I use a vise and hammer. Clamp the wire in the vise at the point you want the bend, making sure it's sticking straight up. Then use a hammer to tap it to 90 degrees. You can also use a piece of hardwood against the wire as close to the vise as possible, and use the hammer on the wood. If you don't have a vise, even a small, cheap one will really come in handy. and I suggest you spring for one. You'll find lots of uses for it. When possible, make your bend and then cut the wire. Try to avoid making a quarter inch bend right at the end of your wire.