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Daily Wire Tip May 15: Working From the Coil

By on May 15, 2010
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
May 15, 2010

Question:

How do I make long earring wires from bulk lengths of sterling wire?  What gauge and how do you get smooth ends?

Answer:

I am thinking that you are asking how to work ‘from the coil’ of wire when you refer to ‘bulk lengths’. My process is to straighten about 3 or 4 inches, then measure and cut your desired lengths, and work both wires as though they were one (at the same time) to easily create a matching pair. There are many ways to remove the burrs, as shown in this video tip: Removing Wire Burrs

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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6 Comments

  1. avatar

    Debbie

    May 15, 2010 at 7:24 am

    What gauge wire works best for ear wires?

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      May 15, 2010 at 11:47 pm

      Debbie – most of us use either 21g or 20g round, half hard to make ear wires.

  2. avatar

    nancy beegle

    May 15, 2010 at 9:54 am

    Dale has (as usual) described it perfectly. I do exactly as she has stated, often wrapping the wires (for the upper curve of the earwire which hangs from the ear) around my bail making pliers, choosing whatever width is suitable at the time. There are many different sizes, styles and shapes now of erawires, so you have a lot of freedom when it comes to these choices.

    as far as removing burs, I find it very easy and convenient to just file them off on my sanding block, or wet stone.

    Best of success with your earrings!

  3. avatar

    Phyllis Susag

    May 15, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    Dale: You forgot to mention what gauge of wire to use for long earrings and that was the answer I was hoping for. Thanks.

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      May 15, 2010 at 11:39 pm

      Oops Phyllis! Most folks use either 20g or 21g half-hard to make ear wires.

  4. avatar

    kay nason

    May 15, 2010 at 6:41 pm

    I agree with Dale, but using apair of pliers (no descriptive name) I call them a perfect bail maker, also does perfect wires for earrings. The pliers have two solid metal tublar like cylinders with one size the exact size of the earring wire the other a bit smaller and great for bails on the wire wrapped pendants I do.