Does it matter what brand of pliers, crimpers, cutters, etc that I buy? Is there a brand better than another-does price really matter in this case? One more question- what is the best place to buy them-a place like Lowes or Home Depot? Thanks for your help Pandi
I got mine from a store where I took classes, though I should have gotten them on line or from the Rio catalogue for less before the class. It's most important that you get smooth jaws that won't mar the wire.
Tina
My first set of tools, I got at Wm. Holland, in a kit, but I've gotten tools from Rio Grande too. I don't know what home depot carries, or if they'd be similar. I use the cheaper tools at this point, being such a novice, but I've heard other wire wrappers say they prefer the better tools. The cheaper tools probably wear quicker. After a while, you'll see that some of your pliers don't line up evenly when you close them. In some of the really cheap stuff, you might see this in brand new tools. From what I've heard, price does make a difference, but being at a beginner level, I don't really notice that much.
Jerri, I think that you need to change it to an intermediate. Your stuff is beautiful. Now I am a beginner.
I used to think "pliers are pliers". Then I got a pair of Lindstrom chain nose from Rio and fell madly in love. I'm gradually replacing all my "make in Pakistan" pliers with the Lindstroms. The handles are comfy and they just feel right.
My cheapies are ending up at my torch for glass manipulation, so all is not lost.
KarenK
I prefer Eurotools, they are sold by many different stores. I typically buy locally or from
Greg
Lindstrom are the tools that my silver smithing tutor recommended to me some 30 years ago. Before taking up tutoring he used to be the chief silver designer in UK working for Mappin and Webb in London. I have some of those pliers and in those days one pair used to cost me nearly a weeks wage. Shirley
In message , Karen_AZ writes
Sears has a very nice set of basic cutters and pliers in a case with pockets for each tool. They are craftsman so they are guaranteed for life. If the get out of alignment just ake them back and get a new one. The whole set is around $20, less than one pairs of Lindstrom. You can always trade up as you get better. They do not include round nose pliers. I found a pair of "Easy Grip" round nose pliers with a very fine tip, of course they taper larger, at "therockhaus.com" I have been using them for 2 yrs with no problems and they are CHEAP.
I wish! Maybe after my next wire class I'll feel like an intermediate.
Me too! Oh my god, what a difference. (And Jerri, you should do this as soon as you possibly can.) Worth every penny. ~~ Sooz
------- "Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry." John Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance ~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links
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