Instructions
Answer:

I had to smile at your question, Jeanne there are still days when my fingers and hands get sore and sometimes swollen. If I haven't worked with wire for a few days, or if I've worked 6 to 7 days straight for 8 to 10 hours, my fingers get overworked.

Holding wire tightly while straightening can cramp your non-dominant hand. Some people use a vise to hold that end while straightening.

Your dominant hand shouldn't get too sore if you avoid "white knuckling" the wire. Your fingers should just counter the curve, not pull the wire straight.

Once you develop good straightening skills, try using a polishing cloth while straightening. It cushions your fingers and cleans the wire at the same time.

Over time, thin calluses will form to protect your fingers. To relax your hands, try a paraffin wax hand spa.

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

Wire
Shop Now
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

1 1/2 Inch Mini Fixed Table Vise
G10-20
  • G10-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.27
  • Gold Club Price: $6.95
Add to Bag
Finger Pro Tape - 1
POL-255.00
  • POL-255.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.95
  • Gold Club Price: $2.21
Add to Bag
10X10 Inch Selvyt Polishing Cloth Tan - Pack of 1
G9-66
  • G9-66
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.18
  • Gold Club Price: $5.38
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Wrapping, Weaving

Reviews

Login to post a Review
Login to be the first to review this Tip!