Starting Out with Wirework - The Scoop on Work Hardening
When you first dive into the wonderful world of wireworking, you'll hear some terms that might not make sense, for example; work hardening your wire. Here's the scoop on why to do it and a few tips.
Instructions
What is work hardening?
Work hardening is the process of stiffening metals as you manipulate them. Every time you bend, twist, pull, hammer, or squish wire, the metal's molecules are pushed closer together.
The tighter these molecules are, the harder the wire becomes. This process changes the temper (hardness) of the wire, ensuring both durability and shape retention.
The tighter these molecules are, the harder the wire becomes. This process changes the temper (hardness) of the wire, ensuring both durability and shape retention.
Why does Wire Temper Matter?
Understanding wire temper helps you select the right material for your project. Here are the most common types:
Dead Soft - Extremely easy to manipulate
Soft - Slightly stiffer but still flexible
Half Hard - Offers a blend of flexibility and strength
Hard - Already stiff and won't need further hardening
When Should You Work Harden?
Before Shaping:
Helps with designs that require more structure during manipulation.
After Shaping:
Ensures your finished piece is strong enough to withstand daily wear.
Perfect for soft or half-hard wire that may otherwise bend or warp over time.
After Shaping:
Step 1: Prepare Your Wire
Before shaping your wire, straighten it using nylon jaw pliers:
1. Hold the wire at one end.
2. Pull it through the nylon jaws from end to end.
3. Repeat a few times to remove kinks and ensure a smooth wire.
1. Hold the wire at one end.
2. Pull it through the nylon jaws from end to end.
3. Repeat a few times to remove kinks and ensure a smooth wire.
Step 2: Shape and Manipulate Your Wire
Once straightened, shape the wire to your desired form. Now comes the fun part-work hardening!
Step 3: Work Hardening Techniques
There are different ways to work harden your wire, depending on your needs:
1. Use a Mallet on a Bench Block
Tools: Rawhide, rubber, or nylon mallet on a rubber or nylon bench block
Effect: Stiffens the wire without changing its shape or leaving marks.
Best for: When you need to maintain the original look of the wire.
2. Use a Metal Hammer on a Steel Block
Tools: Metal hammer on a steel bench block
Effect: Flattens and shapes the wire while work hardening.
Bonus: Use textured hammers to add depth and interest to your design.
Pro Tip: Adding a patina after hammering highlights the texture for a unique finish.
3. Tumbling
Tools: Tumbler with steel shot
Effect: Provides mild work hardening while cleaning and polishing your piece.
Best for: Small components like ear wires that can be tumbled in batches for convenience.
1. Use a Mallet on a Bench Block
2. Use a Metal Hammer on a Steel Block
3. Tumbling
Work hardening ensures your wire jewelry is durable and holds its shape. Whether you use a mallet, hammer, or tumbler, these techniques will elevate the quality of your pieces.
Experiment with the methods above to find what works best for your projects!
Experiment with the methods above to find what works best for your projects!
Materials
20 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20H
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $3.39
- Gold Club Price: $2.54
Tools
WireJewelry Single Barrel Rotary Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound (2021 Version)
G24-1V2-KITSS
- G24-1V2-KITSS
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $159.93
- Gold Club Price: $119.95
Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
- DAP-500.30
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
Steel and Rubber Bench Block 4x4 Inches
G17-44
- G17-44
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
Mini Economy Double Horned Jewelers Anvil - Pack of 1
G17-1
- G17-1
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $21.97
- Gold Club Price: $16.48
Large Rawhide Hammer 1 1/2 inch - Pack of 1
G3-50
- G3-50
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $37.76
- Gold Club Price: $28.32
Premium Nylon Jaw Pliers
G2-35
- G2-35
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $14.95
- Gold Club Price: $11.21
Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face
G3-27
- G3-27
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.95
- Gold Club Price: $10.46
Supply Detail
loading...
Change Metal:
This Tip requires:
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): General Education
Kristal Wick
Other Tips by Kristal Wick
Making Perfect Crimps
Perfect Sized Loops Every Time
Using a Third Hand Tool
Easy Blingy Ear Wires
Memory Wire Wine Charms
Quick n Ezy Patina
Cutting is Cutting, or Not.
Starting Out with Wirework
Starting Out with Wirework - Taking Care of Your Eyes
Starting out with Wirework - Organizing Your Wire
Starting out with Wirework - Chain Cost Cutting Tip 
Cheater Patina
Chain Cutting Tip
Chain Cutting Tip
The premier place for all your jewelry making needs. The best in wire, tools, cabochons, gemstone beads and more. As well as a superior resource for educational support to help build your jewelry making skills and techniques.
Connect With Us
® 2007 - 2024 Wirejewelry.com Powered by ClaimTheWeb Cart