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Jewelry Tools
Wire Cutters
Micro-bevel-Leaves a minimal rise or "pinch" on the cut ends giving you a smaller
surface area for soldering. Allows for a very wide cutting range and variety of uses. If the cutting result is not critical, use this cutter for the best capacity and life in most applications.
Flush cutter -A flush cutting edge will leave a narrower and shorter taper along the "pinch". Flush cutters have finer cutting edges than a semi-flush or micro-bevel cutters.
Ultra-flush cutter-The unique ultra-flush cutters leave a flat surface on cut ends which virtually eliminate the "pinch" left by most cutters. It has a more limited cutting range and greater possibility for edge damage due to misuse.
Shear cutter-Used for cutting hard music wire, and will not nick or dull like ordinary cutters. Each end of the wire is cut relatively square, making it easier to rejoin the ends when soldering.
As you can see, each one has its specific uses and limitations.
These guidelines should help you to choose the right one for your needs.
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Jewelry Pliers
There are four main types of pliers, each designed for specific uses:
Flat nose
Broad, flat jaws used for gripping and holding wire and
creating angular bends.
Round nose
Smooth, round jaws used for making loops and round bends
in wire.
Chain nose
Pointed flat nose pliers, used for gripping and tucking in wire
ends, and getting into tight places.
Bent chain nose
Chain nose pliers with a 45 degree bend for getting into
tight places.
To help you decide which pliers are best for the task at hand:
1) Tip size - For very delicate work with finer wire, slimmer pliers with a fine tip will work the best. For heavier wire, you'll want wider, heavier jaws. Make sure to observe the tolerances of the pliers that you are using - don't use a fine tipped pliers on heavy wire or you'll damage the tips.
2) Tension springs - Some pliers have a spring to keep the jaws apart, while others have a single or double leaf spring, or no spring at all. These tension springs cut down on fatigue if you use your pliers a lot. Pliers without springs cause you to open and close the pliers manually, which may cause hand strain. If your hands tire easily or you do a lot of pliers work, get jewelry pliers with springs.
3) Jaw length - Short jaw pliers are thicker and stronger. They are designed to work with the tip for fine work, and can bend heavier materials. Long jaw pliers have less taper per millimeter than short jaw pliers, and have a greater reach to make a longer bend. They have longer handles for better balance and greater leverage. Because of the length, the tips are not as strong as the short jaw pliers, and can be damaged more easily.
4) Metal - There are two types of metal pliers: Stainless steel is rust resistant.
It is a tough metal that gives reasonable life and is a good value for the money. The jaws can nick with use, so they may require some maintenance.
Hardened tool steel is the hardest, strongest, longest lasting material.
The jaws are tough and resist nicking with normal use. The downside is that it has a tendency to rust in humid environments, so it should be treated periodically with Cosmoline or WD-40 to coat the metal.
Other Important Tools:
Bead Reamer Tool
This is my favorite, a three-piece bead reamer set. It's for enlarging and smoothing of small or rough holed beads. The "diamond coating" makes it long lasting and perfect for 'hard' materials. Always use eye protection when using devices such as this. Also use water as a lubricant to protect beads from cracking or chipping from the heat caused by the friction of using this tool.
Crimp Tool
This tool is considered as a pair of specialty pliers.
Used with crimp beads or crimp tubes, this plier forms a finished crimp bead whose diameter is less than 2mm. The finished crimp can be hidden in a clamp-style bead tip or slipped into a large-hole bead. Jewelry Tools
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