For making clasps, chains, headpins, earwires and links, what hardness and gauge sterling and gold filled wire do you all prefer to use?
thanks Christy
Wire Question
Aug 23, 2003
10 Replies
I use mostly 18 gauge for items that are going to be stressed. I buy half-hard because even though it's harder to work, it's less likely to fail at an unworked point. The only time I use soft wire is for things I'm going to hammer.
I'm having lots of fun with square wire! Gotta get some new jewelry pix up.
-- KarenK Desert Dreamer Designs
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Karen, you always seem to have the answers for me. Can I come over and hang out??
I love using 18ga sterling silver half hard wire for clasps and links. I've gotten away with using 20ga h/h on some clasps, but only if it's lightweight (and harden it too).
Valerie Website:
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Newbie question: How do you harden it?
Laura
Hit it.
Tina
gauge sterling and gold filled wire do you all prefer to use?<
I like 18- or 20-gauge half hard.
Carol in SLC New jewelry:
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Wire hardens with any manipulation. This can include hammering, stoking as in rubbing clean and straightening, bending and tumbling. The science of the hardening is that the molecules realign when energy is applied. At least that is the way it was explained to me. As you work with wire you will feel it get tougher to bend. That's hardening.
Susan W
LOL, no I know how *that* gets hardened :)
Laura
Thanks, Susan. This makes sense.
Laura
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