Ask the Experts about Jewelry Making
Topics: Tools, Wire-Wrapping Pliers
Q.
How do I use wire-wrapping pliers? Thank you.
- Daryl
A.
Wire-wrapping pliers are designed with different sized barrels (4, 6 and 8mm barrels) to allow the wireworker to form coils or rings in many sizes. One side of the pliers is flat to grip the wire on it's outside while the wire is wound into the coil on a barrel.
Another type of wire-wrapping pliers are called step pliers. These pliers have one side that may be flat, concave or convex, while the other side is a conical round mandrel. These forming tools are also considered wire-wrapping pliers.
Parallel-action pliers are designed to make precise loops and rings along the length of its consistently sized jaws.
- Sandra Lupo, Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist and Instructor
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