Introducing Basic Jewelry Making Tools: Pliers

Posted by admin on Aug 12, 2011 in Beading Tips | 0 comments

Hey, today’s Beading tips, let’s learn the essential jewelry making tools—Pliers. Pliers are given different styles and each has its features and functions.
The four basic types of pliers are round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, side cutting pliers, and chain nose pliers.

Round Nosed Pliers
Round nose pliers have rounded jaws and are used to hold, shape and bend jewelry wire. They are used for creating loops, curves, circles and coils and are essential when making such items as earrings and adding bead charms to a bracelet amongst other things. The jaws of the pliers are tapered so this enables you to make a variety of different sized loops and gives a very professional finish to you jewelry. They can be purchased individually or as part of a set.

Flat Nosed Pliers

Flat nose pliers have a slim flat service. They can be used for bending wire and also straightening any bends or kinks out of the wire. They can also be used for opening and closing jump rings and also for crimping crimp beads.

Side Cutting Pliers
Side cutters have sharp jaws that can come in a variety of shapes; these are used for cutting soft wires, threads or metal sheets. The shape of the cutters affect how the cut face will appear; general side cutters will leave the cut edge smooth and even.

Chain Nosed Pliers
Chain nosed pliers are essential in any china beads jewelry maker’s toolbox and are used for almost all aspects of jewelry making. They can be used for bending, holding, turning the wire and also opening and closing jump rings and crimping. Their small ends enable them to get into small spaces and grip the jewelry well.