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Ultimate Tool List

By on May 20, 2015
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by Judy Ellis, Wire-Sculpture.com

Daily Wire Jewelry Resource May 20th, 2015

Ultimate Tool List

I love Spring because it means that not only do I clean out some the dust and dirt from Winter but I also look at updating and fixing!

Every spring I take a look at the old items that need to be repaired and updated, and I make a list of new items that I’ve been dreaming about adding to my collection.

So, today I wanted to share a great resource that we have called the Ultimate Tool List. Many of you may have these tools already, but if not, now might be a great time to see what you’re missing and pick up a few new ones!

There are many different jewelry-making styles and although each requires several tools that are similar, many techniques need specific tools. Let’s look at a few options to help create your Ultimate Tool List.

First: A pair of crimping pliers, most often used by beaders, can also be used by wire wrappers to tuck the end wire in on a wrapped loop. Chain maille artists often use two pairs of wider tip chain nose pliers. One pair is sufficient for a wire wrapper, who also likes to have a pair of needle nose chain nose pliers to make tiny loops at the very ends of wire.

Secondly: Folks who do a lot of round wire designs use almost any pair of flat nose pliers, but wire wrappers who work mainly in square wire need a pair that have perfect angles (with no dips or bulges on their sides). Some people like pliers that have extra cushion on their handles; others) think the extra bulk is difficult to hold for long periods of time. Then there is the choice of longer handles. I am a firm believer that all pliers need to have a good spring hinge of some sort, so you don’t have to constantly open pliers while using them.

Just about everyone can use a nice set of fine diamond files and/or an Arkansas stone to remove sharp ends and burrs (then again an emery board works well too, even on metal clays), and we all need a good pair of wire cutters as well as a pair of small nippers for tight spots.

Then there are mandrels. Almost all jewelry makers need a neck mandrel, a worthwhile investment! Depending on what style of bracelet you want to make, some folks like to use a steel bracelet mandrel. Most wire wrappers don’t use one, as we often incorporate beads and stones into the design (that don’t do well while forging on a steel mandrel). Most of us use plastic bottles and shape by hand.

Mandrels usually require that an item be beaten on it or forged, so a mallet is necessary. I like a medium had rawhide mallet, but lots of folks like using a nylon one.

Forging is used in lots of jewelry making styles, so a basic chasing hammer and bench block should be on your list too. And if you want to get into more metalsmithing, a dapping block will be useful along with a jeweler’s saw and diamond blades.

A set of carat scales is indispensable if you are working with gemstones, and a ruler is a must for all of us! I prefer a plastic, transparent ruler so I can also use it for quick measurements on stones. Again, if you want to work with gemstones, a caliper is very handy. (I can’t live without my digital one!) And I can’t forget – a good pair of Optivisors not only helps you to see tiny details, but is also protection for your eyes.

Wire-Sculpture has several tool sets available. As you are looking for universal but ‘good’ tools, on a scale of 1 to 4, 1 being best, here is my opinion on our tool sets:

  • 4 – Starving Artist: Mostly for beaders, has essential tools, but will not hold up to most wire projects;
  • 3 – Wire Sculpting: Very good for wirework beginners as well as for almost all jewelry making arenas;
  • 2 – Masters: Better, tools have longer handles and good cutters, but the flat nose pliers are not square on all sides;
  • 1 – Professional Wire Artist: Best for working wire in all gauges, shapes and tempers. Tools have longer handles and will last for years! (I know because I put this set together and have been using these brands for more than 17 years, only replacing my cutters now and then. This kit also contains my favorite, quick-&-easy-to-use pin vise.)

 

We also offer a NEW “Ultimate Wire-Pliers Set” that has been built especially for Wire-Sculpture.com

Hopefully with this Ultimate Tool List, you will help you fill your workbench and create wire-wrapping masterpieces.

I hope this list is helpful when you do your Spring workshop cleaning!

Happy Wrapping!

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