C-Flex is a miniature 49-strand steel cable coated with clear nylon. Unlike the cheaper nylon covered cables which are less flexible, have fewer strands, and are quite prone to kinking (and later to breaking), C-Flex is both supple and extremely tough. The .018 diameter fits through 11/0 seed beads and Delicas but is strong enough to use with heavy necklaces. (For very heavy necklaces some beaders use a double strand of .018). Our thinner .015 can double back through 11/0 seed beads and also fits through freshwater pearls, and for really lightweight applications the .012 is perfect.
How does C-Flex compare with other brands of beading wire? Here are some things to keep in mind when comparison shopping:
1) All three sizes of C-Flex are made from seven groups of seven strands, forty-nine strands in all. More strands make the cable more flexible and more resistant to kinking. It is easier and less expensive to make cables with fewer strands, but they are not as flexible or durable.
2) Breaking strength: The chart below shows the breaking strength for C-Flex. If you can find the information for the brand you are using, please compare. In some cases .018 C-Flex is almost as strong as the .024 made by other companies. And be careful to compare 49 strand against the same number of strands from other manufacturers--fewer strands may have a higher breaking strength but are less flexible and more likely to kink and break in actual use.
