Comments on: Jewelry Supplies from Hardware Stores

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 18:00:47 +0000

In reply to Janet. Janet, great tip! Thank you! :)

By: Janet

Janet — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 17:50:53 +0000

Wal-Mart also has some awesome anti-tarnish, plastic, see through storage cases (by Flambeau) in the fishing dept for a whole lot less than anywhere else.. The containers come with tabs for customizing the size of the bins. The anti-tarnish coating is on the tabs and are perfect for storing findings and other metal parts so they don’t tarnish.. I think I paid about $5 – $7 for them. They have a small and large one.

By: Susan

Susan — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 00:15:51 +0000

I love going through Hardware stores but my best buy for copper roof sheeting was on Craigslist. I got 75 feet by 1 foot for less than $50 and it seems to be a gauge 22 which is perfect for bracelets (some I double metal with brass and rivets),etching and pendant. I got a lifetime supple of it for now. Occasional I have found copper wire while rockhounding. Take it home , clean it up and anneal if needed.Never know what you find when in other stores.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 18:50:37 +0000

Yup Friedman’s has a bulk wire section. Best place to buy larger copper wire gauges. They are never coated at my local store, you can’t beat 15 cents a foot for beautiful copper wire in really low gauges. Usually you can tell if it’s coated just by sight and touch, after you get more familiar.

By: Valerie

Valerie — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 17:02:42 +0000

I’m so impressed with everyone’s ideas. I’ve certainly purchased copper wire at the hardware store. Also, 100% brass ball chain and small brass nails, but you have all opened up my eyes — and my imagination.

By: Joanne

Joanne — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 13:26:25 +0000

One of my favorite places to shop for supplies are welding shops. I picked up large (1 lb.) spools of aluminum wire when I was first learning wire work. Of course it doesn’t work for every project, but was less than $10 a spool and allowed me to do lots of inexpensive experimenting. I’ve even used it very successfully for Rena’s Gypsy Style Adjustable Wire Bracelet, along with my stamped aluminum charms.

By: Jess

Jess — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 15:57:20 +0000

Hehehe awesome article, i love going to the hardware store even more now that i make jewelry. Id way rather go to the hardware store with my boyfriend than clothes shopping with the girls any day of the week…..tho i find my boyfriend dragging ME out of there these days!! Not sure if someone already posted this but picture hanging wire is great for practicing and very affordable. i found 3packs of 20g= about 50ft at the dollar store (cleaned em out) as well as hardware stores. Always keep your jewelrs eye open there is stuff everywhere usually cheaper than the craft stores!!

By: April

April — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:11:38 +0000

You need to be careful when using metals that are not intended for long term skin contact, such as washers from the hardware store. They are a blend of metals and are not usually pure. Beyond the nickel allergy issue, they contain higher amounts of lead, traces of cadmium and other dangerous elements.

By: beth

beth — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:53:59 +0000

Omg! ladies, you are all so awesome! so much to learn. thank you all for sharing.

By: Mina Zaffarano

Mina Zaffarano — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 19:51:09 +0000

Beth Bernard. I would love to see a picture of that earring tree.

By: Nicole Green

Nicole Green — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 23:58:45 +0000

Linda,
I get 22′ of 18 gauge copper wire (uncoated) for $4.95 at Lowe’s.

By: Beth Bernard

Beth Bernard — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 00:15:16 +0000

I’ve loved looking for things to use in my jewelry/craft making in my local hardware store almost since I started. One thing I like to make (and sell) is an earring tree made from copper refrigerator tubing and 18g copper wire. Pull the coil of tubing up to make a spiral. Using the 18g wire, I make four wraps and a loop, four wraps and a loop, from the tip to about five inches from the end of the tubing. I crimp the ends and cap them with lampwork beads. One pair of earrings for each loop and I can hang about 40 to 45 pairs on the tree.

