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Daily Wire Tip May 7: How Do You Use Memory Wire?

By on May 7, 2010
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
May 07, 2010

Question:

Before I knew anything about using wire I bought some memory wire.  I’ve tried using it, but I find it very hard to cut or bend. How do you use it?  I hate to not use it somehow.

Answer:

Personally, I would utilize the memory wire by adding inexpensive beads, creating affordable bracelets, which will sell to teenagers and folks with limited income. Items like these can sometimes cover your booth fee!

To make these bracelets, use round nose pliers to form a small loop at one end to hold the beads on, add the beads and then make another small loop at the opposite end. Do not use your good cutters on memory wire, as the metal will destroy them! Instead, use an old pair or visit the garage, basement, etc.  We also have great-quality memory cutters specially designed for cutting memory wire available.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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7 Comments

  1. avatar

    sarah

    May 7, 2010 at 7:40 am

    I use memory wire for bracelets however when I’ve tried using i for necklaces I find it forgets for want of a better description. i.e. it doesn’t hold it’s shape. Is it just me or does anyone else have this problem?

  2. avatar

    mary

    May 7, 2010 at 8:28 am

    The thing with memory wire is exactly like it is named, it remembers to stay in place and keep its shape, which makes it great for making those inexpensive bracelets that Dale is talking about. They can be done fairly quickly and are popular with teenagers, etc. But this wire will ruin and I mean, ruin, a good pair of cutters…experience talking here. I have some as well in both bracelet and necklace and it does work up quickly for making chokers and matching bracelets for the younger clientel at a show.

  3. avatar

    Shannon Scherz

    May 7, 2010 at 8:58 am

    When using memory wire, I purchased little silver balls that were only half drilled. You can glue them right on the ends of the wire with some epoxy. It gives the bracelet, necklace or ring a finished look, without killing your hands trying to make a loop.

  4. avatar

    Linda

    May 7, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    I’ve never used the memory wire, but have heard that special cutters are required which you can find here. Most flush cutters are only good for soft metal like copper, brass, bronze and craft wire with copper as the base metal. For all other metals, the memory wire cutters may work, like with stainless steel or steel that has been antiqued to look like copper or brass.

    I’m glad I read your question though because I’ve been tempted to buy the memory wire and am glad I decided not too. It does sound good for the bracelets they are discussing, though, so you CAN use it up.

  5. avatar

    Tim

    May 7, 2010 at 10:49 pm

    It’s tempered wire. Cut it with an emery or fibre wheel in a Dremel.

  6. avatar

    Mary Phillips

    May 8, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    I made a pair of hoop earrings out of bracelet memory wire with polymer clay beads.

  7. avatar

    Alex Netherton

    May 9, 2010 at 6:59 pm

    It can forget on necklaces. Why I don’t use it on necklaces. I am thinking of doing some bracelets in it, with inexpensive beads, maybe Czech or something, and maybe getting some memory wire end caps. I think some are made to thread on the ends of the wire.

    Memory wire cutters can be found, and there are memory wire benders I have seen, to make a loop. I have actually scratched round nose with the stuff.