Cutting Wire Multiples of the Same Length

by Judy Larson
I make most of my own headpins and ear wires that are used in my designs. I don't know about you, but I really don't like to have to think about where to cut a piece of wire. When using a ruler, your brain is conditioned pay attention to all the markings and search for the one needed before cutting. This may not seem like much, but that little bit of extra time times many multiples of what you are making can add up.
Instructions
Cutting mistakes happen. The old adage "measure twice, cut once" exists for a reason.

Make things easier by drawing a line the length you need be sure to add clear start and finish marks on a piece of paper to use as a length template.

I timed myself cutting 25 pairs of ear wires using a ruler, then 25 pairs using the template.

Using the template cut my time by more than one-third.
Judy Larson's Cutting Wire Multiples of the Same Length - , General Education, , cutting multiple wire lengths
I keep three ring binders with notes on items I make repeatedly and designs I may want to recreate later.

However, I find it's even easier to jot quick notes on the small sealable bags where I store findings.

This makes it simple to replicate items and track which wire gauges I need to reorder when running low.
Judy Larson's Cutting Wire Multiples of the Same Length - , General Education, , makes it simple to replicate items
Judy Larson's Cutting Wire Multiples of the Same Length - , General Education, , track which wire gauges

Materials

20 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $29.74
  • Gold Club Price: $22.30
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Tools

C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education