What Tools?

[Claire English]

When I started wire wrapping I bought some cheap (£1.99) tools from a local craft shop. They haven't lasted too badly but the round nosed pliers are a little wobbly now after more than a year's good service.

I decided to buy some good quality tools and got a 'Pro quality' set from Beadsmith, not realy knowing where else to look. Unfortunately the wire cutters don't, the flat nosed pliers don't fit together snugly and the round nosed pliers snapped the first time I used them on 1mm wire!

Does anybody know any brands that sell good quality tools that will last a bit longer than five minutes, or do you have a favourite type of tool to use?

Any other hints or tips about tools?

Thank you,

Claire

[Jo]

Hi Claire

MY fav tools are Lindstrom - expensive but so worth it , my cutters are xuron and I have got some beadsmith ergo flat nose pliers which are very nice. One day I hope to own more Lindstrom though :)

Hope that helps
Jo
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[Eleanor Shurmer]

Hi Claire,

I have to agree with Jo - I have a selection of Lindstrom that I started with and they are still going strong after three years.

Ellie
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[Claire English]

Thank you, Jo and Ellie. It was so frustrating not knowing what to get when the beadsmith ones broke. My cheapy ones are hanging in there, butno telling how long they'll last.

I think I'll have to save my pennies for the Lindstrom and take it slowly!
Claire

[agent44]

I use a combination of Swanstrom and Lindstrom at the moment. You can only get the Swanstrom pliers from Rio Grande in the US though. I thought I might try some Xurons though, I believe they are supposed to be very good for the price.

[cristinaamador]

I too have heard Lindstrom are the best. I haven't yet invested in them but I have no complaints towards mine. I've got some from Beadalon, a flush cutter that works extremely well. I do try not to use it on wire over 20 ga. For the round nose pliers... my favorite and the ones that have lasted me in perfect condition for over 4 years are from Stanley! Yes, the hardware tools! By luck I found a pair that didn't have grooves, they were almost smooth so they are heavy duty, grasp any wire without marring it and they come to a very very fine point. I got all my tools (except for the Stanley one) from Santa Fe Jewelry Supply www.sfjssantafe.com. They have some that are "german-quality" or something like that, I think those are the ones I have. You can find many different price points and qualities to suit your needs.

[tara thomas]

I have purchased tools from Fire Mountain gems.com and been very happy. they offer several different quality ranges and have a great return / exchange policy.