Want to master wire wrapping? Keep reading to find out what you need!
Wire wrapping is a great technique that is used in the world of jewelry making to help and make any jewelry piece more unique and better than the last one. This process is used to give jewelry shapes and bend them in ways to produce and make new and innovative designs!
What is so great about this technique is how easy it is to do, how all tools requires would be available easily, and the entire method does not cause a hole in your pocket; it is essentially every jewelry designer’s dream to be able to make their own jewelry or try their hand at making one of the more sophisticated pieces. Well, with the help of the tools listed below, you just might be able to!
Wire Wrapping Tools needed for Jewelry Making
A lot of jewelers out there might argue that there are certain tools that you need and some that you can do without. This can often cause confusion and you might end up spending the money that you did not need to. Well, the tools depend on the kind of jewelry you want to make and how you wish to make it. Although wire wrapping is not all that difficult, it still requires some skill and technique to master. We have compiled a list of seven tools that will help all the new jewelry makers get started!
1. Pliers
Pliers are probably one of the most important tools and something you must have when you start making jewelry on your own. It is said that a jewelry maker can never own too many pliers. Pliers come in many shapes and sizes, every piece of jewelry requires a different type of curve and has a different design. So, there are different types of pliers to do the job for you.
- Round nose pliers: one of the most common types of jewelry pliers, round nose pliers can smoothly bend the wire to help make loops, jump rings, and other jewelry findings, as well as making small diameter turns.
- Flat nose pliers: featuring flat facing jaws that are perfect for manipulating sheet metal and wire.
- Half-round pliers: featuring one flat jaw and one half-round jaw – making them ideal for creating rings and shaping wire.
- Chain nose pliers: with rounded outsides and flat facing jaws, tapering to a small point making them ideal for wrapping wire and closing jump rings.
2. Cutters
Sometimes you will need to adjust the wire’s size and the others you will have to cut it off when needed, simple tools like scissors or a knife do not cut a wire and can be dangerous. So, a wire cutter is a perfect choice. They come in a variety of ranges and sizes so you can use the one you like. This tool will come in handy many times and it makes the process of correcting your mistakes super easy and convenient and if you are someone who is just starting out, we totally recommend getting this tool in your kit!
3. Hammers
Hammers are super important because they are the tools that essentially make your piece of jewelry what it is. You will use hammers to shape, flatten, and curve your jewelry as desired which makes it one of the most vital tools to have. There are many types of hammers that you can choose from, you can never have too many!
- Jewelers’ hammer: perfect for a range of jewelry-making projects. A jewelers’ hammer is also ideal for work-hardening the wire to make it more durable.
- Rawhide hammer: used to strengthen your base frame wire and it can help flatten your wire and return it back into shape if you’ve made a mistake.
- Repousse hammer: ideal for adding texture to your metal and wire, as well as flattening it.
4. A Rule
If you are someone who wants to work on small and more detailed pieces, it is advised that you keep a ruler with you at all times to get the exact measurements. This helps your design be more intricate and sharper.
5. A Mandrel
As we explained in our mandrel blog, it is super essential to own a mandrel if you want to design rings. Not only does a mandrel help in making a ring from scratch but it can also resize and reshape existing rings. They also come in a range and are paired with a rawhide hammer which is vital to make or resize a ring. Mandrels also come in many types like a ring mandrel or a bracelet mandrel, you can get one depending on the type of jewelry you wish to make.
6. Files and Sandpaper
When you are working with wire or any tools, it is important to note that you will be left with a lot of rough and sharp edges. This is never a good sign if you want to sell your jewelry; not only does it make your jewelry piece look bad but it is not also not good to the touch. This is why it is important to get files and sandpapers to smooth out any rough edges that your jewelry might have!
7. Wire
Now, of course, all wire wrapping will be useless if you don’t have a wire. If you are someone who is just starting out and are new to the world of jewelry making, you might want to start with copper or silver wires as they are cheaper. As you progress, you can get the more precious wire and make your jewelry with them!
- Smaller wires are (around 0.5mm or less) are perfect for wrapping around beads or gemstones to add more detail.
- Medium wires (1mm) can be used to make findings and create unique shapes used for pendants, earrings, and more.
- Medium-thick wires (around 2mm) are ideal for forming your own rings and bracelets.
- Thicker wires (e.g. 3-4mm) are harder to work with, but are perfect for bulky, bold designs.
That wraps up all the tools you need for wire wrapping!
