Flexible Hook-Up Wire

The only reason I begin with the following info is to explain why I ask what I even consider a silly question, : I’m fairly new to electronics so certainly a hobbyist. Being disabled and with limited strength (and reach) tends to be a factor in many of my newer pursuits aside from my years of experience (non-professional) in development or my decades of experience and profession as an artist, primarily digital… SO the important aspect here is YES I’m a newb to this sort of stuff yet…

I’ve come across mention of the difficulty of the standard 22 AWG hook-up wire by the ‘average’ user especially for short connections. For me, it may not be impossible to use by any means but it IS a serious hassle for me, probably more than the usual.

I do have 30 AWG for a few very low power things but I know it’s not appropriate for the average use on a breadboard etc. My first thought to possibly make it a bit easier was to try stranded wire of the same gauge but that actually turned out to be even more stiff.

Given that things like battery holders and such have wire that’s FAR more flexible, my best guess at the moment is that maybe it’s the insulation material? Correct me if I’m wrong but the ‘usual’ hookup wire uses PVC. I’ve done a good deal of research but certainly not exhaustive I’m sure. I’d love anyone’s far more experienced input on this before I try anything else out.

Silicone jacketed wire is probably about as flexible as it gets. Stranded wire is always more flexible than solid core, though it’s hard to use in a breadboard unless you tin the ends. For breadboard use, I like wires like https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11026, as they are flexible and the ends are easy to stick in the holes.

Is there a tool you can hold that would make using the standard wire easier? The reason is that breadboard wire really needs two conflicting properties: stiff enough to be inserted into the holes and make good contact, but also flexible so it can make tight bends.

I think using a more flexible wire would make the task harder.

solder a header pin on to stranded wire, as DIY, or buy

https://www.sparkfun.com/search/results?term=jumpers

I use 2 types:

[breadboard to breadboard

[breadboard to everything else

For the latter, I have different lengths and configurations, like F/M, etc…](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10897)](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/124)

Got sidetracked by work and other projects and should’ve checked in to the post earlier. Despite that, thanks to everyone who replied and I DID figure this out by cheap test purchase of silicon covered wire. I have plenty of standard breadboard wire but really wanted something for 2 primary reasons…

  1. Those 1" or even LESS sorts of breadboard connections that when using the usual breadboard wire just made everything too messy.

  2. Something better to solder to everything from motors to pots that wasn’t so stiff.

I am glad everyone also confirmed my discovery too so thank you. I’m sure I’ll have more annoying newb questions to ask.

Brian