Cousin DIY Silver-Coated Copper Wire 20 Gauge vs Cousin DIY Silver Coated Copper Wire 16 Gauge

Both are CousinDIY silver-coated copper wire with the same 4.6 rating, so the choice comes down to gauge. The 20 gauge is the better all-rounder: thin enough to pass through medium bead holes, flexible for detailed wrapping, and you get 24 ft. The 16 gauge is much thicker at 1.29 mm and comes in a shorter 3 yd roll, so it suits structural work like clasps, bails and heavy-gauge frames rather than threading beads. Buy the 20 gauge for most bead stringing and delicate wrapping; step up to the 16 gauge only when you need stiffness and strength.

• Choose the 20 gauge CousinDIY wire if you are stringing beads with medium holes, linking charms, or doing fine wire wrapping and want a long roll to work through.
• Choose the 16 gauge CousinDIY wire if you need a stiff, substantial wire for clasps, bails, frames or structural shapes that must hold their form.