How to Use Basic Wire Jewelry Tools

Six tools will get you started on making your own wire jewelry. Tools designed specifically for making jewelry are the best - they're the right size and they'll protect your wire.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jewelry Supplies
• Seamstress Measuring Tapes
• Tackle Boxes
• Pliers For Jewelry Making

1. Use round-nose pliers for making loops. These pliers are rounded and smooth, so they won't leave rough areas on your wire.

2. Make a loop by placing wire in the tool's jaws and twisting your wrist and the pliers to wrap the wire around the jaws and form the loop. Vary the size of the loop by using the smaller tips of the pliers for a small loop and the larger area toward the base of the pliers for a larger loop.

3. Work in smaller areas or hard-to-reach places with bent-nose pliers. Choose a pair with a smooth finish on the inside where you will place the wire.

4. Cut your wire with diagonal-cutting pliers. These pliers allow you to cut your wire flush.

5. Grip wire or pry jump rings apart with chain-nose pliers. These pliers are rounded on the outside with a flat surface on the inside.

6. Remove burrs or rough places on the ends of the wire using a burr cup. Stick the end of your cut wire into the small cup and twist until it is smooth. This is a necessity for making earring wires.

7. Use a seamstress measuring tape to measure the length of wire or chain for jewelry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can dip tool heads into a plastic coating to keep them from marring your wire.
• There are other tools that you'll want to add to your toolbox. Crimping pliers, jigs, and tools to make curly wire will all come in handy when making your own jewelry, accessories and decorations.