By: Pastora Cahow

Pastora Cahow — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 00:03:04 +0000

I found copper washers at Harbor Freight in a little plastic box that I now use to store components I’ve made. I just purchased my second box. I have made wonderful earrings and pendants to hang on chain. Now am making clasps for necklaces and bracelets. I anneal and then hammer or texture them to the desired size. I paid $6 for a box of 80 assorted sizes and sell a pair of earrings anywhere from $20-$35 depending on how simple or embellished they are. I’ve also purchased 18 and 24 gauge copper wire at my local DoIt Center.

By: Laura Miles

Laura Miles — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 02:56:08 +0000

The local mom and pop hardware shops don’t have anything neat or more special than you would expect. It leaves me going back to good old reliable Home Depot for all my supplies, even jewelry supplies. I never would have thought I’d be frequenting hardware stores 20 years ago 🙂

By: Liza

Liza — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 14:18:24 +0000

PLS NOTE: The vinyl coating that you’re talking about stripping: It has a lot of lead in it, which causes cancer!

By: deb

deb — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:33:58 +0000

I love Walmart too for their plastic storage bins in various sizes.. I can put bead caps and bails in the smallest ones and keep glass and stone beads for pendants, separated in larger ones just waiting to be created.
Our dollar stores also offer great storage solutions in the craft aisle.

By: Rups

Rups — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:04:18 +0000

thank you for the comments. that’s so helpful.
I have a question on washer? Can washer be used as jewelry wearer??

Thanks!
Rups

By: Linda Soderfelt

Linda Soderfelt — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 04:21:04 +0000

Thanks Mary Anne, The packaging doesn’t say one way or the other but I’ll check with the company.

By: Mary Anne Enriquez

Mary Anne Enriquez — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:55:30 +0000

Linda, You could contact the company that is on the packaging and ask them. Copper is safer than the other kinds of wires….if you are getting any kind of wire in a package…read the info. This goes for steel, brass, copper, aluminum. I would imagine that steel is the most problematic and has warnings. Brass might have a coating. You just need to read.

I highly doubt stripped electrical wires have coatings. If you are going to strip wire…get a dedicated wire stripping tool…one that has multiple holes for various gauge wires. It makes the job so unbelievably easier! I know this from experience.

By: Linda Soderfelt

Linda Soderfelt — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:07:28 +0000

Thank you Cyriathia and MaryAnne. I tried another hardware store (Orchard Supply). They had copper wire in a different area than where the big spools are that they sell by the foot. That wire is in packages and comes in 16 gauge and up. They come in 25 foot packages and the 16 and 18 guage are $4.29 per package. They don’t appear to have a coating but I think I’ll either wipe them with soap and water or do a 20 second dip in vinegar followed by a good rinse and dry. Does anyone have any thoughts on ways to attempt to ensure there is no coating remaining?

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:19:34 +0000

Thank you so much, Mary Anne, for adding these excellent safety precautions! 🙂

By: Mary Anne Enriquez

Mary Anne Enriquez — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:15:49 +0000

Its always important to research non art supply materials. Be as detailed as possible in your google search…and include “MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET” in the query. For example…many soft “steel” wires found in hardware stores do have coatings…of lead and other toxic metals. They are not made for handling or wearing (unless a coating is sealing the surfaces.) And will have warnings on the packaging– usually the State of California will not allow these to be sold (or shipped) there. Some wires are coated in some sort of petroleum oil to keep them from changing. Making jewelry, our hands can absorb all sorts of chemicals we never think about. Copper might be coated with a clear coating to keep it from darkening. What is that coating and will it flak off into particulates that can be breathed in?

Copper wire inside of an electrical rubber coating might not have a coating, but you might want to make sure. I can’t imagine stripping all that rubber insulation just to get some wires …I have done that in the past but its no fun even with the right stripping tools. The finer copper wire can be had from electrical supply outlets.

If something is worn next to or on bare skin…not only is a material a possible hazard to the maker but also to the wearer!

It just pays to be wise and safe… when re-purposing/ recycling industrial and non “craft” materials for creative endeavers.

