Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 30, 2010

Question:

What is the difference between a side cutter and a flush cutter? When would you use each if there is a difference?

-Judith in Alexandria, Virginia

Answer:

The term "flush" means level or straight and on the same plane, so flush cutters cut a wire level.

Xuron Flush Cutters

Side cutters, or angle cutters, cut on an angle, meaning the wire edge will be cut to one side.

The choice of use is totally up to you, the wire jewelry maker. For example, if you are cutting jump rings, a flush cutter will allow the jump ring to be closed on a level plane, whereas when using an angle cutter to make jump rings, you would need to cut both ends of the jump ring at opposite angles to make it fit together smoothly. This is also known as "double cutting."

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
September 24, 2009

Question:

How do I use bail making pliers?

Answer:

Bail making pliers are simply pliers whose jaws are cylindrical in shape and usually two different and ungraduated sizes. Although they can be used in many situations that require the bending of wire in a curved shape, they are titled ‘Bail’ making because a lot of folks use them to form the main bend, consistently on one or several wires at one time, when forming a bail at the top of a pendant.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong