How to Use Jewelry Pliers as a Beginner
Starting out with jewelry making and not sure what to do with those pliers? You're not alone. Jewelry pliers might look intimidating at first, but once you know what each one is for, they become indispensable. In this guide we explain exactly which pliers you need, what they're used for and how to use them correctly as a beginner.
Which Jewelry Pliers Do You Need as a Beginner?
For most jewelry projects you need three basic pliers. Together they cover virtually all the actions you'll encounter when making necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry.
1. Round Nose Pliers
Round nose pliers are recognizable by their round, conical jaws. You use them for:
- Making round loops in wire - for example at the end of a bead pin
- Bending round rings - for connecting components
- Making fine curves - in thin wire
Round nose pliers are the most versatile of the three and are used in almost every jewelry project.
2. Flat Nose Pliers
Flat nose pliers have a flat, smooth jaw without teeth. You use them for:
- Opening and closing jump rings - the most common action in jewelry making
- Securing crimp beads - to fix wire to a clasp or chain
- Holding components firmly - while working with the other hand
- Straightening wire - for a neat finish
Flat nose pliers are the pliers you'll have in your hands most often. Good flat nose pliers make the difference between jewelry that is neatly finished and jewelry that looks messy.
3. Wire Cutters
Wire cutters, also called side cutters, are used for:
- Cutting wire - as close as possible to a crimp bead or loop
- Removing excess wire - for a neat finish
- Cutting through wire - when working with sturdier materials
Good wire cutters cut wire cleanly without deforming it. Cheap wire cutters sometimes leave a sharp point that can scratch. It's worth investing in good quality wire cutters.
How to Use Jewelry Pliers Correctly
Now that you know which pliers are for what, it's time to learn how to use them correctly. Here are the most common actions in jewelry making and how to perform them.
Opening and Closing Jump Rings
This is the action you'll perform most often. Opening and closing jump rings correctly is essential for a strong and beautiful piece of jewelry.
Here's how:
- Hold the jump ring with flat nose pliers in your dominant hand
- Hold a second pair of pliers in your other hand for more grip
- Twist the ring sideways open, not apart
- Slide the component you want to attach onto the jump ring
- Twist the ring back until it is firmly closed
Important tip: always twist the ring sideways, never pull it apart. If you pull the ring apart it loses its round shape and will never close neatly again.
Securing Crimp Beads
Crimp beads are used to fix wire to a chain or clasp. They are small but essential for a strong end result.
Here's how:
- Thread the crimp bead onto the wire
- Thread the wire through the link or ring where you want to attach it
- Fold the wire double so you have two wires next to each other
- Slide the crimp bead as close as possible to the link
- Squeeze the crimp bead firmly with flat nose pliers
- Check that it's really secure by gently pulling on the wire
Making Loops with Round Nose Pliers
Loops are used with bead pins to make a small circle to which you can attach a jump ring.
Here's how:
- Thread your beads onto the bead pin
- Bend the pin with your fingers at a 90 degree angle just above the top bead
- Grip the end of the pin with the tip of the round nose pliers
- Wrap the pin around the jaw of the pliers to form a round loop
- Cut off any excess wire with the wire cutters as close to the loop as possible
Helpful Tips for Beginners Using Jewelry Pliers
Never use toothed pliers on jewelry. Pliers with teeth or ridges leave scratches on your materials. Always use pliers with smooth jaws.
Work with two pliers for jump rings. One for stability, one for movement. This gives you much more control.
Keep your pliers clean. Wipe your pliers with a clean cloth after use. Dirt and grease can damage your materials.
Practice on cheap materials. New to pliers? Practice on inexpensive jump rings before working with your nice stainless steel components.
Take your time. Rushing is the enemy of good jewelry. Especially with small jump rings and crimp beads it pays to work calmly and precisely.
Choose ergonomic pliers. Pliers with comfortable rubber handles are much less tiring during longer sessions. Especially when making multiple pieces of jewelry in a row you'll notice the difference.
Which Pliers Do You Need for Our DIY Kits?
With most CraftYourJewelry kits a set of pliers is helpful but not always required. For our pearl necklace kit you need all three pliers: round nose pliers for making loops on the bead pin, flat nose pliers for opening jump rings and securing crimp beads, and wire cutters for cutting off excess wire.
For our phone cord with acrylic beads you only need flat nose pliers to attach the lobster clasps.
On every product page we clearly state which tools are useful for that specific kit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Pliers
Can I use regular household pliers? This is not recommended. Household pliers often have teeth or ridges that leave scratches on your jewelry materials. Jewelry pliers have smooth jaws and are much more precise.
How expensive are good jewelry pliers? You don't need expensive pliers to work well. A set of three quality jewelry pliers is available at an affordable price and is perfect for beginners.
How long do jewelry pliers last? With good maintenance, quality jewelry pliers last for years. Store them dry, wipe them after use and don't drop them on hard surfaces.
Do I need all three pliers? For most kits yes. Flat nose pliers are used most often. Round nose pliers and wire cutters are needed for kits where you make loops or cut wire.
Conclusion
Jewelry pliers are indispensable when making beautiful, neatly finished jewelry. With the three basic pliers: round nose pliers, flat nose pliers and wire cutters, you can perform virtually all the actions you'll encounter when making necklaces and bracelets. Practice the basic actions, take your time and you'll quickly find that working with pliers is much more intuitive than it looks at first glance.
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