By: Cyreathia Reyer

Cyreathia Reyer — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:30:25 +0000

I obtained this information from someone else (darn if I can remember where I got it) If it was from someone on here – please speak up so I can give you credit. AND THANK YOU FOR THE INFO.

But I copied the information below into one of my files so I can take it to the hardware store with me. I keep it on a laminated card in my wallet so I always have it with me.

THHN wire has uncoated wires bundled inside an outer coating.
This is how the THHN breaks down:
#12 THHN contains 6 bare strands of 26 gauge wire 13 bare strands 24g wire
#10 THHN contains 6 of 24g 3 of 22g
#8 THHN contains 19 strands of 20g
#6 THHN contains 6 of 20g 13 of 18g
#4 THHN 6 x 18 Ga & 13 X 16 Ga
#2 THHN 6 x 16 & 13 X 14

100Amp Grounds Wire 7 x 14 Ga 200Amp Ground Wire 7 x 12 ga
*0/1 (what they call “aught one”) gauge THHN contains 6 of 14g 13 of 12g
*0/2 (aught two) gauge THHN contains 6 of 14g 12 of 11g 1 of 10g
*0/3 (aught three) gauge THHN contains 6 of 12g 13 of 10g

Cyreathia

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:11:15 +0000

Thanks Rena!
Yes we do have harbor freight here and I do plan on stopping in. Boy will that be dangerous! 🙂

By: Linda Soderfelt

Linda Soderfelt — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:46:30 +0000

I just went to Home Depot to check out their copper wire. The smallest they had was 14 guage. I did buy some but wish I could get closer to 18 gauge. Can anyone tell me if they have tried stripping the ‘plastic’ coating off of copper wire to get a smaller gauge? If so, is there a way to know just what guage the wire inside will be?
In response to some hardware store copper having some kind of finish on them, I wonder if that can be removed in some way. Any thoughts?

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 01:04:17 +0000

Hi Colleen! If you’re in the U.S., try Harbor Freight. Many of us have found them there.

Good luck! 🙂

By: Colleen

Colleen — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:54:54 +0000

Does anyone know where I can find copper washers? I love combing the hardware stores for goodies, but never come across copper washers :-/

By: Jeanne Lyons

Jeanne Lyons — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:35:52 +0000

These Plano boxes come in different sizes and with different number sand sizes of drawers so you can find one that really suits your needs.

Hardware store prices beat the jewelry/bead stores hands down…if you find them on sale they can be 50+% cheaper.

I use the smaller, fishing tackle, size for traveling and for some items that I don’t use frequently so I keep them under my table.
Plano also makes what I call a table top version with the small, clear pull out cubbies that would traditionally be for things like nails, screws nuts and bolts.

I have several of these for the back side of my work table that is up against the wall. They stack, even though I don’t think they are made to, meaning they don’t actually connect. These are permanently in my work space and each cubby has a spot for labeling so it’s easy to find what you need.

They have a great variety, are multi-purpose, relatively inexpensive, easy to use and store, and… I loooove Plano!

By: BeaJae Harraand

BeaJae Harraand — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 21:36:36 +0000

I know that Plano box. Mine has a top that opens and stores hammers, tools, odds and ends, etc. Then it has 4 covered trays, with dividers. I have two of these boxes – one for findings and one for charms. They cost about $20 at Walmart and cost $53 in a very big and popular bead site… I also haunt the hardware stores – and Goodwill.

By: Jeanne Lyons

Jeanne Lyons — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:15:54 +0000

Someone mentioned Plano boxes… This is another type of Plano: When I was getting started with all of my beads my husband was getting frustrated with my little bags of beads all over. One day he came home from Menard’s with a Plano organizer box (approx.20x10x7) that has front drawers, like for nuts and bolts. These are 2 different size drawers and come with dividers. On sale they cost around $10 – 12. I keep all my beads and findings in these drawers in little baggies and there is even a place to label the front of each box!

