A pin vise is a small, handheld tool designed to grip tiny components with precision. Similar to a miniature drill, it can hold a variety of fine bits for tasks like making or enlarging holes in beads and pearls. It’s also invaluable for securing slender jewelry-making materials, such as wire, so you can easily round the ends, twist wire evenly or perform other delicate techniques with control and accuracy.
Select desired 2-sided collet and set aside. Insert other collet into handle.
Slip chuck sleeve over collet and screw tighten chuck sleeve in handle.
Insert desired collet into opposite end of chuck sleeve.
Insert desired drill bit into collet.
Slip chuck tip over drill bit and screw tighten into chuck sleeve.
Twisted wire can add both strength and a decorative element to jewelry designs, whether for creating bezels, wire wrapping or creating custom findings. While pre-twisted wire is available, twisting your own wire has some distinct advantages. When you twist your own wire, you are in control—metal type, gauge, wire shape are all in your power, as well as how tightly to twist the wire. In addition to control over your creative vision, twisting your own wire may be more cost-effective than buying pre-twisted wire, and it will give you the satisfaction of creating completely handcrafted jewelry pieces. Take care, however, as twisting wire will work harden it. Start with a softer wire than you intend to finish with.
Unscrew chuck tip.
Insert cut length of wire through chuck tip and into collet.
Tighten chuck tip to secure wire in collet.
Secure straight end of wire into bench vise.
Hold chuck handle in non-dominant hand. With your other hand, grasp knurled chuck sleeve with thumb and forefinger and twist.
Open bench vise to release wire end.
Unscrew chuck tip to release wire from pin vise.
Q: Can I use a pin vise to twist different gauges of wire?
A: You can twist different gauges and shapes of wire together. In fact, that is one of the primary reason jewelry designers opt to create their own twisted wire.
Q: Can I use a pin vise for other jewelry projects besides twisting wire?
A: A pin vise can have many useful applications. Use it to grip any wire you need to manipulate or use it as a drill to create holes in jewelry-making components.
Q: Is a pin vise the same as a hand drill?
A: A pin vise is designed for smaller, more delicate work than a hand drill. When you need to prioritize accuracy over speed, use a pin vise.
Q: What is the difference between a single-ended and double-ended pin vise?
A: A single-ended pin vise has a chuck at one end. A double-ended pin vise has chucks of different sizes at either end. While a double-ended pin vise may offer more versatility, it will also be bulkier.
Q: How is a pin vise different from using pliers to twist wire?
A: A pin vise will give you accuracy and control—much more so than using pliers for the same task.
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