A2 Stainless Steel Wire Grade 304 Solid Soft and Hard Wires Dia 0.1mm - 3mm

Soft (annealed) wire has been heat-treated to relieve internal stress, making it pliable and easy to bend by hand with minimal springback — ideal for jewellery wrapping, bonsai training, and craft forming. Hard wire retains its drawn tension, giving it greater stiffness and the ability to hold load without deforming, which suits rigging, tensioning, and structural binding applications.

For fine wire wrapping and delicate beading, 0.2mm–0.4mm Soft wire is commonly used. For heavier wire-wrapped pendants or structural jewellery frames, 0.6mm–1.0mm Soft wire provides more rigidity while remaining hand-workable. Diameters above 1.2mm typically require pliers or forming tools to bend cleanly.

Grade 304 (A2) stainless steel offers good resistance to atmospheric corrosion and fresh water. It performs well in most outdoor environments. For prolonged saltwater immersion or highly aggressive marine environments, Grade 316 (A4) stainless steel is generally recommended. For general outdoor lashing, garden, and light marine use, 304 is a practical and cost-effective choice.

Yes. Diameters up to approximately 1.5mm can be cut cleanly with quality flush-cut or side-cut wire cutters. For 2.0mm–3.0mm diameters, heavy-duty wire cutters or cable cutters are recommended to achieve a clean cut without crushing the wire end. Avoid using scissors or blade cutters not rated for metal wire.

For sampling a new diameter or a small one-off project, the 1m or 5m options let you test without committing to a full spool. For ongoing craft production, jewellery making, or workshop use, the 20m–100m spools offer a lower per-metre cost. Consider ordering one size up in length if your project involves trial bends or offcuts.

Soft wire has a natural memory from the spool and may have a slight curl when first unspooled — this is normal and straightens easily by running the wire through your fingers or over a smooth edge. Hard wire holds its shape more firmly and is less prone to tangling. For fine diameters (0.1mm–0.3mm), unspooling slowly and keeping tension on the wire prevents looping.

Yes. 304 stainless steel wire in the Soft temper works with standard round-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers, wire coiling tools, and mandrels. The material is harder than copper or craft wire, so tool jaws may show minor wear over extended use — nylon-jaw pliers are recommended for scratch-free finishing on visible surfaces.