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With the myriad of jewelry making pliers and tools on the
market
today many new beaders / jewelry makers have trouble figuring out just
which ones they need. Each tool serves a general and/or a particular
purpose. What the jewelry maker has to discover is which tools will
best serve their particular needs within their budget. Below we've
listed some of the more common pliers and tools available and what they
can be used for along with some suggestions on which ones might best
serve your needs.
Must haves:
- Round Nose Pliers- The nose of the pliers are
wide
at the base and taper to smaller round ends. They are used to to make
loops and filigree, hold small components, open and close jump
rings,
for wire wrapping or making chain. It is best to not use them for
gripping as they have a tendency to dent soft wire.
- Flat Nose Pliers- The jaws are flat on the ends
and are perfect for bending wire at angles and opening and closing jump
rings. The flat smooth jaws hold round beads without nicking or
scratching them. Can also be used to straighten wire or to hold a wire
in place while wrapping.
- Wire Cutters- Are used for cutting
wire or cord. Several varieties are available depending on the
individuals needs.
- Side Cutters- An inexpensive plier for cutting
wire. These cutters will leave a pointy, rough edge that will need to
be filed smooth. These are best used with flexible beading wire and
tigertail.
- Diagonal Flush Cutter- Use to get a flush cut
on
wire or flexible beading wire. Reduces the need to file ends of cut
wire. Use to cut and trim wire and findings such as eye and head pins.
Ideal for 20-26 Ga. wire.
Nice additions:
- Bent Nose Pliers- Just like chain nose pliers,
but
with a bent tip. The bent nose pliers gives better access to those hard
to reach places. Great for tucking wire into beads.
- Chain Nose- Comes to a finer taper at the end
then
flat nose for better precision. Use for gripping or to bend angles in
narrow areas, bending wire, opening and closing jumprings, repairs, or
where tight work is required. Great for picking up small beads and
findings.
- Crimp Pliers-While Flat Nose or Chain Nose
Pliers
can be used to flatten crimp beads the crimp pliers gives it a more
finished look with no sharp edges.
- Long Nose (also known as Needle Nose) Pliers-Are
similar to Flat Nose Pliers but have a long tapered tip. Offers more
reach but less leverage than the Flat Nose.
- Nylon Jaw Pliers- Have replaceable nylon jaws.
They are designed to work with delicate items, especially for those who
work with metal wire, to prevent nicks and chips on the color of the
wire. They are also useful to straighten out kinks in wire.
Specialty Tools:
- Loop Closing Pliers- Grooved and smooth on the
inside. Use to close loops, jump rings, bracelet links, etc., without
distorting or scratching.
- Rosary Pliers- Basically round nose and side
cutters in one tool. Round nose is used for making loops and curves or
working with chain. Side cutter is used for cutting wire or bead cord.
This is a great tool for highly repetitive work such as making rosaries
or chain.
- Split Ring Pliers- has a special tip
designed to easily open split rings. Useful for repetitive split ring
work.
- Stone Setting- Use to tighten prongs on already
set rings, pendants, and earrings. Useful if you do a lot of jewelry
repairs.
- Gem Seting Pliers- Used for professional,
precision work setting faceted stones.
The following are not pliers but are tools often used in the jewelry
making industry.
- Knotting Tweezers- Have extra sharp points and
slender shanks for securing the knot to the bead. Also useful for
picking up small beads and findings.
- Beading Awls-Used when securing the knot to the
bead. Also useful to untie knots and making small coils.
- Thread Cutters-Have very sharp edges for cutting
thread without fraying or unraveling.
- Mini Hammer-Used mostly in wire art for
flattening, dimpling, or distressing wire.
- Bead Reamer-Used to enlarge and round out bead
holes.
- Safety Goggles-Used to protect eyes from flying
objects, especially when trimming eye and head pins.
- Loupe-A special magnifying glass that enables
you
to take a closer look at gemstones or other objects. Especially useful
for close work that requires magnification to properly see.
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