Tips for Working with Heavy Gauge Wire
by Abby Hook
The tips in this lesson are based on working with 12 gauge wire, although they can be applied to
other gauges!
Instructions
Make sure your tools are up to the job! Many jewelry making tools are recommended for use only up to certain gauges. Make sure that your pliers and cutters can handle wire that is 2mm and above! You can always raid the household tool box too!
Abby Hook's Tips for Working with Heavy Gauge Wire - , General Education, , heavy gauge tools
You can straighten with the nylon jaw pliers by holding one end of the wire with the chain nose pliers and pulling slowly through the nylon jaw pliers. As the wire is so thick, it may take a couple of pulls to straighten.
If you are left with any stubborn bends, you can correct these by holding the wire with both hands, with your thumbs pushing against the offending bend, slide your thumb along the bend, pushing it in the opposite direction, so that you smooth the wire as you work along it.
Abby Hook's Tips for Working with Heavy Gauge Wire - , General Education, , wire straightening
Abby Hook's Tips for Working with Heavy Gauge Wire - , General Education, , straighten wire

Materials

12 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-12D
  • Lesson Quantity: 5.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $7.96
  • Gold Club Price: $5.97
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Tools

5 1/2 Inch Nylon Flat Jaw Pliers with Replacement Jaws
G2-1
  • G2-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.97
  • Gold Club Price: $7.48
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6 Inch Heavy Duty Flat Nose Pliers with Narrow Jaws
G2-96
  • G2-96
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.97
  • Gold Club Price: $7.48
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Heavy Duty Wire Shear
PLR-460.00
  • PLR-460.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $44.95
  • Gold Club Price: $33.71
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education