Choosing Pliers
If you're diving into wire jewelry, you'll quickly find that not all pliers are created equal. In fact, finding the right ones can make a huge difference - not just in how your jewelry turns out, but in how your hands feel after a long day at the bench.
I've worked with a lot of tools over the years, and I keep coming back to the same core set again and again. Here's what I've learned about choosing pliers that work with you, not against you.
I've worked with a lot of tools over the years, and I keep coming back to the same core set again and again. Here's what I've learned about choosing pliers that work with you, not against you.
When making jewelry, you're often told to buy the best tools you can afford.
That's not always true. I own inexpensive dime-store tools as well as high-end name brands, and each has its place.
The tools I use most often stay on my desktop, while specialty tools are stored in clear shoe boxes in a cabinet nearby for easy access.
Most people start jewelry making with wire and wire weaving, and a simple tool set is enough at first.
Wirework is often called the gateway to sheet metal and torches. When you advance, better pliers and higher-end tools become necessary.
As we age, different tools may be needed ah, the joys of the "rusted" years!
When you're just starting, it's hard to justify spending a lot on tools if you're unsure you'll continue.
wirejewelry.com offers their own brand of basic tool sets that cover your needs well.
These sets are so good you might not need any other tools, but you may want to try new brands later on.
That's not always true. I own inexpensive dime-store tools as well as high-end name brands, and each has its place.
The tools I use most often stay on my desktop, while specialty tools are stored in clear shoe boxes in a cabinet nearby for easy access.
Most people start jewelry making with wire and wire weaving, and a simple tool set is enough at first.
Wirework is often called the gateway to sheet metal and torches. When you advance, better pliers and higher-end tools become necessary.
As we age, different tools may be needed ah, the joys of the "rusted" years!
When you're just starting, it's hard to justify spending a lot on tools if you're unsure you'll continue.
wirejewelry.com offers their own brand of basic tool sets that cover your needs well.
These sets are so good you might not need any other tools, but you may want to try new brands later on.
Things to consider:
Price
Low-end hobby store pliers are just that low end and not meant to last, so the price per use can end up being high.
For example, I use a hobby store pink-handled pair (left in the photo) to hold wire when making balled head pins with a torch.
Their jaws aren't smooth like higher-end pliers, so they grip wire securely.
Lower-end flat nose pliers (not shown) have textured jaws that help hold soldered jump rings when shaping them into ovals.
The black tips on the round nose pliers, second from the left, are also textured, making it easier to hold wire ends when starting a spiral coil.
Smooth surfaces on higher-end tools (the two on the right) are less likely to mar metal.
Price
Low-end hobby store pliers are just that low end and not meant to last, so the price per use can end up being high.
For example, I use a hobby store pink-handled pair (left in the photo) to hold wire when making balled head pins with a torch.
Their jaws aren't smooth like higher-end pliers, so they grip wire securely.
Lower-end flat nose pliers (not shown) have textured jaws that help hold soldered jump rings when shaping them into ovals.
The black tips on the round nose pliers, second from the left, are also textured, making it easier to hold wire ends when starting a spiral coil.
Smooth surfaces on higher-end tools (the two on the right) are less likely to mar metal.
Handle Length
The length of the handle should fit your hand as well as the project being worked on.
The jaws of the same type of plier may be similar in size, but the handles different in length.
Longer handles can translate to less hand strain when manipulating wire and metal.
The length of the handle should fit your hand as well as the project being worked on.
The jaws of the same type of plier may be similar in size, but the handles different in length.
Longer handles can translate to less hand strain when manipulating wire and metal.
Handle Width
The thicker the handle, the less hand strain caused when working on a project for long periods with the tool.
It takes more work to hold a thinner/smaller handle.
The thicker the handle, the less hand strain caused when working on a project for long periods with the tool.
It takes more work to hold a thinner/smaller handle.
Jaw Spring Back
Most pliers have some type of double leaf spring (see first photo), which makes opening and closing the jaws easier on your hand.
However, holding pliers closed for long periods can quickly cause hand fatigue.
Lindstrom solved this with a line of pliers featuring an adjustable Bio-Spring (second photo) that helps reduce strain.
Most pliers have some type of double leaf spring (see first photo), which makes opening and closing the jaws easier on your hand.
However, holding pliers closed for long periods can quickly cause hand fatigue.
Lindstrom solved this with a line of pliers featuring an adjustable Bio-Spring (second photo) that helps reduce strain.
Most specialty pliers do not have a spring to automatically open the jaws.
Health
Padded handles, ergonomic grips, and pliers that fit your hand are essential if you're serious about wire and metal work.
What works for someone else might not work for you.
Expect some trial and error before finding the best tools for your needs, which will change over time.
Always stay open to trying new things.
No matter what pliers you use, be mindful of muscle strain.
Repetitive motions can cause physical damage, so take a break every 30 minutes or so to stretch and relieve tension.
Years from now, your body will thank you for that habit.
Padded handles, ergonomic grips, and pliers that fit your hand are essential if you're serious about wire and metal work.
What works for someone else might not work for you.
Expect some trial and error before finding the best tools for your needs, which will change over time.
Always stay open to trying new things.
No matter what pliers you use, be mindful of muscle strain.
Repetitive motions can cause physical damage, so take a break every 30 minutes or so to stretch and relieve tension.
Years from now, your body will thank you for that habit.
Materials
No materials listed
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
LINDSTROM EX KIT- 4PC
PLR-7000EX
- PLR-7000EX
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $276.89
- Gold Club Price: $207.67
Lindstrom RX Ergonomic Chain Nose Pliers
G2-7890RX
- G2-7890RX
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $71.57
- Gold Club Price: $53.68
Dual Size Round Nose Plier
G2-719
- G2-719
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $34.95
- Gold Club Price: $26.21
6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1
G2-503
- G2-503
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $14.95
- Gold Club Price: $11.21
Classic Wubbers Chain Nose Pliers
G2-1234
- G2-1234
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $27.97
- Gold Club Price: $20.98
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- Category: Tools
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Judy Larson
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