Daily Wire Tip July 13: Beading Tools to Wire Wrapping Tools

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
July 13, 2011

Question:

I’m new to wire wrapping, but I love the medium. I have a beginner’s set of beading tools but in recently working with 18- and 20-gauge half-hard sterling, I realized I need stronger tools. Will you recommend which tools specifically, and manufacturers if there are some, that are best for wire? Thanks so much!

-Betsey in West Linn, Oregon

Answer:

I am happy to help, Betsey! Quality tools produce quality work and are nice to your hands and wrists, too. The best advice I can give you is to direct you to the post I wrote about all types of wire jewelry making tools, their uses and my opinions on which to buy for what. If my Ultimate Jewelry Tool Shopping List doesn’t give you the information you need, I am sure our fellow wire artists will jump in and comment with their experiences with their favorite tools, too!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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4 Comments

1. 

   DeLane

   July 13, 2011 at 8:51 am

   Betsey, my suggestions to the students in my classes is, if at all possible, hold the prospective tools in your hand and see if they fit. Are they comfortable? Does each tool have a spring that will return the tool to its original position, thus lessing the work you have to do to use them. And the best fit may not be the most expensive. Sometimes it is better to have a good fit and replace the tool every few years rather than spend an enormous amount on a set of tools. After all, you are going to have to invest in wire, beads, stones, and other tools, too.
2. 

   Adrien

   July 13, 2011 at 10:43 am

   Hello Dale and Betsy,

   Three years ago I purchased my set of wire wrapping pliers. I am not near a large centre so I had topurchase them sight unseen. My recommendation is that you do your research and purchase the best tools you can afford. They will last for years and be become an extension of you. I know from my woodworking experience, tools don’t make you into a craftsman or artist, but they sure help you excel at your craft! I had narrowed my selection down to Lindstroms, Swanstroms and Wubbers. I finally settled for the Wubbers 6 pac and have been very pleased with them. I cannot give you a comparissin with the other sets. If you have the opprtuniry the best thing is to try them and get a feel for what is comfortble in your hands.

   Adrien
3. 

   Sherrie Lingerfelt

   July 13, 2011 at 5:15 pm

   The thing is Betsey, tools are very personal. We all have our favorites and many times it’s a mix and match of brands. It’s a matter of preference in how the tool feels and preforms for you and what you are attemting to do. Go to a few wholesale shows and handle the tools at different booths to see which ones you prefere. Shows can be overwhellming, so if you know someone who has been, ask if you can tag along.
   Good luck!
   Sherrie
4. 

   Mary Phillips

   July 13, 2011 at 10:26 pm

   My most often used pliers are my miniature set, probably the cheapest tools I have. But I agree that fitting them to your hand is a good idea. Also, better to buy one or two good ones and add as you can afford.