Christopher, I don't know what gauge this is, 20ga or heavier though I think. I haven't tried it on thinner, I was just playing with my new leaf masher. I used a piece about six inches long I think, then just wrapped the rest. I did use it in a short holder from Agate58 (is that right?), didn't have a pin vice handy.
I used a piece of 0000 steel wool to clean the wire off before I wrapped it.