If you’re a beginner, you may be wondering what kind of wire-wrapping tools and supplies you need so I’ve put together an extensive list to get you started.
I’ve broken down the list into:
- Essential Tools
- Tools + supplies that are nice to have on hand (not required to start)
- Tools + supplies you may want down the road
Don’t forget to check out my other blog post for more wire-wrapping resources => Wire-Wrapping for Beginners
Essential Tools
You really only need a few basic tools and supplies to get started.
Basic Jewelry Making Set
When you start working with wire, you’ll need an assortment of small hand tools….different types of pliers and cutters.
You don’t need to buy expensive tools to start. When I began the craft, I bought a set like this and I still use all the same tools.
This set is available on Etsy and is PERFECT for starting out.
Get it here => Jewelry Making Set
Sets usually have the following tools:
- Side cutters: To cut your wire
- Round nose pliers: Has round tapered ends, use for making loops and working with wire.
- Needle nose pliers: Used for stabilizing the wire while you are working with it.
Wire
There is a LOT of choice when it comes to picking what type of wire you want (copper, silver, brass, etc…) but to keep things simple, I would recommend starting with non-tarnishing wire.
Aside from picking the TYPE of wire you want to start with, you’ll also need to get a few different GAUGES of wire, depending on the project. Most wire-wrapping projects use 14-26 gauge wire.
QUICK TIP: The higher the number of the wire gauge, the smaller the wire. See chart below:
I started with 2 different gauges: 18 gauge and 24 gauge. I was able to make that work for me while I was learning.
Once you get the hang of it, you can start experimenting with other gauges.
For more on wire, please see my blog post Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Wire for Wire-Wrapping.
Beads
Now that you have your tools and some wire, you’ll need something to wrap.
If you are a beginner, the easiest way to start wrapping is using beads.
They’re super easy to wrap because they have holes through which you can feed the wire.
Gemstone beads are my personal favorite and you can find them in assorted strands on Etsy.
Nice to Have on Hand (not required to start)
These are items that you may need once you’ve started wire-wrapping, depending on the project.
Cabochons
A cabochon is a gemstone (or other material such as resin) which has been shaped and polished. They are not faceted – they have a smooth rounded top and a flat back.
They are more difficult to wrap (in comparison to beads) because they do not have holes. Cabochons are extremely popular in wire-wrapping.
They are available in many shapes and sizes.
BONUS TIP: Square and marquise shapes can be tricker to wrap.
You can find cabochons made from different materials – my favorites are gemstone cabochons, specifically Labradorite cabochons.
Don’t forget to check out my other blog post for more wire-wrapping resources => Wire-Wrapping for Beginners
Necklace Cord
If you plan on making any pendants, you’ll need something to use as a necklace.
You can find cord in various materials and you can even find some that are pre-assembled with a clasp – easy peasy!
Nylon Jaw Pliers
Nylon jaw pliers are different than standard pliers – the heads are made of nylon and they come in different shapes.
They are primarily used for straightening or flattening wire (sometimes there are kinks in wire).
They are also used for making spirals without marring your wire.
Bail Making Pliers / Step Pliers
Super handy tool for making different size loops with wire. Some have up to 6 barrels in different dizes.
I use mine all the time in my wire work and I also use it to make jump rings.
Flush Cutter
A flush cutter has a flat side which produces a smooth flat cut in your wire. Very useful for making your own jump rings.
Get it here => Xuron Flush Cutter
Anvil or Steel Block
At some point in your wire work, you will need to do some hammering. You definitely don’t need a huge anvil, a small one does the trick.
Get it here => Mini Anvil Bench Block
Alternatively, you can use a mini bench block for hammering (instead of using an anvil).
Get it here => Mini Bench Block
Chasing Hammer
A chasing hammer is used to flatten and straighten wire.
It has two ends: one flat side to flatten and one round side to add interesting divots to wire.
Get it here => Chasing Hammer
Rubber Mallett
A rubber mallet is really nice to have on hand if you need to hammer the wire without marking the wire.
Get it here => Jeweler’s Rubber Mallet
Set of files
Definitely good to have if you’re getting into wire-wrapping.
