An annulus spacer for a fuel channel assembly of a nuclear reactor, and method of manufacturing an annulus spacer. The fuel channel assembly includes a calandria tube and a pressure tube positioned at least partially within the calandria tube. The annulus spacer includes a garter spring configured to surround a portion of the pressure tube to maintain a gap between the calandria tube and the pressure tube. A girdle wire is positioned substantially within the garter spring and configured to form a loop around the pressure tube. The girdle wire includes a first segment and a second segment that overlaps the first segment to form an overlap, the overlap extending between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 135 degrees to reduce the possibility of girdle wire twisting.