Tool Tip - Using Wire Twisting Pliers
by Linda Gale
The easiest way to transform 'plain' wire into something 'special' - is to twist it! Although there are numerous ways that you can accomplish a twist, the quickest and most consistent technique is to use wire twisting pliers. They create a much more uniform twist than when twisting 'by hand'.
Instructions
You can twist one, two or even three wires together with this tool, with very little effort. If the wire gauge is small enough, you can even twist four - or more - wires together...a very interesting effect if done in multiple colors.
Remember, twisting a single round wire won't result in anything. But twist a single square wire, and it's magical!
The technique is simple: Cut lengths of wire as needed. Shorter lengths are better to work with, but up to 1-1/2 feet is 'do-able'. The distant end of the wire(s) needs to be firmly fastened to a workbench or other stable surface. You can wrap the ends of the wire around a nail - place them in a vise - whatever you have that will hold the wire very firmly. If using only one wire color, you can cut the wire twice as long as desired, then place the center of the wire on the nail, or in the vise, and clamp the opposite ends with the pliers.

Linda Gale's Tool Tip - Using Wire Twisting Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, wire twisting pliers
Now comes the magic: Clamp the pliers on the opposite end of the wire(s). Instead of simply holding the pliers and twisting, the wire twisting pliers are used by allowing them to twist in midair as you pull on the end of the 'center rotator'. With each 'pull', the 'temporary holders' rotate to create the spiral - thus creating the twist.
You open the hand that is holding the pliers as you pull on the center rotator- thus allowing the pliers to twist. Close your hand over the pliers to temporarily stop the twisting action, as you 're-load' the twisting by pulling on the end of the center rotator again.

Continue pulling, then releasing, the end of the center rotator until the wire has twisted as much as you'd like. Be aware that the twisting action will 'work harden' the wire. If you need to manipulate it into small scrolls, etc., you may find that it must be annealed to 'soften' it - but forming it into larger curves should be no problem.

Twist a few pieces of wire, and experiment with twisting different colors together. You'll find that it opens a whole new world of design possibilities!


Linda Gale's Tool Tip - Using Wire Twisting Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, wire twisting pliers

Materials

18 Gauge Square Dead Soft .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-18SQD
  • Lesson Quantity: 5.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $27.20
  • Gold Club Price: $20.40
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Tools

Wire Twisting Pliers 6 Inch - Pack of 1
G2-109
  • G2-109
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $22.95
  • Gold Club Price: $17.21
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Tools