Make Your Own Nylon Jaw Pliers

by Kylie Jones
Round nose pliers with a plastic or nylon flat jaw are a really handy tool. I wanted a pair that were really small to make tiny loops so I made my own. I used thermoplastic (or Friendly Plastic All Purpose Pellets)which is nontoxic, easy to use and sets to a hard, fairly durable surface. As with the bought pliers the plastic jaw flat surface is degraded with use but with these pliers you can just warm up the plastic and re-do the flat surface.
Instructions
I started with a pair of small round nose pliers and enough thermoplastic pellets to cover one jaw. I guessed the amount which was about 1 teaspoon. I heated the plastic in a stainless steel spoon by pouring very hot water into the spoon. Once the white pellets turned clear I used the end of the plier jaw to pick up the whole gloopy mess. It is still pretty hot so you need to be careful handling and shaping. Make sure your fingers are wet or the plastic will stick.
Kylie Jones's Make Your Own Nylon Jaw Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, make your own nylon jaw pliers
Kylie Jones's Make Your Own Nylon Jaw Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, make your own nylon jaw pliers
Kylie Jones's Make Your Own Nylon Jaw Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, make your own nylon jaw pliers
Shape the plastic jaw however you want it. I used a piece of wood to get the flat shape. Any surface you use needs to be wet so it doesn't stick. The base of the jaw needs to be slightly angled in so the pliers can close neatly. Make sure your pliers are completely dry as the steel will rust if left wet.
Kylie Jones's Make Your Own Nylon Jaw Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, make your own nylon jaw pliers
Kylie Jones's Make Your Own Nylon Jaw Pliers - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, make your own nylon jaw pliers
To re-surface the plastic jaw simply place the jaw in warm water and re-shape.

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Name Writing Long Round Nose Pliers
G2-93
  • G2-93
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.47
  • Gold Club Price: $10.10
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Precision Round Nose Pliers - Pack of 1
G2-5
  • G2-5
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.97
  • Gold Club Price: $5.23
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Tools