Are Wire Guardians/Protectors Worth it?

[silverraven]

Hello fellow beaders!  I'm somewhat of a novice ...on again off again at jewelry making - I've tried using wire guardians; although I have never had a wire fray nor has anyone ever mentioned it happening to any of the items I have sold. But I guess it happens. So while I'm not sure the extra expense is necessary - I do like the look they add to a finished piece. BUT they seem to create an issue ...clasps and jump rings tend to get caught or 'hung up' in them ...and I see no way to prevent this. It's rather frustrating ...is there a solution? I'd attach a pic but the file is too big :/  Many thanks!

[silverraven]

Apr 10, 2022 13:14:26 GMT -6 silverraven said:

I found a pic with the proper file size, demonstrating the area I am referring to - where the 'hanging up' occurs - although it is not occurring in this picture. I originally took this photo to help me decide if I prefer the look with or with out the wire guardian. I placed an arrow to identify the area where my claps and or jump rings get hung up or stuck at times. (y) 

[DawninCal]

Hi and welcome to JAC!

I do use them. I like the finished look they give my work and I like the added security they provide. While wire doesn't fray or break very often, it does happen. They are a small expense for the added peace of mind.

Looking at the photo, I think the reason your clasps/jump rings get hung up is because the ends of your wire guards need to be squeezed more tightly together. I also snug my crimp bead right up next to the ends of the wire guards before crimping leaving no wire exposed. You might try that and see if it helps with the clasps/jump rings getting caught.



Dawn

[caeterle]

Welcome to JAC!

I'm not really of help because I don't use wire like that, but I have seen earrings that look the way Dawn described it.

[silverraven]

Thank you so much for that bit of advice! I do love how they look - but have been rather frustrated ...def will try your suggestion!

[DawninCal]

You are so welcome. Once you squeeze the wire guard ends closer together, it will be much easier to snug the crimp up to the end of the wire.

If you would like me to post a photo of one of my pieces to help you visualize what I'm saying, just post here and I'll be happy to do that.



Dawn

[silverraven]

Apr 14, 2022 20:33:44 GMT -6 DawninCal said:

You are so welcome. Once you squeeze the wire guard ends closer together, it will be much easier to snug the crimp up to the end of the wire.

If you would like me to post a photo of one of my pieces to help you visualize what I'm saying, just post here and I'll be happy to do that.



Dawn

Oh that would be helpful if you could! Thanks for the offer.

off topic ...I don't get email notifications when someone responds to my thread ...maybe I need to check my settings?

[DawninCal]

Give me a day or two and I'll put a photo up. I'm kind of in the middle of a bathroom remodel. The bathroom is finally finished, but now I have a massive clean-up to do (construction dust everywhere) and house guests due to arrive in a week. Yikes!

If you go to your account and click on the notifications tab at the top of the page, you can enable email notices from there.



Dawn

[silverraven]

many thanks! no worries!

[silverraven]

I did a practice yesterday ...I was short of time but tried one quickly - not perfect but should make a difference.

[DawninCal]

That's exactly what I meant. You nailed it. I would expect that to fix the problem of jump rings catching. After seeing your results, I don't think it's even necessary for me to post a photo!



Dawn

[silverraven]

Thanks! Perfect then! I’ll have a couple more questions that have been tormenting me …so I’ll get to those soon! Many thanks for the pointers!