5 Insanely Useful Jewelry-Making Pliers You Need

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Here are five jewelry-making pliers that make the process of creating beaded jewelry even easier and more fun.

There are so many types of jewelry you can create. And, each one requires its own set of jewelry-making tools and equipment. Some of these are essential and without them, you wouldn’t be able to complete certain tasks. Then, there are others that are just really helpful to have on hand.

I thought it’d be fun to go through a few that are nice to have as part of your beading supplies. Most of these pliers are ones that I’ve personally used and love.

So, if you’re looking for some additional tools to add to your collection that will make beading much easier, here’s the list…

5 Jewelry-Making Pliers You Need

1. 4-in-1 Pliers

The 4-in-1 pliers is exactly what it sounds like — it provides the functionality of four separate pliers in one. With this tool, you get a round nose, chain nose, flat nose and side cutter.

This jewelry pliers is perfect for travelling, taking it with you to classes and if you just don’t want a lot of tools lying around your home.

I would still recommend having another pliers for opening and closing jump rings. A bent nose pliers would be the perfect addition. They allow you to work in tricky areas without putting too much strain on your hands and allow you to see what you’re doing better.

2. Split Ring Pliers

I know many beaders prefer using split rings to attach clasps to their jewelry. If you’re one of the many who struggle to properly open and close jump rings, then I definitely recommend using them.

However, split rings can be difficult to open. That’s where a split ring pliers comes in handy. These jewelry-making pliers have a bent, pointed tip that’s used to separate the coils of a split ring.

Here’s how to use a split ring pliers.

This is the only pliers on this list that I have not personally tried, simply because I don’t really use split rings. But, I do know that they are highly recommended by beaders who do use split rings regularly.

3. Crimping Pliers

Crimp tubes are a great way to secure jewelry wire. Some people opt to flatten them using a flat or chain nose pliers. However, if you want a more professional look, you should definitely use a crimping pliers.

The crimping pliers locks the crimp tube into place around the wire and then creates a cylindrical shape that’s aesthetically pleasing.

4. Memory Wire Cutter

Memory wire is made of incredibly strong tempered steel wire that maintains its coiled shape. I used this to create plenty of simple bracelets and necklaces when I first got started with jewelry-making.

All you need to do is slide on beads or other components to adorn the wire, add a loop or glue-on finding to the end of the wire that secures the beads and you’re done!

This wire can very easily damage regular cutters because it’s so hard. Seriously, I’ve seen dents left in regular cutters after beaders use them to cut memory wire. Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you use memory wire cutters.

5. One-Step Looper

I was so excited when I discovered the one-step looper tool years ago. It was a life saver for me who hates creating loops in wire components e.g. headpins.

So, how does this magical tool work?

Well, you insert the headpin, eyepin or piece of wire into the slot and squeeze the pliers shut. It simultaneously creates a loop in the wire and cuts the excess off at the same time.

Amazing right?

Here’s a video showing how it works:

If you create lots of earrings or need to make consistently-sized loops in wire, you’ll be kicking yourself that you didn’t know about this pliers sooner. (I know I did.)

And, that’s it! A list of jewelry-making pliers that I know you’ll love as much as I do.

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