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Using 6 Step Barrel Pliers

by Judy Larson
Today we take a look at a tip about using the 6 Step Barrel Pliers.
Instructions
Judy Says:

Round nose pliers are useful, but it can be tricky to grip the wire in the exact same spot when making consistent loops or curves.

That's where 6 step barrel pliers come in they quickly become one of the most versatile tools in your workshop.

Whenever you need to make uniform loops or curves, these pliers should be your go-to tool.

Consistent loop sizes are essential not just for wire-wrapped loops and jump rings, but for many other jewelry designs as well.

Knowing the step sizes is helpful, especially when following tutorials that use metric or standard measurements.

The following are the approximate measurements of each step of the barrel pliers:
Judy Larson's Using 6 Step Barrel Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Design, Tools, 6 step barrel pliers
Step 1 size: 2.33mm or 3/32"

Step 2 size: 3.25mm or 1/8"

Step 3 size: 4.5mm or 3/16"

Step 4 size: 6mm or 1/4"

Step 5 size: 8mm or 5/16"

Step 6 size: 8.75mm or scant 3/8"
If you need to make a few jump rings, use these pliers to make the size coil you need.

The 6 steps make the sizes you will use the most often.
Here are a few projects that Judy has created with her 6 Step Barrel Pliers:

Perfect French Hook Ear Wires are a snap to make and they are all exactly the same size and shape.

They stay in the ear better than any other ear wire my daughter and I have found.
Judy Larson's Using 6 Step Barrel Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Design, Tools, French ear wires
Don't just think jump rings and ear wires.

The Heart Link is made using the 6 step pliers.

Connect the links to make a bracelet.

Hang a single link from an ear wire and add dangles for a pretty little earring.
Judy Larson's Using 6 Step Barrel Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Design, Tools, Heart link earrings
Judy Larson's Using 6 Step Barrel Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Design, Tools, Heart link bracelet
The Heart Earrings With Drop are made in a manner similar to the Heart Link but use different steps.
Judy Larson's Using 6 Step Barrel Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Design, Tools, Heart earring in silver wire
The Scarab Bracelet is made with coil wrapped interlocking links formed on the 6 step barrel pliers.
Judy Larson's Using 6 Step Barrel Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Jump Rings, Jump Ring, Making Jump Rings, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Design, Tools, Scarab bracelet

Materials

Wire
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Tools

6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1
G2-503
  • G2-503
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Coiling, Making Jump Rings, Making Loops, Making Spirals, Design, Tools

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