Making Clips--Material?

[Rick1708]

I've spent some time reading about custom made clips, but haven't really figured it out. There are a lot of posts/examples, but I haven't been able to find details on materials. I'd like to make a simple wire loop clip.

It seem that there are a couple of options. I want to order something, but am not sure what I need. Here are the options I've found, but since I don't have any experience, I'm open to other suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
Rick

Stainless
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/k+s/k+s7131.htm

Sterling Silver
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/products/SR420.html?catPath=2322_258_2251_2254_2258

Aluminum
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/k+s/k+s3041.htm

 

[mredburn]

20g is too light, use 18g or even better 16g wire. 18g may be too light also. sheck out thunderbirdsupply.com for sheet and wire supplies in brass. silver. and copper.
Mike

 

[BRobbins629]

If using silver, one thing I have learned is that hardness makes a huge difference. You can heat treat the silver by first heating to about 1200 to anneal followed by 2 hours at 650. Allows for thnner clips.

 

[Rick1708]

Thanks for the responses. I'm looking at Thunderbird, but I don't have the equipment to anneal. My hope is that I can buy wire that I can bend with tools, but won't give easily.

Does anyone know if half hard wire will work, or do I need to get full hard?

 

[mredburn]

Full hard will have more resitance to bending but will not be to hard to shape. I would recomend you get a pair of round nose pliers for working with the wire. It wont leave tool markings on your wire.

 

[wood-of-1kind]

Pen clips can also be made out of WOOD