Have you ever looked admiringly through a shop window at a piece of handmade jewelry only to gasp as you glance at the price? Well, take another breath, because that pricey necklace was probably made with just a few dollars worth of components. So it’s not surprising that more and more people are now making their own custom designs to both wear and to sell. All you need are creativity, a little time, some supplies, and tools. For many beginners, it is this last item that is the stumbling block. But don’t let a little confusion about beading tools prevent you from starting on a very rewarding hobby. Who knows, soon other people may be gasping at your creation in a boutique window.

So, you’ve got an idea for a project, and you’ve found some really great beads and findings. What tools do you need? The answer to this question may depend on the nature of your project, but there are certain tools that will always be essential. Other tools are more specialized, and can be added to your kit as your skill level progresses or the need arises.
Pliers

These are without a doubt the single most important jewelry making tool. But we’re not talking about your household toolbox pliers. These are smaller specialized pliers that each perform a different function. An important thing to note is that almost all jewelry pliers have smooth work surfaces, unlike home improvement tools, that tend to have ‘teeth’ or serrated surfaces, to enhance the grip on metal nuts and bolts. Rough surfaces are the last thing you need when you are dealing with delicate wires and beads.

Chain Nose Pliers
The first beading tool that you should buy. Chain Nose Pliers have jaws that come to a small point. They are used to bend wire at angles, straighten wire, close jump rings, and hold beads and other pieces in place. It’s a good idea to have two pairs of these pliers (one for each hand) for maneuvering and manipulating wire into different forms. Or for versatility, try purchasing one regular chain nose pliers and one bent nose chain nose pliers.
 
Round Nose Pliers   
Have conical noses and are wider at the base, tapering at the tip. They’re versatile tools used for creating loops of all sizes, opening and closing jump rings, and creating wire work and long chains. Their jaws have no grooves, so they’re less likely to scratch or nick metal surfaces.
 
Wire Looping Pliers
I’ve included these in the list although there are not traditionally considered an “essential” tool (I don’t know why). If you’re making jewelry you’re going to make loops. Probably lots of loops! They’re easy to use, and give you perfect results with repetitive wire loop-making, and they are strong enough for making the finishing loops in heavy memory wire.
 
Crimping Pliers   
Crimp beads are tiny tubes of metal that are most often used to form a loop at the clasp end of a piece of jewelry. This tool will neatly fold and flatten your crimps keeping your wire loop, and clasp, in place.
 
Nylon Tipped Pliers
Have replaceable nylon jaws that let you work with delicate or soft materials without scratching them. Also used to straighten wire.

Cutters

Most jewelry making projects will require cutting some kind of material (wire, cord, thread etc). For wire there are two basic types of cutters:
Bevel Cutter : Leave an angled-cut edge that usually requires filing in order to properly finish.
Flush Cutter   Creates a flat face as they cut. They’re generally pricier than bevel cutters.

For thread you can use household scissors or high quality, super sharp Scissors (such as Fiskars brand) which are handy for cutting some advanced beading threads which are thin, and super strong.

Files
Use files to gently file roughness away from wire ends and beads. There are a variety of shapes of files, and they’re often sold together in packs that include all the ones you’ll need. If you make your own ear wires, these are indispensable for smoothing the sharp cut ends.


Tweezers    
If you’re thinking of using thread to string pearls or gemstones and want to place knots in between, you’ll find that tweezers are the tool of choice.
 

Needles     There are two basic types:

   1. Flexible Needles : These generally have a large eye that is threaded, then flattened in order to pass through a bead hole. And they’re flexible in order to pass through tight or curved spaces. These are considered to be disposable after a single use.
 
   2. Rigid Needles : Like sewing needle but much thinner in order to fit through the tiny holes of smaller beads.

Adhesives
Many beading projects call for a dab of Glue . Sometimes at the end of a cord to help secure a clasp that is being crimped, sometimes to glue a knot. Use it sparingly, but definitely use it.
 

Measuring and Design Beading Board
A Beading Board is a great way to layout your designs without having beads wandering all over your table and without having to so much as cut a thread. Again, there are choices. Large, small. Some have covers that make them handy for travel.

Gauge   or Ruler:

Go to any website, book or magazine and you’ll find beads and components are given measurements in millimeters and centimeters. Want to check that you’re using a 5mm jump ring for that charm bracelet? You need this.
 

Honorable Mention

    Bead Scoop Always extremely useful when tidying and measuring your beads and pouring them into bags and containers.

Wire Whacker   You’ve made some pretty nifty ear wires but there kind of, well, soft and bendy. Here’s the solution.
 
    Hammer When pliers won’t do the trick you may just need to hammer your metal. This also will harden it making your jewelry more durable. I suggest a hammer with one flat side and one ball shaped or peen side.

    Bench Block : A rectangular block, often steel-topped or made entirely of steel, that’s used to protect your work surface from hammering.
 
Instructional Materials

There are tons. If you’re just getting started, here’s one of the perennial favorites of beginners books: Basics of Bead Stringing

One final thought. If you haven’t yet acquired tools for jewelry making, or need to replace a few worn out ones, a Tool Kit can be an economical alternative. With a kit you can purchase the essential tools you want at a discount and many tool kits come with a nifty case included.
 

by Chris Bellomo

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