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Daily Wire Tip Nov. 13: Spring Hard Wire

By on November 13, 2009
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
November 13, 2009

Question:

I was preparing to make a wire pendant and was reviewing the necessary pieces of wire I would need. The list called for a 21 gauge #8 spring-hard wire. Is this some special gauge of wire?

Answer:

The number represents the hardness of a wire and #8 is ‘Spring Hard’. This means that the wire has an extremely hard temper that causes it to ‘spring back’, making it a perfect choice to make ear wires and pins with. Although these will not have the same ‘spring’ feature, you may substitute either full or half hard temper. Many bead stores do not regularly carry the wire needed for wire wrapping, unless it is round, however I am sure most will special order for you. Just ask!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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2 Comments

  1. avatar

    Rene

    November 13, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    I am just getting into making jewelry and viewed your video on making wire rings. What type of wire would I need to make wire rings?

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      November 16, 2009 at 8:29 pm

      The ‘type’ of wire you will need to make wire rings will depend on what style and pattern you are following. Each author/designer specifies what wire shape, size and temper they recommend for their pattern. Often they also will tell you how to substitute other gauges and tempers. As you are just beginning, I would like to suggest that you start by using some of the patterns available and after you’ve become familiar with the techniques, experiment on your own by altering those designs you can already do well.