How to Straighten Copper Wire
Jewelry makers often run into the problem of straightening stubborn, bent wires when fabricating jewelry designs. Copper wires are probably one of the more malleable and dexterous metals used to produce thin wire. This quality makes copper wire quite easy to straighten or bend into multiple shapes. Copper wire is used for many applications, especially for wiring electronics and some jewelry designs. Straightening a copper wire requires just a few simple tools and can be done in a couple minutes.
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Instructions
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Place one end of the copper wire to be straightened into the vice and clamp it down tightly. Clamp the wire into the side of the vice.
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Grab the wire with nylon-jawed pliers firmly, enough to hold the wire without crimping it. Ensure that the wire is seated in the point of the "V" shape of the open pliers.
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Pull the wire taut towards you applying slight pressure. Repeat this step until you're satisfied with the straightness of the wire.
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Tips & Warnings
Pulling the wire taut in this process will also harden the wire and help it to hold a straight shape.
Always exercise proper safety precautions when working with wire.
Do not attempt to straighten a wire that holds a live electrical current.
