Which Jewelry Pliers Should I Use?

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.For all your beading needs vist our eBay Store. .For some great beading project tutorials visit our Me Page and look for the "Beading Project Tutorial" link.Everything you see or read in this

guide is copyrighted unless otherwise noted, and may not be used

without the express written permission of the management of The Beading

Emporium鈩? Images, photographs, or illustrations are either property

of, or used with permission by, The Beading Emporium鈩? The use of these

materials by you, or anyone else authorized by you, is prohibited

unless specifically permitted by the express written approval of the

management of The Beading Emporium鈩? Any unauthorized use of the

images, photographs, illustrations, or text displayed in this guide may

violate copyright laws, trademark laws, the laws of privacy and

publicity, and communications regulations and statutes.

Copyright 漏 2002 The Beading Emporium鈩? All Rights Reserved

---

Orignal From: Which Jewelry Pliers Should I Use?