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Daily Wire Tip May 9: Wrapping Long Lengths of Fine Gauge Wire

By on May 9, 2010
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
May 09, 2010

Question:

Do you have any tips for wrapping with long lengths of fine gauge wire? I find it keeps twisting and breaking.

Answer:

As you didn’t mention if the wire you are working with is round or square, my answer has to be general. If the wire is square, straighten it before wrapping with it and work slowly, to keep the wrap wire under control. Usually a square wrap wire is no longer than one foot (which is rare). If the wire is round, either try working right off the spool or coil, or cut the necessary length and then roll it up so you can control it while coiling.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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7 Comments

  1. avatar

    Kathy

    May 9, 2010 at 10:37 am

    never thought of coiling before wrapping – great idea, esp. for ring shank. thanks a bunch. I read your tips every day & really appreciate them.

  2. avatar

    CJ

    May 9, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    I find when crocheting long lengths of fine gauge wire, I just leave it on the spool and unravel what I need as I need it. It might take a wee bit longer but I find it doesn’t break or get too bend (if it bends weird, then I use a straightening tool).

  3. avatar

    Camel Lamatrice

    May 9, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    You keep mentioning “if your wire is on a spool”.where do you get wire on a spool?

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      May 10, 2010 at 11:39 pm

      Camel – craft wire can be purchased in fine gauges at department and craft stores, where it is often sold on small spools.

  4. avatar

    Gina

    May 10, 2010 at 10:10 am

    If you are weaving fine wire, you would not be able to coil or work off a spool. In this case I set a large can of soup in front of me and loop the wire around it like a pulley. It keep the wire from kinking.

  5. avatar

    Char

    May 11, 2010 at 3:27 am

    I just read a tip about this in one of my magazines, I have yet to try it myself, but they recommended putting the whole spool into a sandwich zip lock bag, left open just enough to feed the wire out, and just pull out a small length at a time as needed. It sounds like it would help keep it from getting all tangled, and I’m sure I will try it when the next opportunity arises.

  6. avatar

    connie h

    May 14, 2010 at 2:21 am

    Try putting your wire in a cup or other deep container so it stays under control and can’t kink.