Round jewellers' drawplate with 91 graduated holes for drawing wire down to precise diameters, largest hole 7.5mm.
⭐ At a glance
📏 10.5" (approx. 26.5cm) length plate
✅ 91 round holes, graduated in size, largest 7.5mm
📦 Supplied as a single drawplate (1 unit)
✔️ New, unbranded
🔧 What it does & how to use
A drawplate is a hardened steel plate pierced with a graduated series of round holes, used to reduce the diameter of wire and bring it to a perfectly round, consistent gauge. It's a core bench tool for jewellers, silversmiths and wire-work hobbyists working with silver, gold, copper and other soft-to-medium hardness wire.
- Anneal the wire: Soften the wire first so it draws smoothly without work-hardening or snapping.
- Taper the end: File or hammer a point on the wire so it can be fed into a hole.
- Choose the hole: Start with a hole just smaller than the wire's current diameter — never skip several sizes at once.
- Secure the plate: Clamp the drawplate in a vice or bench pin so both hands are free.
- Draw through: Grip the tapered end with drawtongs or pliers and pull the wire firmly and steadily through the hole.
- Step down gradually: Move to progressively smaller holes, re-annealing periodically, until the wire reaches the diameter you need.
- Lubricate as you go: A light drawing wax or oil reduces friction and prolongs the life of both wire and plate.
