Metal wire information

G'day mates!

I would like to welcome you to my blog, let's make some really cool stuff.

First of all you need to know what is what.

I find that when looking for materials it's hard because everyone uses different sizes such as gauge, mm, or inches... Well it is never in one place and you always have to search out what your looking for which takes time from creating. So I'm trying to start off with helpful hints and a tips, where I hope you can find everything you need in one place, hopefully. 

This is just a list of a few wires, what they can be used for. This is just a guide. 

There is a chart below and my suppliers. ( not many people share this information )

28 – 30 gauge

This wire is tiny and fine, like thread. It can become kinked and break easily, so it is best to work slowly with these small gauges of wire. At this size, hardness of the wire doesn’t really mean much as it is so fine that it’s easily pliable. 28 – 30 gauge wire is used for:

• coiling
• weaving
• knitting / crocheting / viking knitting
• 28 gauge wire can also be used for wire wrapping very small light beads, though the finished wraps will be very delicate and could bend and break quite easily.

26 gauge

26 gauge wire is still quite fine but is relatively strong. It is generally used for:

• coiling
• weaving
• knitting / crocheting
• wire wrapping (wrapped loops) small beads and briolettes
• wrapping around stones
• balled headpins.

24 gauge

• coiling
• weaving
• binding
• spirals
• headpins
• wirewrapped links, wrapping briolettes and other stones
• frames
• small jump rings
• head pins
• wire settings for small stones

22 and 21 gauge

• wirewrapped links
• open link chains (for light or small stones)
• earwires
• headpins, eyepins
• jump rings
• spirals
• frames
• small clasps
• wire settings for small to medium stones
• 21 gauge is preferred by many for prong settings and ear wires.

20 gauge

• earwires
• hoop earrings
• frames
• spirals
• headpins, eyepins
• open link chains
• delicate clasps, double wrapped hooks
• jump rings, split rings
• rings
• wire settings for medium stones
• bails for light stones

18 gauge

• bails
• large jump rings, chainmaille jewelry
• frames / structure wire
• bracelets
• rings
• delicate clasps
• neck collars
• other handmade components

16 gauge

• frames / structure wire
• clasps
• thick jump rings, chainmaille jewelry
• rings
• bracelets, cuffs, bangles
• neck collars

14 gauge

• clasps
• thick jump rings
• neck collars
• rings
• bracelets, cuffs, bangles
• frames / structure wire

12 gauge

• neck collars
• bracelets, cuffs, bangles
• rings
• frames / structure wire.

Here is where I get my wire and metals. 

https://inspirewithwire.com.au/shop/

https://www.aemetal.com.au/Webstore/default.aspx