Home / Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques / Flattening Wire with Hammers
Flattening Wire with Hammers
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

Could you give me some tips on how to hammer to flatten wire without leaving marks? I just can't seem to keep it smooth!

-Lindsay in Goshen, Indiana
Instructions
Answer:

Hi Lindsay, the main reason some folks have challenges with not denting wire which they are flattening with a chasing hammer, is usually a combination of the tool used and the technique used.

"Chasing" is the process of bringing the hammer down onto metal, and then quickly sweeping it to the side. When we use a metal flat head chasing hammer, often the hand twists, resulting in the edge of the flat head hitting the wire with some force, thus denting it. To remedy this situation, you can either practice bringing the hammer straight down and then off to the side, or invest in a half dome chasing hammer, and never worry about dents again!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Dale Armstrong's Flattening Wire with Hammers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Design, Tools, Domed Chasing Hammer
Dale Armstrong's Flattening Wire with Hammers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Design, Tools, Flat Chasing Hammer

Materials

Wire
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Tools

Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face
G3-27
  • G3-27
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.97
  • Gold Club Price: $10.48
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Flat Face Chasing Hammer
HAM-161.00
  • HAM-161.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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Chasing Hammer - Flat Faced with Polished Wooden Handle - Pack of 1
G3-13
  • G3-13
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.97
  • Gold Club Price: $8.98
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Flat Face Chasing Hammer with Wood Handle - Economy
G3-14
  • G3-14
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.57
  • Gold Club Price: $8.68
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Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
  • DAP-500.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $28.95
  • Gold Club Price: $21.71
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Design, Tools

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