Everyone who works with jewellery wire is at some stage going to have to cut it.

Here a few things to remember when you cut jewellery wire:-

• Use proper safety precautions. This is very important for your safety and others around you. For example, wear safety goggles, hold both ends of the wire if possible (to stop it flying away once cut) or use a vice.
• Use sharp cutters – blunt ones only damage the ends of the wire and make more work for you. There are a number of cutters available and some have specific tasks. Use the right tool for the right job.
• Always file the ends – nobody likes to be stabbed with a sharp piece of wire, so remember to always file the ends to avoid injury.
• Put off-cuts into the bin. Don't leave them lying around as they can easily be picked up and stick in your hands etc.
• Allow for the bend in wire. Wire has a natural bend in it; so when you are cutting make sure you have measured the right length and allowed for the bend, before you cut.

Safety Hints

• Watch out for flying bits of wire when cutting the ends off things.
• Always use adequate eye protection.
• I always try and hold both ends of the wire if possible. If not, then I always angle the wire down towards the workbench so that the off cut has less chance of flying across the room.
• Cut the wire in a plastic bag - to catch any off-cuts.
• Keep your fingers clear - yes I know this is obvious, but please keep an eye on your fingers when cutting, cutters can be dangerous.
• Use your common sense - yes another obvious one, but it's amazing how often people get injured by not thinking before they act!