If you're getting into jewelry making, you need three pliers: chain nose, round nose, and flat nose. That's it. Add a pair of cutters and you can do everything we do in basic jewelry making. We've been working with these tools since 1997 and they're still the foundation of everything at the bench.
What Each Plier Does
Chain nose pliers have tapered, flat-inside jaws that come to a fine point. They're your workhorse — you'll reach for these more than anything else. Use them for gripping wire, crimping, tucking ends, and getting into tight spaces.
Round nose pliers have two conical jaws that taper to a point. They're what you use to make loops — simple loops, wrapped loops, ear wires, and bending memory wire. Where you place the wire on the jaw determines the size of your loop. Closer to the tip means a smaller loop.
Flat nose pliers have wide, flat jaws with no taper. They give you a strong, even grip for coiling, holding flat pieces, and turning sharp angles. They're also your second hand when opening jump rings — hold one side with chain nose, the other with flat nose, and twist.
What You'll Use Them For
- Wire wrapping and briolette wraps — all three pliers working together
- Opening jump rings — chain nose + flat nose (never pull them apart, always twist)
- Crimping — chain nose pliers fold the crimp
- Making loops — round nose for every kind of loop and for shaping memory wire
- Coiling and sharp angles — flat nose gives you the leverage and grip
Three Tiers: Starter, Premium, Professional
The Basic Set
All three pliers in one set. These are made with standard steel and simpler jaw shapes. They work well and they're affordable — perfect if you're just starting out or you bead about once a month. If you only need one of the three, contact us and we'll sell it individually.
Premium Pliers
German-made with high-quality carbon steel and nicely polished jaws. The difference you'll feel right away is how smoothly they grip — polished jaws leave fewer marks on your wire. These are for someone who wants a quality tool that performs well from day one and should last decades. We sell these individually, so you can buy exactly what you need.
The Jeweler's Set
Swedish-made, and honestly, these are the ones we use ourselves. The steel is harder, the jaws are more precisely machined, and the spring tension feels effortless even after hours of work. We've been using and selling these for over twenty years and we can't say enough about them. If you're serious about your craft, this is where you end up.
The best tool advice we can give: buy the best you can afford. Cheap pliers fight you. Good pliers disappear in your hand and let you focus on the work.
We carry all three tiers in the store. Come in and try them — the difference is something you feel the moment you pick them up.