How To Use a 3-Step Wire Looping Pliers Tutorial

Debbie, my friend and co-instructor was the first to buy the 3-step wire looping pliers. She loved it so naturally, I got myself one!

It's a handy tool to have if you already have the six most useful tools I wrote about and wish to pick up more tools. If you cannot make consistent wire loops, then perhaps this tool will solve your problems.It will also save you money as you can make your own jump rings.

One side is like a round nose pliers but with three ridged edges to create 3 sizes of loops or rings. The other side is concave so the loops remain round when being formed. The tool does take practice to use. Judging from the negative comments on Amazon, it's likely because people don't know how to use it. So here is a tutorial on how to use one. (I am right handed so you'll have to work in reverse if you are a leftie).

I've also created a new video tutorial as it might be easier to understand how it works if you see one in action. There is no sound (apart from my tool clunks!) - still working on improving my video technique!



MAKING CONSISTENT LOOPS

1. When you need to make a loop as for earring dangles, first place the pliers so the lower edge of the concave side sits right on top of where you want to make a loop. If you need space for more wire wrapping, then place the lower edge higher.

2. Next squeeze the pliers' jaws together and you will see the wire curve as it is squeezed against the concave side. Now bring the wire over the other jaw as you would normally with a round nose pliers. You can adjust the tilt of the loop at this point or later after you complete the wire wrapping for the earring dangle.

3. Have fun making all sorts of loops!





COILING WIRE

1. Cut a length of wire - I use 22G for the demo - and grip the tip. It's very important to have the stepped part at the top or right as in the picture. That's because you're going to coil it anti-clockwise by moving your pliers to the right.

2. Keep turning the pliers and keep a grip on the wire with your thumb and forefinger. When the tip appears, make sure you keep it on the left and include it by sandwiching between the jaws as the coiling progresses.



3. Also important is the firm pressure exerted by the fingers holding the wire. The thumb should press down whilst the forefinger should keep pushing the coil towards the ridge.

4. Slow and steady and voila! You have a coil which you can use to cut into rings.



5. If you are cutting up the coil for jump rings, make sure you remember to hold the flush cutter so the flat side is the one that is giving you the flush edge. The cut edges are not as good as saw cut rings but making jump rings this way is a lot quicker. You can remove the tiny burs by hand filing or tumbling the rings.



6. You aren't limited to making jump rings. This is a quick way to make some short coil beads for all sorts of projects.





For more free tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips

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