How many pliers do you know?
Honestly, up to now I am only familiar with three - chain nose pliers, wire cutter and round nose pliers. These are the only tools that I use when making handmade jewelries.
Before I use to think that these 3 pliers will be the only pliers I’ll need, but since I am now exploring deeper into chain maille making there are times how I wish I had "this and that" type of pliers. You may not be into chain maille or wire jewelry making and you’re forte’ is beading, knowing different types of pliers will come in very handy someday.
In trying to search the types of pliers I want to buy I figured; why not share them to our dear club members? Who knows you may find that you may need them too.
Wide Nose Pliers and Flat Nose Pliers
Both the appearance and use of wide nose and flat nose pliers are similar. They both have a flat and square ends. The only difference is that the wide nose’s tip is wider than the latter.
For chain maille these two are great when working with big jump rings. The wide tip gives you better control of the jump ring and prevents slipping. For wire jewelry, both are great for pulling and bending.
Chain Nose Pliers
makejewelry.com
Half-rounded on the outside and flat on the inside, the chain nose pliers come really handy when I’m making chain maille. I have two of these; one on my left hand and on my dominant hand. The tip works well with small jump rings and the tapered jaws grips the rings easily. In my experience the chain nose is not advisable to use when working with harder to bend jump rings or bigger gauge wires as the pointed tip tends to slip off and we don’t want the tapered jaws to mark the jump rings.
You can also use the chain nose for wire jewelry when pulling and bending, especially if you want a smaller radius of loops.
Bent Nose Pliers
by Inspire with Wire
Now this I would really want to have, especially when working with tight chain maille weaves. Sometimes the chain nose pliers are too big to grip the jump rings, the bent and small tip ends of the bent nose pliers can do an awesome work.
Some brands of pliers name this type the Bent Chain Nose Pliers.
Flush Cutters
Beads Talk
Flush cutters are used to cut wires but not suitable for cutting memory wires. If you're making chain maille and makes your own jump rings the Full Flush Cutter is the best tool as it leaves both ends flat. No need to trim off or file the other end to flatten. Of course, both wire cutters are useful for making handmade jewelries.
Round Nose Pliers
Objects and Elements
This type of pliers, I'm sure we are all familiar with :)If you're into wire jewelry making and likes to make perfect loops, this is the right tool. The rounded jaw has a different size of loops from the pointed tip to the broader base.
Looping Jewelry Pliers
Beadaholique
This is a special tool for making multiple loops with sturdy or strong wire. Making loops on memory wires is a piece of cake with Wire Looping Pliers.
Nylon Jaw Pliers
If you don't want to mark the coating on your wires the nylon jaw pliers is the tool to use. The tip of the nylon jaw pliers has special cap, that protects the wire from getting scratched or marked by the jaw's teeth or rough edges. Nylon jaw pliers can also be used to straighten wire and remove the bent marks and to have a smooth long wire to work on.
I'm sure there are other pliers available out there that I'm not aware off. If you have a special pliers that you use share them with us. They might come in handy too :)
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