Article: Tools you need for wirework

[Tela]

I asked the question, "What Do Newbies Need to Know?" It was pointed out that tools would be the best way to start. So, here I go. Keep in mind, this is all just MY HUMBLE OPINION. I am speaking of traditional border wrapping which, I believe, everyone should start with to learn the basics and then go onto other types of wireworking.

First, you need some good pliers: Flat nose, chain nose and round nose. I know everyone wants to save money and do with what you have, but with the basics, I recommend that you get a store bought set (or separately). The argument can be made that you could use small household needlenose, for example, but then you would have to file all the teeth down and get the surface of the pliers absolutely level and smooth. Easier said than done. It is imperative to good work that your surfaces be smooth. More on that later.

Personally, I don't even use chain nose pliers. I have a selection of inexpensive flat nose pliers that I use instead. When I pick one up, I know exactly what size it is, no guessing. I rarely use round nose, either. I have a selection of bailing pliers instead. Again, no guessing or marking my pliers. I have tried step pliers. I like what I do better. But, I digress.

One of the pliers I use most often is a micro nose flatnose. It is not necessary, but it is it nice to work with.

While we are on the subject of pliers... Whenever you buy a set of pliers, take an emory board and some time and file your surfaces perfectly smooth. Use the file to gently and barely round the corner edges on your pliers, too. Your work will improve immediately! You will mark the wire a lot less. Remember to do it again as often as necessary.

You should also have a flat file and/or burr cups for wire ends.

It is also helpful to have a pinvise, a hollow one where both ends come off. That way you can stick long wires into it and start twisting in the middle if you want. If you have a variable speed drill with a chuck that gets small enough for wire, you could use that, too, though you won't be twisting the middle of the wire with it.

I always have Popsicle sticks handy, too. They can smooth and push wire. They are quite handy.

You will need a good pair of flush cutters. This is where you want to spend your money. A good pair of cutters is going to save you time because you will file less. I have two. One for lighter gauges to 20g (18 if soft) and one for heavier gauges. You can use a pair of household flush cutters, just be ready to file more. And, you can use fingernail clippers for very fine wire. They reach into tight spaces, too. But, if you do wire jewelry for very long, you will want to spend what you can on good cutters. And, then never lend them out to your husband or kids! They're like your good scissors.

You may want a pair of nylon jaw, wire straighteners. Honestly, I have never used one. I use a thick polishing cloth,like a Sunshine cloth, and/or a Popsicle stick. You want to polish and condition (strengthen) your wires anyway, why not save a step and use a polishing cloth?

Another handy thing to have is a small awl (poker). I use one from the craftstore.

One of the most indispensable tools you can have is a small, thin bladed knife. It doesn't have to be sharp, just thin. This is great for too many things to list, but one of the best things it is for is to separate wires in a bundle.

A fine tip Sharpie (permanent marker) is a must, too. You will want measuring marks on your wires. These can be easily removed with a white erasure or fingernail polish remover, if you aren't tumbling your work.

Add to the list the polishing cloth I mentioned above and you have my set of indispensable tools.

Feel free to add what I have left off.

[Kate]

Boy Tela, I think most everything you said I have learned. I didn't know about the popcicle sticks though. Another thing I find I use often is painter's tape for keeping bundles together.

[Vicky]

Tela, nice run down of tools

One thing to add, some kind of measuring device - ruler, dressmaking tape, calipers, all or any!

It's always good not to waste wire and, until you've had heaps of experience and your "eye" is good, without measuring devices you're sure to be like Goldilocks, too much , not enough but eventually, just right ;D

[Tela]

Yes, tape and some kind of rule- you're right- must haves!!

[Renate]

I am speaking of traditional border wrapping which, I believe, everyone should start with to learn the basics and then go onto other types of wireworking.

Again I have learned a lot from this article, thank you, Tela.
You are very likely correct about learning border wrapping first, but if I would have had to start there way back when, I would never have started wire wrapping at all. I was (and still am to a certain degree) intimidated by it, and still have to make my first presentable border wrap.

I started wire work with making simple loops or wrapped loops and used them with beads and beadcaps, and then attached them with jumprings to other loops or commercial supplies. I guess I became the Queen of Loops. ;D I made them like a maniac, they were a kind of meditation for me. I was unhappy with my job at the time, and sat down in the evening and made dangles with loops, not two alike, so that they cannot even be used for earrings, LOL! I still have two boxes of them.

But I'm rambling... where was I?
Oh yes, tools. I started with 3 pliers: round nose, and two others, one cutter from the tool box. Very soon I needed a memory wire cutter, of course I had ruined a perfectly good cutter with memory wire. So initially I have probably spent 25$ for the first set of pliers, and more on the memory wire cutter, which makes nice flush cuts but doesn't get into narrow spaces.
Since then I've upgraded a bit , and have learned that the basic tools are more like 250$ than 25$.

[Tela]

Yeah, I think it is easy to start out relatively inexpensively and then just add on and upgrade as you grow.

I got a laugh, Renate, picturing you maddeningly doing loop-d-loops. ;D