GetCrafty Craft Facts

Q: I need help with tools (pliers). What types of pliers would I get to start with: round nose, chain nose, and wire cutter.... what else? Are chain nose & flat nose the same thing, and what is "crimping plier"? I'm a beginner, and wish to make necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for fun (I love stones and beads!!!!) and would appreciate if someone could suggest what to look for, and would appreciate if someone could speak about his/her favorite tools.

A: 'Fire Mountain Gems' has a nice beginner kit of tools that includes flat nose, chain nose, round nose, and side cutting pliers as well as end cutting nippers for $13.26. It's on page 211 of their catalog. If you order their catalog, there are pictures and explanations about the different tools. Looking at them may help you better determine your needs. You can get a catalog by calling: 1-800-423-2319. No, the chain nose is flat on the inside and rounded on the outside, and the flat nose is flat on both sides. I find much more use for the chain nose, but others might disagree. A crimping plier is a special plier with two openings, the bottom one for flattening the crimp, and the top one for folding the flattened crimp into a less obtrusive little ball. I highly recommend it; my crimps never stayed put forever before I got my crimping pliers and now they never slip. Get some good wire cutters too. I also find the tricord knotter to be helpful for knotting between beads (although I have to admit, I still HATE knotting). The truth is, I have a catalogue and a webpage that might be of some help to you - I have been bringing beginners into the wonderful world of bead jewelry design for years, both here and overseas... it is all so simple if you have the right tools and help. Here is my webpage..and the catalogue is in there somewhere..http://www.personal.riverusers.com/~beads