Tools to avoid scratches/nicks

[WiredRedheadJewelry]

I am new to Etsy and would love some advice. I currently use silver color copper plated wire as sterling is so expensive.The brand of wire I use is Soft Flex. I am experimenting with ways to avoid scratches on the wire. I have used tool magic on my existing tools but it comes off really quickly. What do others think of the nylon tools/pliers that are supposed to work with wire? What brands are good?

[TheSalvagedEdge]

Filing the sharp edges off tools helps. I do it with all my squared or chain nose pliers. Also, using silver filled wire as opposed to plated will make a big difference in wear and nicks. As far as a coating on tools, I don't have any advice with that as I just work carefully and prescisely.
Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I've had the same problem, especially with colored wire. I got some artistic wire that was colored purple for my latest project, and i had to work very very carefully to avoid scratches. I actually had to start over several times! Something that helped was using my hands as much as possible and taking a soft cloth and putting it between the wire and the pliers when I had to twist the wire a lot. I also went and bought some wire that says specifically "permanently colored" and it still shows the copper through if I'm not careful, but I found that I could work with it much more easily without having the color rub off.
Those are my only tips though since I'm pretty new to wire working, I'd love to see if anyone else has found tricks to avoid this problem!

[WiredRedheadJewelry]

OK thanks so much! I would still like to hear from others though that have tried the nylon pliers made for wireworking. Curious if they are worth it....

[Former_Member]

Swanstrom is a great brand of pliers,the metal is much more gentle on the wire...but pricey.
My insructor has this thick red latex paint he dips a couple of his pliers in. The latex just puts a soft,smooth coat on them.When it scratches of you just dip them again.Might be a good idea if you are working with plated metal.

[WiredRedheadJewelry]

OK thanks! I appreciate all the advice.

[sarahndippity]

I work with fine silver which is really soft. I have tried nylon pliers and dipping in latex paint, and wrapping my tools with masking tape. No matter what it still would compress the wire and leave marks, they were less noticeable but still there. In the end I have found the less I use the tools the better. Most of my shaping is done with my fingers and nails, with the tools only when it is necessary. When I do use my tools it is with a lighter touch, which was difficult to master. I naturally wanted a firm grip and it was hard for me to get over it. I gently hold the wire with the pliers then use my other hand to form the wire over the tool. This way I don't need as firm of a grip to create a crisp shapes. To curl the ends I make sure I have about 1/4 inch extra, this way I can use the tip to grip and twist it in shape so the extra wire is crossing over itself then I clip the extra off. This creates a beautiful loop without any tool marks.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the advice! I too have made many sacrifices thinking my work was fine until I took closeup pictures, saw the marks, and had to trash it. I've wasted much time and a lot of wire. I have a plastic head square shaped tool that I use to make spiral turns, however, the small loops and hooks are still a problem. I've tried wrapping the tools with plastic tape, but that wears off and leaves a gummy mess on the tools. Also, as stated above, if you grasp the wire past the part you are turning, then cut off the piece where you grasped it and use your fingers to finish it, that works, but gets tedious. So, until someone invents a tool that will solve these problems....just be extra careful.

[loopsnhoopsjewelry]

I have tried the Tool Magic as well but I don't think the pliers have the same kind of grip as with just metal. I have nylon pliers but find my marks happen when using round nose pliers...mostly indents where I've gripped the metal (I work with soft metals like aluminum and brass a lot). What I have been doing lately and find it works pretty good is using my Dremmel to lightly sand and then buff the scratches away.

[WiredRedheadJewelry]

Wow! I feel better in a way knowing its not just me having this challenge. Seems like I have to just keep trying suggestions and see what fits...Thanks

[FleurDeLeeDesign]

The only nylon pliers I have are the wire straightening pliers and I use them to make spirals but I find that after a few uses the nylon gets cut and starts to crumble so there is not a smooth surface anymore. I actually like the Tool Magic, it pulls off easily when I don't want it but it lasts long enough to get thru a couple of pieces. Sarah Thompson is right - the more you can work with your hands the better.