As I mentioned in my "first attempt" thread (https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/first-attempt-at-a-set-of-flintlock-tools.185194/), I 've been making large salt water surf fishing lures for 30 years and I used some of those techniques to make the tools.
I took that a step further and used some of those wire loop making techniques to do some brass wire lanyard loops for the tools.
Here are the steps:
Photo 1. The must have tool and the finished link on the primer tool. You can get by with pretty much whatever you have around, but you have to have a good pair of loop pliers. They have OK ones at most hobby shops. You will also need a bench vise with a nail clamped in it, and a pair of Vise Grips.
Photo 2. These are all the tools I use for the initial bending and for final adjustments. The lineman's pliers and the Sheetmetal benders on the right are used to square things up. You can do the job fine with two pairs of regular household pliers
Photo 3. The initial loop. Leave some wire to wrap over
Photo 4. Second loop bent in and ready for wrapping
Photo 5. On the vise, ready to wrap. I find it best to wrap over top towards me, but do whatever works for you. Use a pin in the vise that's closest to the size of the loop, The snugger that is the better the wrap.
Photo 6. Wrapped, ready to cut off with a good pair of close cutting wire cutters. File off any sharp edges left.
That's it, easy peasy. You can make them as big or small as you like.
I took that a step further and used some of those wire loop making techniques to do some brass wire lanyard loops for the tools.
Here are the steps:
Photo 1. The must have tool and the finished link on the primer tool. You can get by with pretty much whatever you have around, but you have to have a good pair of loop pliers. They have OK ones at most hobby shops. You will also need a bench vise with a nail clamped in it, and a pair of Vise Grips.
Photo 2. These are all the tools I use for the initial bending and for final adjustments. The lineman's pliers and the Sheetmetal benders on the right are used to square things up. You can do the job fine with two pairs of regular household pliers
Photo 3. The initial loop. Leave some wire to wrap over
Photo 4. Second loop bent in and ready for wrapping
Photo 5. On the vise, ready to wrap. I find it best to wrap over top towards me, but do whatever works for you. Use a pin in the vise that's closest to the size of the loop, The snugger that is the better the wrap.
Photo 6. Wrapped, ready to cut off with a good pair of close cutting wire cutters. File off any sharp edges left.
That's it, easy peasy. You can make them as big or small as you like.
