TOOLS - THE NEXT ADDITION . . .

Now that you have your essential tools to get started, let’s explore additional tools that will help ease the jewelry creation process, saving you time and enhancing your finished projects.

NOTE: While there are other ways to complete various techniques in Beading Projects, the following recommended tools will greatly speed your processes, save you time & frustration and ensure your finished project is simply perfect!

#1 SPLIT RING PLIER- What TOOL is this?

As shown, split ring pliers typically look like stubby long nose or chain nose pliers, and feature a pointed jaw on one side and a curved catch tip or hook on the other jaw.  This jaw hook is the essential feature for opening split rings.  Additionally these pliers are light-weight and have non slip grips that are easy to hold and use.

Purpose of SPLIT RING PLIERS

The purpose of this tool is to open split rings!

Split Ring Pliers are very easy to use. Simply open the pliers, place the split ring on the flat pointed jaw and then close the pliers. As you close the pliers down, press the curved tip between the rings of the split ring and wedge the split ring open. Once the split ring is open, you can slide it around until the end is securely open with room to add your charm, clasp, or whatever else you may be attaching.

#2 BENT NOSE PLIERS - What TOOL is this?

Bent Nose Pliers have a lot in common with Chain Nose Pliers because they are so versatile.  As the name suggests, the plier’s nose is bent rather than straight.  The very end is bent to about a 45 degree angle. These pliers generally have plastic or rubber-coated handles for easy gripping and fit easily into the hand.  The leaf spring keeps them open and allows easy closing and gripping.

Purpose of BENT NOSE PLIERS?

This tool is ideal for gripping, bending, reaching into tight places and attaching jump rings & components.

#3 BEAD REAMER - What TOOL is this?

Bead Reamers are available in manual or electric models.  The electric model is usually powered by an AA or AAA battery and typically comes with interchangeable bits to allow for use in expanding holes of more than one size or type of bead. Often the bit tips are diamond-coated which ensures life-long durability. The manual Bead Reamer may be purchased in sets of several reamers with different bits. Both types of Reamers, manual and electric, absolutely do the job.  The advantage of the electric model is that the tip is rotated automatically. You simply need to hold the tool in one hand, the bead in the other and let the Bead Reamer do the work! 

Purpose of BEAD REAMER?

This tool is used primarily for enlarging drilled holes in beads when they are too small to accommodate the chosen stringing material. Using a bead reamer to enlarge holes or make holes consistent allows all of the beads from a strand to be used in a project.  Where the edges or insides of holes are rough, a bead reamer may be used to smooth them so there is less risk the bead might cut the stringing material.

#4 CRIMP PLIERS - What TOOL is this?

Crimp Pliers are used to make a neat finish on crimps when applied to tigertail and beading wire.  The pliers have two notches - one which flattens the crimp and bends it, and the other which folds it into a neat small bead
The jaws of the Crimp Plier have two notches: the 1^st, which is farthest from the tip of the plier jaw, has a dimple in the middle and is used to squeeze and flatten the crimp (The Crimper).  The 2^nd notch, which is closest to the tip The Jaw of the plier jaws is used to round the crimp to avoid leaving sharp edges (The Rounder), thus achieving a truly professional finish for your piece.

Crimp Pliers are usually available in three different size and typical crimp sizes are noted:

micro: 1mm
Standard: 2mm
Maxi: 3-4mm

Purpose of Crimp PLIERS?

#5 NYLON JAW PLIERS - What TOOL is this?

These Nylon Jaw Pliers are designed for shaping and sculpting craft wire and for wire wrapping. Nylon jaws protect the surface finish of wire or other materials handled with this plier. No more rebuffing or refinishing surfaces after forming –they keep scratches to a minimum.

They are made of polished stainless steel with box-joint construction for extra leverage. Whether you are a beginner or making a living with your jewelry designs, you will find this tool simply indispensable. All of the nylon jaws are replaceable when they become worn.  

Purpose of NYLON JAW PLIERS?

Nylon jaw pliers have a variety of uses. They protect your work from damage when you want to hold the piece firmly. The Nylon Jaw Pliers are great for shaping, holding, clamping and straightening wire. While they do not work as closely as Chain Nose Pliers for closing jump rings, with patience, they will not leave any marks – particularly on sterling silver or gold filled findings. 

We’re interested to know if you have other suggestions for Additions to your Tool Kit – please let us know what you would recommend and why.  We’d love to hear from you!