Thursday 8 November 2012

Necessary Tools To Get For Jewelry Making

By Rod Buchanon


When jewelry making, it is important to ensure that all the necessary tools are present before embarking on a project. Having the right tools can save a lot of time, helping the individual to work efficiently and precisely. While there are a range of fancy tools and gadgets that can be used to create a number different styles and effects, having a few key tools will work just as well to produce the same effects with a little practice.

The very first tool on your list should be some pliers. A set of pliers is absolutely necessary if you plan on getting anywhere at all. Don't go looking for the kind of pliers you would find in a man's toolbox, however! Pliers for jewelry making are small and lightweight, often non-serrated so that they don't do any damage to the wires you would be using.

Flat nose pliers are the most fundamental of all pliers. They are also called chain nose pliers. They are used for a variety of techniques and applications when making pieces that use beads and wire. The jaws of these pliers are shaped like a beak, which is able to bend and straighten wire, close jump rings, or simply keep things steady as you work.

Round nose pliers have jaws with a conical shape. The jaws get narrower closer to the tip. There are no grooves in this type of pliers, in order to not scratch or nick any metal or wire whilst working. Round nose pliers are used to create different sizes of loops. They can close and open jump rings and produce consistently smooth lengths of looped wire.

Wire looping pliers, nylon tipped pliers and crimping pliers are also available but not as necessary. Wire looping pliers simply make it easier and quicker to create loops. Nylon tipped pliers have removable soft tips that are ideal for handling very delicate materials that are prone to scratching. Crimping pliers can close crimp beads nicely and neatly without damaging the loop.

Another important tool is a pair of cutters. There are two types of cutters: bevel and flush. Bevel cutters are generally less costly. They produce an edge that is cut at an angle, which may require some filing to finish. Flush cutters, however, cut wire and leave a flat face instead of an angle.

Any rough tips or edges left by a pair of cutters will need filing, so a file is also a necessary item. Files can be used on beads as well as on wire. They come in sets with a variety of sizes so that the right size can be used for the right project.

Finally, when it comes to jewelry making tools, a kit is incomplete without a pair of tweezers for ease and precision; some needles for beading; and also thread or thin wire for beading. It is best to have a range of needle sizes to suit the type of project. Glue is also great to have on hand for a variety of reasons. There are many different types of adhesives available to suit any kind of artwork.




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