How to Create a Wire Band

by Sandra Lupo, Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist and Instructor, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®
D12M

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STEP 1
Cut lengths of square wire suitable to your design. Lay the lengths of wire side-by-side so they are ready for banding.

Cut a single piece of 20-, 21-, 22- or 24-gauge half-round wire long enough to wrap the square wires and create the number of wraps you intend.
STEP 2
Choose the banding pliers suitable to the square wire selected for your design--either 20/21-gauge or 22/24-gauge wire. Open the pliers then center the half-round wire across the channel.

Note: Half-round wire should be placed with the flat side of the wire face up so it will make contact with the plunger of the tool.
STEP 3
Depress the handles of the pliers, bringing the plunger down to form right angles in the wire.
STEP 4
Open the pliers and remove the wire.
STEP 5
Place the double right-angled half-round wire onto the parallel bundle of square wires and hug the bundle for a tight fit.
STEP 6
Working on one side, using pliers or your hands, bring the wire around the bundle of square wires and continue to wrap tight and close.
STEP 7
Continue wrapping as desired, snip and use bent chain-nose pliers to secure the half-round wire end.

Repeat this for the other wire end.

You can add more bands to add structure or aesthetics to your design. The band can then be shaped to form a bangle, other design element or piece of jewelry.

Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.

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