Home   >   Daily Wire Jewelry Tips   >   Daily Wire Tip May 18: When to Use Dead Soft Wire

Daily Wire Tip May 18: When to Use Dead Soft Wire

By on May 18, 2010
Print Friendly

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
May 18, 2010

Question:

I have seen confusing information on what type of wire to use for various projects.  Could you tell me when it is best to use dead soft wire?  For example, I am wrapping a sea glass pendant and also making the clasp.  Would I use the dead soft sterling silver wire for the wrapping and the half hard for the findings?

Answer:

This sounds like a workable combination to me, as the soft will form to the baroque shape of the sea glass, while the half hard forms a substantial clasp that will not pull apart easily. (I do recommend twisting the bail part of the soft wire though, to harden and hold the shape.) Depending on the gauge of the clasp wire, if using an 18 or larger soft will work well as it work hardens very quickly and in a larger size, half-hard can be difficult to make small components with. However if using a 20g or smaller for the clasp, half-hard would be my choice.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here