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Daily Tip June 19: Identifying Mystery Wire

By on June 18, 2010
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
June 19, 2010

Question:

I bought some wire a year or so ago. It is not marked what gauge it is. How can I figure out what gauge it is, and if it is round, half round, or square?

-Jeanne in Grants Pass, Oregon

Answer:

One of the easiest ways to determine the shape of the wire is to slowly roll a piece in your fingers. If it is square, it will bump around; round will roll easily; and half-round will hesitate before bumping over. Another way is to use magnifiers or Optivisors and look at the end of the wire to see the shape.

To find out what size/gauge a wire is, it is best to purchase a wire gauge. This inexpensive tool has slots along the edges that will fit square wire and half-round wire measuring across the flat, and holes to size round wire.

I have to tell you, if you do need some of those tools, this is a great time to get them, because Wire-Sculpture is having a sale on tools through Wednesday: all jewelry tools are 20% off through the 23rd. Click here to see the tools on sale.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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