Daily Wire Tip July 7: Scoring Round Nose Pliers for Repetition

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
July 7, 2011

Question:

Hi Dale! I can definitely see the value of scoring the tips of the round nose pliers from the DVDs. May I ask your method of doing so? Have you set it up for loop mm size? It seems to me that would be the best for repetition. Thank you so much for all your motivation and guidance during the learning curve and beyond.

-Michele in Puyallup, Washington

Answer:

Thanks Michele, you are very welcome! Yes, after marking my round nose pliers in locations I used most often and having to constantly replace the ink marks, I used the edge of a small, square, diamond file to score my marks in permanently.

I really didn’t plan my marks to anything scientific or specific – I just marked them in locations I used most often. Such as: the size I need for making consistent wire bracelet connection loops (to insert a hook & eye clasp into); wrapped loops at the top of a headpin charm (depending on what the charm is being attached to), etc. My suggestion is to find your locations while you are working on projects, mark the pliers jaw with a permanent marker, and then score away!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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7 Comments

1. 

   Rockcutter

   July 7, 2011 at 8:44 am

   A very good idea but Wire Sculpture does sell a 6 diameter step pliers that I have and use all the time. This is the stock no.
   6 Step Barrel Plier – Pack of 1
   Product ID: G2-503
   I wouldn’t be caught dead without them.
   • 

     dalecgr

     July 7, 2011 at 7:00 pm

     Yes Rockcutter, I also have both the 3-step and 6-step round nose pliers (or loopers) and I do use them quite a bit, however having made wire jewelry for so many years, there are some size loops and bends I just have to use my favorite “scored” round nose pliers for.
2. 

   Jane Elizabeth Duke

   July 7, 2011 at 10:51 am

   Michele thanks for asking this question… Dale’s scoring suggestion is one of the most valuable I have received. I also used the diamond file with lasting results that have made it extremely easy to replicate the proper sizes without having to rely on my ability to ‘eye-ball it’.
3. 

   Kitty

   July 7, 2011 at 11:52 am

   Another alternative is a pair of stepped pliers.
4. 

   lea Ott

   July 9, 2011 at 4:07 pm

   I think scoring the round-nose pliers is a great idea in that they don’t go away. But do they mark the wire? That is my only problem with this really great idea. Has anyone ever had an issue with this marking technique?
   • 

     dalecgr

     July 9, 2011 at 9:20 pm

     Hi Lea, I have been using my scored round nose pliers since 1995 – with no problems! The “scores” aren’t very deep – the depth is more shallow that the scores on a steel ring mandrel.
5. 

   lea Ott

   July 9, 2011 at 4:08 pm

   I love this idea! I wonder if the score marks the wire or do you just have to adjust your tension when using this method?