How To Use A Bangle Forming Die Tool

Recommended Tools & Supplies

• '10 Fancy Waves' bracelet forming die tool
• Wire of your choice - this project features 1.5mm round sterling silver wire. You can use wire up to 1.8mm (15 gauge) but don't forget that the thicker the wire, the harder it will be to shape!
• Soldering equipment if making a closed bangle - you may wish to check out our soldering kit & metalsmithing kit for our recommended tools, we also have some brilliant guides and tutorials on soldering on our website
• Weighted non-steel mallet or hammer
• Rubber mat to place the die on when hammering to absorb sound and vibrations

Choose Your Wire

You can create bangles with any metal wire you like! We personally love using sterling silver wire as it's a soft and durable metal to work. You may however find it useful to practice on copper wire first before moving on to sterling silver as it's a more affordable option. This particular project features 1.5mm round sterling silver wire.

With the bangle forming die tool you can use wire up to 1.8mm (15 gauge) but don't forget that the thicker the wire, the harder it will be to shape!

Read our advice pages: Your Guide To Metals For Jewellery Making / Your Guide On Choosing Wire For Jewellery Making / Compare Different Sized Wires

Choose The Size Of Your Bangle

Firstly, separate the dies. You might find the first time you use the due you may need to wipe off any excess oil that may be on the die. The oil is there to help stop the die from rusting. There are also three aluminium spacer discs included in the box.

Now you need to decide what size you want your bangle to be. If you are making a closed bangle, the diameter of the bangle must be no larger than 7.5cm or the bangle will not fit onto the die. To make a bangle that is approximately 7.5cm in diameter from 1.5mm round wire you will need approximately 23cms.

Option 1 For Using The Bangle Forming Die Tool: Solder First

The first method is to create your bangle and solder the ends together to form a complete circle. You then need to place the bangle centrally on the die.

You can use the aluminium spacers to help centre up your bangle if you wish, these will get deformed during use.

Then place the other half of the die on top and place it on a rubber mat on a firm surface. Then strike the die firmly around the top. The wire will gradually start to take on the form of the die. Try not to over hit the die as this may deform the wire.

Option 2: Solder Or Finish After Forming

The other way is to form your wire into a circle and then place it onto the die.

Once formed, you can then adjust the length of the finished bangle and then solder the ends together or alternatively, you can finish off the ends to create an open style bangle.

How Your Finished Bangle Should Look!

We love how modern and stylish this bangle design is and it's so easy to achieve by using the bangle forming tool. Will you be giving it a go? Shop the tool online now with Kernowcraft and don't forget to tag us in your finished designs on social media by tagging @Kernowcraft, we'd love to see.

Shop Charms

Charm bangles are so popular! Make your own designs or explore our wide selection of sterling silver and gold vermeil charms, with so many styles to choose from to complete your designs

Shop By Gemstone

Whether you want to attach gemstone beads to your bangle or solder a gemstone to your design, we have so many stunning gemstones to choose from.

Shop Soldering Kit

Our tool kits showcase a range of recommended tools for various jewellery making kits. Each kit has a shopping list so you can pick and choose what you need from our list to suit your needs and budget. 

Textured Cuff Bracelet Tutorial

Gest tutor, Harriet shares with you this brilliant step by step tutorial on how to make a textured cuff bracelet. No soldering is required, so this is a great beginner project to practice forming and texturing wire.