You’ll need these to file away any marks on your wire.
Heavy-Duty Cutters
If your wire is too thick, you need something more “heavy duty” to cut it.
Don’t forget to check out my other blog post for more wire-wrapping resources => Wire-Wrapping for Beginners
Coiling Gizmo Tool
If you want to learn how to make heady wraps, this tool will save you a ton of time!!!
Quickly make wire coils – so much quicker than doing it by hand!
Wire Gauge Tool
This is my new favorite gadget….it measures the gauge of wire – this comes in handy if you find a scrap piece of wire and you don’t know the gauge.
I use mine ALL THE TIME.
Get it here => Wire Gauge Tool
Liver of Sulphur
If you decide to work with bare copper wire, you’ll need liver of sulfur to achieve the “antique” look. I use it on everything I make.
Get it here => Liver of Sulphur Gel 1 oz bottle
Steel Wool #0000
This extra fine steel wool is used to remove oxidation and/or patina from bare copper wire.
Get it here => Steel Wool #0000
RELATED CONTENT
- Wire-Wrapping Tutorials: 13 DIY Wire-Wrapped Pendants
- Wire-Wrapping Tutorial DIY Jewelry Kits on Etsy
- Wire-Wrapped Ring Tutorials – How to Wire-Wrap Rings
- Wire-Wrapping for Beginners
- How to Make a Spiral Bead Cage Pendant
Stuff to get down the road
If you get serious about wire-wrapping, you may want to invest into more tools and/or resources.
Lortone Tumbler
Such an invaluable tool – the Lortone tumbler does an EXTRAORDINARY job in polishing all your jewelry. Comes out AMAZINGLY shiny! (if used with stainless steel shot and burnishing compound)
I can’t say enough about my Lortone tumbler. I absolutely LOVE it and definitely could not do without one!
I started with this exact model and I still use it 3 years later.
Get it here => Lortone 45C Rotary Tumbler
Stainless Steel Shot
Stainless steel shot is used as the tumbling media (it goes inside the tumbler).
I don’t recommend using regular steel shot because it will rust and it never does a good job in the tumbler.
Yes stainless steel shot is more expensive but you won’t have to worry about rusting and the results are far superior.
Get it here => 2 Lb Stainless Steel Shot – Jeweler’s Mix
ShineBrite Burnishing Compound
I’m picky about the shot I use (stainless steel only) and I’m just as picky in regards to the burnishing compound that I use.
ShineBrite (along with stainless steel shot) produces AMAZING results – I tumble all my pieces and I’m constantly in awe of the “shiny-ness”.
TIDBIT: Some people use Ivory soap in the tumbler….. I have tried this and I don’t like the results at all. I just can’t seem to get it to work for me.
I definitely recommend ShineBrite for ULTIMATE shine 🙂
Get it here => ShineBrite Burnishing Compound
Books
I love to learn online but I also love my books. I personally own both of these books – they were a huge help for me and I still refer to them from time to time.
TIMELESS WIRE-WEAVING: THE COMPLETE COURSE
Timeless Wire Weaving focuses on developing wirework skills through 13 projects using three classic wire weaving techniques: coiling, wrapping, and weaving.
Get it here => Timeless Wire Weaving: The Complete Course
INVENTIVE WIRE WEAVING
20+ Unique Jewelry Designs focuses on the timeless techniques of wire weaving, wrapping, coiling, and capturing, plus texturing metals and wire.
Get it here => Inventive Wire Weaving
RELATED CONTENT
- Wire-Wrapping Tutorials: 13 DIY Wire-Wrapped Pendants
- Wire-Wrapping Tutorial DIY Jewelry Kits on Etsy
- Wire-Wrapped Ring Tutorials – How to Wire-Wrap Rings
- Wire-Wrapping for Beginners
- How to Make a Spiral Bead Cage Pendant
Don’t forget to check out my other blog post for more wire-wrapping resources => Wire-Wrapping for Beginners
This may seem like a long list but you really don’t need much to get started in wire-wrapping.
Make sure you check out Wire-Wrapping for Beginners for more tips + resources.
If you’d like to see my work and follow my wire journey, you can find me here:
Etsy
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