Over the years I have accumulated 6 boxes and have them stacked at the back of my work table up against the wall (just for safety purposes). They stack 2 high very well but for 3 high I feel you need the support of the wall. It’s also very easy to move drawers around in case you want to reorganize. I keep all the finding in one box and therest alphabetically, but I have also tried by color and by size. If I have multi stone bags I keep them in a separate row labeled multi…

Then I use the small Plano fishing tackle/nuts and bolts storage that closes up with divided trays and has a handle on the top for traveling. The top has room for the tools I want to take and the trays/drawers for beads and findings I need to travel with. It was less then half the price of the exact same one made for jewelry.

Someone mentioned pvc, which by the way makes great bracelet mandrels in the different sizes, not to mention, assorted hanging frames. I also have found assorted tools for less than jewelry tools.

By: Joanne Stow Boyimgton

Joanne Stow Boyimgton — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:42:57 +0000

I found some GORGEOUS pure brass tags in a hardware store, a few years ago, that they stamp numbers on for electrical boxes, with nice holes for hanging, and used a few on a “Belly Dancer” necklace. They were about $.60 a piece and about 22mm in size, but you have to ASK for them.

By: Patti Panuccio

Patti Panuccio — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:21:32 +0000

I found a case, at a big box sporting goods store with a ring binder and zip locked plastic bags and extra bags available.Iit is great for separating my sterling and gold filled wire, I have a bag for each size and or shape and can put anti tarnish strips and scraps and seal them in. I bought this a couple of years ago and with the extra bags I spent less than $20.

By: Cyreathia Reyer

Cyreathia Reyer — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:03:25 +0000

Harbor Freight is my “candy store” – I purchased my tumbler, hand torch, flux, and am now looking at their 3″ buffer/grinder. They also have the best flush cutters there for under $2. The red handled one’s in the plier isle. They also have a great selection of hammers. If you use chemicals, you can’t go wrong with their boxes of rubber gloves.

I use their magnetic tool holder (it is a strip about 2-3″ wide and about 3 ft long) to hold my pliers in hands reach. It also keeps me from losing them on my bench (grin). One thing though it does magnetize your pliers/cutters which sometimes can cause problems, but it also keeps pieces of wire slinging off in the air to never be found until you walk barefooted.

By: Felicia

Felicia — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 20:14:23 +0000

I love shopping hardware stores/departments for supplies. I was in a Sears once in the tool section with my husband and I said “Oh I could use one of those.” He asked me “For what?” I said “Jewerly!” He just laughed and said “You are the only woman I know who walks a tool section thinking about making jewelry!” Well obviously I am not alone! It is a funny thought I guess, most women want nothing to do with a hardware store or tool section and I’m always begging my husband to go! 🙂

By: Mary Anne

Mary Anne — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:10:01 +0000

Ace Hardware has the discount bins in middle of the store aisles. There is a small red metal copper tube cutter. It cuts from 1/4 inch tubing up to 1 inch. I see these all the time in the bins and they are under $3.00!

By: Mayla

Mayla — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:00:44 +0000

These are such great ideas. Thank you everyone. someone was asking about cutting copper tubing. I don’t know what its called but Ive seen a tool that cuts copper tubing that tightens onto the tube then you roll it around and tighten it some more until it cuts through. Looks like a clean cut. Hope this helps.

By: Sherry

Sherry — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:53:54 +0000

Look in the sporting goods section of Wal-Mart and you can find a box that holds 6 rolls of fishing line. You thread the line through the holes at the front and it keeps the line neatly on the roll while you measure out the amount you need. I have fire line, stretchy jewelry line, and thin cording in mine.

If you use line that’s too large to thread through the holes, just pop out the rubber grommet. I also found a plastic (gray with purple sections) tackle box that has different sized sections that fit snugly against the lid and each other, so there is no space for small beads or findings to slip into another compartment. Each compartment is removable so you can use the ones you need and keep the lid closed.

Real handy to avoid accidental spillage. It’s compact and great for carry along projects. I believe both items are made by Plano.