Six Most Useful Jewelry Making Tools

Newly hooked on beading, many beginners rush out and buy the first tools they come across. Some fall victim to shoddy tools or tool sets consisting of tools they will never use. Worse, some of these cheap sets actually contain chain nose pliers with teeth - these are the hardware store variety and will mar the delicate wires you will be using.

So here is a round-up of the top six tools the Beading Gem found most useful. I use them all the time. The first three are absolutely essential and are recommended for those starting out who either don't want to shell out too much initially or are unsure if they will continue with the craft. But once you are certain you like making jewelry forever, then by all means invest in the next three.

1. Chain nose pliers
These are used to do flat crimping, their tapered jaws allow access to narrow spots. Also useful to hold the jewelry piece when doing wire-turning. They must NOT contain teeth. If you cannot get one, you can try wrapping the jaws of a regular chain nose with some tape but I would not recommend this other than as a very short term measure.

2. Round nose pliers
These are used to make wire loops. The size of the loops depends on the position along the tapered jaws when turning the wire. Your loops will not work out if you try and make do with just chain nose pliers - I did that when I first started and learnt the hard way. For consistent loop sizes, either mark your pliers with a marker pen or put a little piece of tape at the spot you want.

3. Flush cutter
Sometimes called nippers, these cutters allow you to cut thin wire or thread as close as possible. Electricians use this tool so check electrical supply stores if you are not near a craft or jewelry making shop. To save money for the first little while, you can substitute with a toenail clipper which does the same thing for most situations but it's curved cutting edges are trickier to manage. You'll not regret buying a flush cutter. Do not use this cutter on memory wire - just use regular wire cutters instead.

4, Crimping Pliers
These are alternatives to making flat crimps with chain nose pliers. This is a two-step operation These pliers first apply the crimp tube to the beading wires and then reform it into a rounded tube again. Just to be sure, reposition the pliers again and redo the reforming step a second time, or if you're paranoid like me, a third time.

For a visual tutorial on crimping using specialised pliers like this one and the flat crimping method, check out Karla Kam's video " How to Crimp".

5. Nylon Jaw Pliers
No one is perfect. Wire doesn't always bend to your will. Straighten it again by gripping one end of the wire and stroking the rest of it a few times between the soft jaws of these pliers. A real wire saver when you are working with more expensive metals like sterling silver and gold.

6. Split Ring Pliers
Split rings (looks like key rings except way smaller) are much more secure than just a plain jump ring which can accidentally open. However, trying to open split rings ruins your nails and could expose your children to cuss words they shouldn't hear. These pliers do a wonderful job of keeping the beginning of a split ring open whilst you slide something on it. Just apply the hook end in between the double ring to start.

OTHER USEFUL TOOLS

Chasing Hammer and Anvil
The completely flat side of the hammer head is ideal for flattening wires against an anvil or metal block. The process also hardens the wire making it "remember" its shape. I like the look of hammered metal especially copper but if you'd rather not see the marks, hammer the item between pieces of thick cloth like denim.

Metal File
Small metal files from the hardware store will help you remove the sharp edges to freshly cut wire. The burs must be removed if you are making ear wires yourself as these are threaded through pierced ear holes. You can also use a nifty little tool call a cup bur where you twirl the cut end of your wire in a tiny cup filer.

Bent Chain Nose Pliers
These are like regular chain nose pliers except they are bent. They are useful in situations where the closing action needed is awkward for your wrist. They are also handy as a second pair of chain nose pliers.

Pin vise
These are small pen-like vises that grip two wires so you can twist them together creating prettier wires.

For a tutorial on what these tools look like etc, check out Wigjig's video on jewelry making hand tools.

Definitely some gift ideas here either for yourself or a budding jewelry maker you know!