what do you use to tighten your champagne wires?

[Stanleythecat]

Hi all.

Been bottling some bubbly today and wiring down the corks. I was wondering whether any of you had any tips or tricks for tightening the wires?

I started with a pencil but that got trapped easily as I tightened as it was soft and the wire would bite into it. Then I moved on to a pen, much better but better yet would be something with a slight taper.

What do you use?

Leo

 

[keith1664]

I don't, but I do a lot of wire locking at work. would something like this be of any use?

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p...essional-lock-wire-plier?da=1&TC=GS-040210330
guide to use - clamp the wire between the jaws, then pull the round bit and the pliers spin round twisting the wire tight.

 

[hedgerow pete]

i used to use pliers but found i always over tighten and snap the wires with them, so i use a standard round pen instead or a small round dowel

 

[Laurin]

I have seen THESE before used in some video, but they seem to be only available in the USA but I didn't have a proper look.

 

[Stanleythecat]

I have seen THESE before used in some video, but they seem to be only available in the USA but I didn't have a proper look.

I saw those too, don't know how they work!

I used a pencil first but found if you over tighten the wire cuts in to the pencil and is a pain to get out! The second tool was a biro, this was better because it didn't squash but it still got pretty snug at times. The best thing I could think of was a smooth cylindrical piece of metal with a slight taper, that way you can slide it out easily... I didn't have anything like!

Leo

 

[Stanleythecat]

I don't, but I do a lot of wire locking at work. would something like this be of any use?

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p...essional-lock-wire-plier?da=1&TC=GS-040210330
guide to use - clamp the wire between the jaws, then pull the round bit and the pliers spin round twisting the wire tight.

That was a close call... If I can justify a new 'specialist' tool! But hedgrowpete saying it was a little too efficient made me pause!

I was wondering whether the tool they used to use to tighten the wires on the old style paper potato sacks might work. Found the name Tie Wire Twister but they're about £15... when a biro will do.
Leo

 

[hedgerow pete]

if you want to use pliers then please do so, but just because i am a heavy handed lump does not mean you will be.


if you want a small metal cylindrical tube, whats wrong with a metal icing nozzle or even a plastic one for that matter, or a seed sowing dibber as well.

there must be some way of getting the correct tention or torque required without snapping the wire.

the bag close wire twisties are ok but the down side is there costs.

i use only about 50 to 100 wire cages a year so i just struggle with a bic pen,

 

[sueelleker]

How about a Philips screwdriver?

 

[alanwh]

Where do you get your wire cages from? I make my own but they are a pain to make.

 

[hedgerow pete]

nope i buy mine and just replace the bottom wire with new ones, but then again i dont make that much fizz

just the first batch of 50 bottles for april,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!