Purpose:
- Cutting wire for various jewelry making applications like creating jump rings, eye pins, head pins, shaping wire components, and trimming excess wire.
Features to Consider:
- Size:Â Typically range from 4″ to 6″ in length. A smaller size offers more control for precise cuts, while a larger size might provide more leverage for thicker wires.
- Material:Â High-quality steel is preferred for durability and clean cuts. Look for descriptions like “carbon steel” or “stainless steel.”
- Cutting Capacity:Â This refers to the maximum thickness of wire the cutters can handle comfortably. Common thicknesses used in jewelry making are 20 gauge (0.81mm) to 18 gauge (1.02mm) wire.
- Spring Action:Â Most wire cutters have a spring-loaded action that helps reduce hand fatigue during use.
- Cutting Blades:
- Flush Cutters:Â Ideal for making clean cuts close to the surface of your work, perfect for jump rings and other components where a flush cut is desired.
- Side Cutters:Â Designed for general wire cutting and may leave a small gap at the cut point.
