| Mistake | Correct | |
 Not Round |
The loop shown at left is not round. This is a
common mistake that can be overcome with practice. The cause is
simple -- when making the loop at left, the wire was grasped in the round
nose pliers too far from the end of the wire, leaving a long straight wire
segment before the loop started. The correction is to grasp the wire
in your round nose pliers closer to the end of the wire. This takes
practice because if you grasp the wire too close to the end, the wire will
slip and you won't be able to make a loop. |
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 Marks on Wire |
The wire shown at left was grasped and held with round
nose pliers. Round nose pliers almost always mark the wire where
they grip the wire. In most cases these marks are at a loop where
they aren't obvious because of the bend in the wire. In a straight
segment of wire these marks are obvious and should be avoided.
Always use bent chain nose pliers to grip straight segments of wire.
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 Loop Not Centered  Loop Not Round
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There are many common errors in making wrapped loops. One is where the wrapped loop is not centered on the wire, but is offset to one side. Another is where the wrapped loop is distorted and not round. Another common error is where the wire wrapped around the stem is loose or has gaps. The skill involved in making a good wrapped loop is one of the more difficult skills in working with wire. We describe this skill in detail in our online books, "Wire Design Basics" and "Wire Design Basics Book 2". These books are our best source for detailed information on how to complete a wrapped loop. In short, the corrections to the problems shown here are 1. Check the loop to ensure that it is centered before wrapping it closed and adjust as necessary. 2. Grasp the loop in your bent chain nose pliers as you wrap it closed to preserve the round shape of the loop, and 3. Keep the wire tail perpendicular to the wire you are wrapping around as you wrap the loop closed. |
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