Round Nose Pliers Buying Guide
You may not find a pair of round nose
pliers in a handyman's everyday tool box, but visit your local
jewellery shop and it may be a different story. These particular pliers, which have short gripping jaws, make them a poor choice for a lot of household chores, but great for gripping wires and creating intricate bends and twists. Jewellery makers often use round nose pliers to bend wire loops for hooks and clasps in their pieces, or they may even use them to create patterns of curls and curves for wire
earrings,
bracelets and
cuffs. Round nose pliers are also useful for smaller jobs, like
watch and
eye glasses repair. So if you're beginning to get into your own beading, jewellery making or want to repair a special heirloom, it may be worth it to invest in a quality pair of round nose pliers.
Special Features
* Unlike heavy-duty workman's pliers, round nose pliers often have a smooth finish that won't damage jewellery wire.
* Their conical shaped jaws make them perfect for making round wire loops.
* Many have foam grips and double leaf springs to make use easier for small crafts or removing the links from watches and bracelets.
* Some are specifically constructed with ergonomicallypressure box joints.
* Quality round nose pliers are typically made from steel or a carbon steel composite for durability.
* High end models also often feature micro precision tips for the most intricate of tasks.
Major Manufacturers
It's easiest to find speciality round nose pliers through online suppliers, craft stores and jewellery retailers that sell beads, wire, thread and other doyourself products. To add some direction to your search, familiarize yourself with the popular brands that promise durability and comfort. Some such brands include:
*
Aven
*
Beadsmith
*
Channellock
*
Lindstrom
*
Proto
*
SK
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