Chain Cutting Tip

by Kristal Wick
I don't know about you but I'm always looking for ways to be more efficient in my jewelry making if possible. I never want to compromise the integrity of the piece, but short cuts are welcome in my studio. After making a few jewelry creations with dozens of chain links the same length, I got tired of counting how many teeny-tiny links to cut or using a ruler, trying to get the lengths correct so I came up with this short cut. This tip comes in handy when cutting really small chain and I hope it helps you as well!
Instructions
Cut your desired length of chain and thread the end link onto a headpin or piece of straight wire. I like to use a head or eyepin so the chain doesn't slide off the end.
Take the end of the wire spool and thread the end link onto the headpin. Hold the headpin up so both chain lengths are dangling and cut the same length using your flush cutters. Visually it's a snap to see exactly where to cut.
Kristal Wick's Chain Cutting Tip - , General Education, , chain cutting tip
Repeat these steps for the desired number of chain lengths you need. You can keep all the chain pieces on the wire or just keep the original chain length on the wire to ensure accurate cutting for more pieces.

Materials

Gold Filled Curb Chain 1.1mm - 10 Feet
C4-145U
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $43.60
  • Gold Club Price: $32.70
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Gold Filled Drawn Cable Chain 2x1mm - 10 Feet
C4-152U
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $57.40
  • Gold Club Price: $43.05
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Sterling Silver Cable 1.5mm - 10 Feet
C8-119U
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $35.00
  • Gold Club Price: $26.25
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Sterling Silver Chain (Oxidized) Cable Knurled 1.8mm - 10 Feet
C8-126U
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $45.00
  • Gold Club Price: $33.75
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Sterling Silver Chain (Oxidized) Flat Cable 1.3mm - 10 Feet
C8-134U
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $22.80
  • Gold Club Price: $17.10
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Tools

5 inch Plato Slim Flush Cutters for Wire Working or Beading - Pack of 1
G35-3
  • G35-3
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.95
  • Gold Club Price: $8.96
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education