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Making Perfect S Links

by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
S links (or figure-8 links) are often one of the first things we learn to make when working with wire.
They seem so simple, yet mine do not always turn out exactly the same even when I measure. Here's a tip that has given me better luck with this. I figured it out while trying to make a number of small consistently shaped S links for a Bead Soup Necklace.
Instructions
I measured and cut my wire links. Then I made a loop on one end of each wire.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Making Perfect S Links - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, s link
Prior to turning the opposite end, I used the flat nose pliers to grasp the first loop with the loop facing the handle of the pliers. While holding the wire in this manner, I created the loop going the opposite direction at the other end.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Making Perfect S Links - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, s link
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Making Perfect S Links - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, s link
I found that all my S links looked the same when using this process. It also seemed easier to create the second loop since I had something larger to hold on to. In the future, I will likely also use this on heavier gauge wire and larger links.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Making Perfect S Links - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, s link

Materials

18 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-18H
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 2.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.45
  • Gold Club Price: $1.09
Out of Stock
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Tools

Wubbers Small Bail Making Pliers
G2-1301
  • G2-1301
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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Wubbers Medium Bail Making Pliers
G2-1302
  • G2-1302
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $27.95
  • Gold Club Price: $20.96
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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: Findings
  • Technique(s): Making Loops

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