What is My Wire's Circumference
Question:
I want to use my Dremel rotary tool to twist wire. There is a chuck available that takes items with a circumference of 1/32 inch to 1/8 inch. How can I tell the circumference of a wire to know if it will fit in the chuck?
-Rebecca in Chelsea, Michigan
I want to use my Dremel rotary tool to twist wire. There is a chuck available that takes items with a circumference of 1/32 inch to 1/8 inch. How can I tell the circumference of a wire to know if it will fit in the chuck?
-Rebecca in Chelsea, Michigan
Instructions
Answer:
Well, if you need to find the circumference, we'll need to do a little math. Don't worry, it'll be easy! First, visit our Wire Charts page (in Education section), and scroll down to find the Wire Gauge Conversion Table, which converts wire gauge sizes to inches and millimeters.
The chart shows your wire's diameter; for example, 20-gauge wire is 0.0253 inches in diameter.
If you only need the diameter, you're done. To find the circumference, multiply the diameter by pi (3.14). The circumference of 20-gauge wire is about 0.0794 inches.
Your chuck fits items with a circumference between 1/32 inch and 1/8 inch (0.03125 to 0.125 inches). Since 0.0794 falls within this range, your chuck can twist 20-gauge wire.
Use the same formula for other gauges: Circumference = diameter × 3.14.
Warning: Even at the slowest speed, a variable-speed Dremel may twist smaller gauge wire too fast and cause it to break. I recommend using one of our Automatic Wire Twisters instead. Good luck!
P.S.: To speed up your circumference calculations, I found a calculator here. Simply put in your diameter in the diameter box (the middle one) and click "Solve Others." This will provide you with the circumference as well as the area.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Well, if you need to find the circumference, we'll need to do a little math. Don't worry, it'll be easy! First, visit our Wire Charts page (in Education section), and scroll down to find the Wire Gauge Conversion Table, which converts wire gauge sizes to inches and millimeters.
The chart shows your wire's diameter; for example, 20-gauge wire is 0.0253 inches in diameter.
If you only need the diameter, you're done. To find the circumference, multiply the diameter by pi (3.14). The circumference of 20-gauge wire is about 0.0794 inches.
Your chuck fits items with a circumference between 1/32 inch and 1/8 inch (0.03125 to 0.125 inches). Since 0.0794 falls within this range, your chuck can twist 20-gauge wire.
Use the same formula for other gauges: Circumference = diameter × 3.14.
Warning: Even at the slowest speed, a variable-speed Dremel may twist smaller gauge wire too fast and cause it to break. I recommend using one of our Automatic Wire Twisters instead. Good luck!
P.S.: To speed up your circumference calculations, I found a calculator here. Simply put in your diameter in the diameter box (the middle one) and click "Solve Others." This will provide you with the circumference as well as the area.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
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Tools
3.6 Volt Automatic Wire Twister (Cordless Screwdriver)
G5-15
- G5-15
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3 Prong Wire Twister Head
G5-2
- G5-2
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- Gold Club Price: $5.98
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): Design
Dale Armstrong
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