By Rod Buchanon


Jewelry making is an art that requires a specific set of tools in order to get the best results. Having the proper tool kit can be time-saving, promoting efficient and precise work. There are lots of extra tools and other gadgets that do all sorts of fancy things for different end results. However, having the basic set of important tools means that a jewelry maker can do practically anything that comes to mind with a little time and practice.

First and foremost, every jewelry maker needs a set of pliers. Pliers come in many different shapes and forms, but they are at the top of the list in order to be able to do anything at all. The pliers in question are not the same type of pliers used for household repairs. For accessory making, pliers are small and have smoother surfaces, to ensure that wire work does not get nicked or damaged during handling.

Chain nose or flat nose pliers are undoubtedly the most important kind of pliers to own. They can do a number of things that are very important when it comes to creating pieces with wire and metal. The jaws of a set of chain nose pliers are beak-shaped. They are used to bend wire into angular shapes or even straighten wire. They can also close jump rings, another essential part of creating accessories, and they can be used to hold things in place while working.

The conical shape of the jaws of round nose pliers allows them to easily create smooth loops and curves. The pliers lack grooves, which makes it perfect for not putting and damage marks on pieces of wire or metal. They too can close jump rings, as well as open them. They are generally used for creating continuous loops.

Other pliers include wire looping pliers, crimping pliers and nylon tipped pliers, which are specially created to use with softer materials so that they don't get scratched or damaged during handling. Wire looping pliers make looping quick and easy. Crimping pliers are used to close crimp beads into neat, flat beds.

If you are going to work with wire then you are going to definitely need to get a pair of cutters. You can choose between flush cutters or bevel cutters. Bevel cutters are less expensive, probably because it requires more work to finish the project after cutting wire at an angle. This leaves a wire tip that often requires you to file it down to finish. The other kind, however, cut to provide a flat finish to the wire tip.

Of course, if the cutters used leave any sort of rough edge that needs finishing, then another necessary tool to have is a file. Not only can files be used to smooth rough ends of wire, they can also be used to make beads smoother. They are available in packs of assorted sizes to accommodate a number of projects.

Finally in the list of necessary jewelry making tools are a pair of tweezers, needles and thread. Tweezers will help with precision work. Needles and thread will be necessary for beading, although thin wire can also be used instead of thread. It is advisable to get a range of sizes of needle. Glue should also be purchased for a tool kit, as it is an indispensable tool to have for all sorts of work.




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