Jewelry Tools Of The Trade: Pliers

In jewelry making there are many different tools that are needed. Today I'm going to tell you about pliers. I believe that pliers are the number one tool for jewelry making. There are different types of pliers needed. They include round-nose pliers, split ring pliers, chain-nose pliers, crimp pliers, and nylon-tipped flat jaw pliers.

Round-nose pliers are tapered and the tip is slim. Both tips are round. You use round-nose pliers to make loops and for shaping curves on wire. I find that I use these pliers the most.

Split ring pliers are just like they sound. They separate split rings. They keep the split ring separated so you can add whatever findings you are using. Shape wise the pliers have a straight tip and a hooked tip. This hook is small so it may fit into the split ring.

Chain-nose pliers are my second most used pliers. They are also referred to as flat-nose pliers. The tips of these pliers are half rounded with the inside being flat. The nose is pretty slim. These pliers can be used for several things. You can make loops, open and close jump rings, close bead tips, flatten crimps and attach the findings you are using. These are very useful.

Crimp pliers are used for closing and securing crimp beads and tubes. The innermost part of the pliers has a groove to warp the bead or tube around the wire. The outer portion is curved to smooth out the bead or tube and make it more presentable. There are different size pliers to go with the different size beads and tubes.

Nylon-tipped flat jawed pliers have a couple uses. They can straighten wire before using it by simply pulling it thru. They are also used for shaping coated wires. This way they aren't marked. They are designed just like they sound. They have a coating of nylon on the tips.

Now you know a little bit more about pliers used in jewelry making. I hope this mini tutorial was helpful.