transcendental
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2014
Posts: 459 
|
Post by transcendental on Jun 9, 2014 19:31:37 GMT -5
Hi guys and gals. I recently started wire wrapping and I've been having problems with nicking the wire with my pliers especially when I try to bend the wire in to hold the stones in place. (Making cage style wraps for polished stones...I think that's what they are called .... see attached pic you can see some of the copper exposed on one of the wires)  No matter how lightly I hold the wire in my pliers they seem to bite into the wire. Is this a common problem and am I only being neurotic about this? Or is it that I'm using silver plated copper so it's noticeable where it wouldn't be on solid silver or brass or copper or whatever? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks  |
|
Thunder69
Cave Dweller 
Thunder 2000-2015
Member since January 2009
Posts: 3,105
|
Post by Thunder69 on Jun 9, 2014 19:59:53 GMT -5
Are you using the correct pliers?...There are plier sets designed for craft wire .. www.enasco.com/prod/images/products/CC/AC075215l.jpgThis is what you should have...If you have them you might use some tape on the pliers to cut down on marking the wire...Hope it helps...John |
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Jun 9, 2014 20:06:54 GMT -5
Not a wire wrapper yet, but I've heard that masking tape can be used. You can also get pliers with nylon covers ( white) that don't mar the metal.
You might also try silver- filled wire. The silver coating is much thicker than plated wire.
Good luck!
|
|
transcendental
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2014
Posts: 459
|
Post by transcendental on Jun 9, 2014 20:50:18 GMT -5
Thanks I looked for the coated pliers but couldn't find any at my local craft stores ( I checked a couple) even bought the dip and tried that but it didn't hold up with any twisting motion, I started off with cheapy pliers but did buy pliers for wire wrapping and have noticed a bit of a difference but still get some bite. Masking tape might just do the trick will definitely try it out and get back to you |
|
|
|
Post by rockjunquie on Jun 9, 2014 20:52:32 GMT -5
Sand all the sharp edges of all your pliers.
|
|
transcendental
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2014
Posts: 459
|
Post by transcendental on Jun 9, 2014 20:55:23 GMT -5
Good idea |
|
|
|
Post by jakesrocks on Jun 10, 2014 10:43:35 GMT -5
Another thing you could try until you buy proper wire wrapping pliers. Go to a local electrical supply store and buy heat shrink tubing in the sizes which will just slip over your various pliers. Cut pieces just long enough to fit the length of the jaws. Slip it over the jaws and heat it with a hair dryer set on the highest setting. The tubing will shrink down and fit tightly to your pliers. It may only last through a couple of wraps, but it's cheap and easy to change when needed.
|
|
transcendental
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2014
Posts: 459
|
Post by transcendental on Jun 10, 2014 11:47:48 GMT -5
I'll try the Masking tape out first, I have a roll of it already, if that doesn't work I work at a tool store and get a discount so it won't be anything too big to try the heat shrink. Waiting for my stones to come out of the tumbler before I can attempt any of these methods but I really appreciate having these options. I couldn't upgrade to the better wire if I was going to just scrap it because of bite marks. Thank you all for your advice..... now I really can't wait for this tumbler to do its magic lol
|
|
The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
|
Post by The Dad_Ohs on Jun 12, 2014 9:33:01 GMT -5
I use a smooth but flat jaw plier for my bending work as it doesn't bite into the wire as easily as regular needle nose with a serrated jaw would and I have a pair of nylon jaw pliers that I got thru a local craft store for about 7.00 that I use for spirals.
I use colored copper wire and still lose the coating sometimes if not careful. it takes practice to keep from over squeezing the wire and making sure you have a good grip on it so it doesn't slide or jump off ruining the finish.
Best of luck with it!!
|
|
transcendental
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2014
Posts: 459
|
Post by transcendental on Jun 12, 2014 14:28:00 GMT -5
I use a smooth but flat jaw plier for my bending work as it doesn't bite into the wire as easily as regular needle nose with a serrated jaw would and I have a pair of nylon jaw pliers that I got thru a local craft store for about 7.00 that I use for spirals. I use colored copper wire and still lose the coating sometimes if not careful. it takes practice to keep from over squeezing the wire and making sure you have a good grip on it so it doesn't slide or jump off ruining the finish. Best of luck with it!! Yeah I started off with the serrated needle nose.... moved to flat jaw real fast lol. I'm going to have to order nylon jaw online I can't find them in any stores around me. I don't think many people near me do wire crafts. Good and bad thing I guess lol |
|
|
|
Post by wireholic on Jun 12, 2014 14:39:44 GMT -5
If you chip the finish on craft wire, you can usually touch it up with nail polish. Better yet - use raw copper wire, most hardware stores carry it
|
|
transcendental
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2014
Posts: 459
|
Post by transcendental on Jun 12, 2014 16:36:33 GMT -5
Good idea!
|
|
The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
|
Post by The Dad_Ohs on Jun 17, 2014 15:43:30 GMT -5
Yeah I started off with the serrated needle nose.... moved to flat jaw real fast lol. I'm going to have to order nylon jaw online I can't find them in any stores around me. I don't think many people near me do wire crafts. Good and bad thing I guess lol I got mine from Walmart for christmas a few years ago from my wife! They sell a beginners kit with small (5yds.)spools of colored wire which were great for practice. check their too.... they maay not be the greatest, but they will work until you find better! Mario |
|
transcendental
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2014
Posts: 459
|
Post by transcendental on Jun 17, 2014 15:45:17 GMT -5
Thanks I'll check it out
|
|
transcendental
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2014
Posts: 459
|
Post by transcendental on Jun 28, 2014 7:52:29 GMT -5
Wanted to say thanks again for all the tips. Got 2 pieces done yesterday and used the Masking tape method without a single nick. Very pleased with the results, can't wait to do more but will have to wait until after the weekend.
Happy wrapping everybody. Hope you all have a good weekend
|
|
