making collar charms with my beads--what type of metal headpin

lillianw · #1 2013-09-03, 7:12am

Hope it's ok to ask this question under tips/techniques.

I'm making collar charms for dogs/cats with my beads and am wondering what type of headpin everyone would use for maximum strength. I'm using 3/32 mandrels and am wondering if sterling will be stronger than base metal? Is the base metal more brittle and then more likely to break if it's banged around a bit on a dog or cat collar? I'm wondering what gauge and metal would be strongest!

Thanks

pugmommie · #2 2013-09-03, 8:04am

I don't have a answer for your question, but I think your idea is cool. Do you have any pictures of the charm collars?

jaci · #3 2013-09-03, 9:11pm

Stainless maybe?

SilverReflections · #4 2013-09-04, 5:34am

I think I would be inclined to use copper or brass wire in 18 gauge if you are worried about strength, you can ball up the wire at one end with your torch and pickle them (scrubbing them with steel wool may work ok too). Though 20ga copper/brass would probably work well too. I can't see the charms taking that much abuse, the way a zipper pull would for instance.

If you want to use premade headlpins I'd probably look for stainless steel due to cost and the gauge of commercially made head pins is usually like 20-22 ga (I think, been a long time since I've looked at those) and sterling would not be a strong as be steel (+ help keep costs down).

Tina

lindag · #5 2013-09-06, 10:17am

I've made them before and the sterling did not hold up well. I'd try copper, at least 18 gauge. Stainless is good too but the heavier gauges are hard to work.