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Calling all Newbies ... Tool Talk

by Kristal Wick
Maybe it's just me, but when I was just starting out in the wonderful world of jewelry making - specifically wire, I had NO idea what all those tools were for! Some days I still see one; I cock my head to the side and ponder, "What the heck is that one for?" So, I thought I'd dive in and give you my two cents on what tools you need to get started. I always suggest purchasing the best tools you can afford at the time. Tool sets are an easy way to enter this playground. Over time you will discover nuances you didn't even know existed, such as short tool handles vs. long tool handles--what do you prefer? There are many more tools on the market and we'll cover those later, but I wanted to start with the basics and clear up any confusion, so here they are:
Flush Cutters
Wire cutters cut wire, but many types exist.

Use them for wire, headpins, eyepins, leather cord, and stringing thread.

TIP: Position the flat side closest to the wire edge you want to cut.

You'll forget at first, then it becomes habit.

TIP2: Never use on Memory Wire or you'll regret it.
Kristal Wick's Calling all Newbies ... Tool Talk - Flush Cutters, Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, flush cutters
Round-nose pliers
Round nose pliers get used most in wire work.

I own seven pairs, each for specific jobs.

Start with one pair to make simple loops and round shapes.

The tapered jaws allow any loop size, from tip (small) to handle (large).
Kristal Wick's Calling all Newbies ... Tool Talk - Round-nose pliers, Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, round nose pliers
Chain-nose pliers
Chain nose pliers rank second in use frequency.

They resemble round nose pliers but have flat inner jaws.

Perfect for gripping wire and opening/closing jump rings.
Kristal Wick's Calling all Newbies ... Tool Talk - Chain-nose pliers, Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, chain nose pliers
Nylon Jaw Pliers
These are great for straightening wire as well as working wire without scratching the surface.

You'll find them critical when working with softer wires such as sterling silver.
Kristal Wick's Calling all Newbies ... Tool Talk - Nylon Jaw Pliers, Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, nylon jaw pliers
Step square-nose pliers (3-step flat-nose pliers)
These are great for making 90-degree angles and corners.

They come in handy when you are bending wide wire bundles (numerous wires laying next to each other).

You can make square jump rings and bend sheet metal into square shapes with these pliers.
Kristal Wick's Calling all Newbies ... Tool Talk - Step square-nose pliers (3-step flat-nose pliers), Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, 3 step square nose
Crimping Tool
This tool crimps beads and tubes on beading wire ends.

They act as stoppers to hold beads in place.

Leave as is or cover with crimp covers..

Don't skip the crimper and smash with flat nose pliers.

This creates sharp edges that cut wire over time.
Kristal Wick's Calling all Newbies ... Tool Talk - Crimping Tool, Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, crimper
Memory Wire Cutters
You'll need memory wire cutters for memory wire jewelry.

Put away regular cutters to avoid grabbing the wrong one.

Using regular cutters ruins them permanently.

This creates a gauge that interferes with future work, requiring replacement.
Kristal Wick's Calling all Newbies ... Tool Talk - Memory Wire Cutters, Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, memory wire cutters
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are a MUST!

Wire work involves hammering, snipping, and cutting.

Tiny wire pieces fly everywhere.

Protect your eyes and others nearby.

Skip them, and you'll lose friends fast.
These are the basic tools for starting wire working.

Focus on fun.

Your skills refine with practice, and your tool collection grows.

Creatively, Kristal

Materials

Wire
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Sheet
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Beads
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Cabochons
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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
Add to Bag
Xuron Flush Cutter - Pack of 1
G2-504
  • G2-504
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
Add to Bag
4.5 Inch Round Nose Pliers
G2-12
  • G2-12
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.98
Add to Bag
Acculoop Precision Round Nose
PLR-741.00
  • PLR-741.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $18.97
  • Gold Club Price: $14.23
Add to Bag
3 Step Square Pliers
G2-505
  • G2-505
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $37.95
  • Gold Club Price: $28.46
Add to Bag
Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
Add to Bag
Memory Wire Cutters - Pack of 1
G2-36
  • G2-36
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $10.38
  • Gold Club Price: $7.78
Add to Bag
Mighty Crimper
PLR-584.00
  • PLR-584.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
Add to Bag
Original Bead Crimper
PLR-585.00
  • PLR-585.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.97
  • Gold Club Price: $9.73
Add to Bag
5 Inch Bent Nose Pliers
G2-125
  • G2-125
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.98
Add to Bag
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Tools

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