DIY Network

Introduction to Hot New Tools From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-510

Host Jackie Guerra will demonstrate special tools to use when making jewelry.

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• Jump Ring Pliers -- They have little grooves in the bent nose which prevents the jump ring from jumping away. Use to spread the jump ring, then return to closed position. You just encase the jump ring in the grooves of the pliers and squeeze (figure A).

  
  

• Split Ring Pliers -- These are best for really secure connections to clasps. Put the tooth jaw between the overlapping split ring and squeeze. The split ring opens (figure B), ready to attach to loops, chains, etc.

Figure A

Figure B

	Figure C
	Figure D

• Soft Nose Tweezers -- Plastic on the tips (figure C) protects pearls and antique glass from scratching. Save these tweezers for their specialized use.

• Wooden Bead Holder -- Keeps beads steady while you are working. Grips the bead without pressure, and frees your hand for the bead reamer (figure D).

• Bead Reamer -- Has diamond abrasion, and works best to clean out bead holes when used with wet beads or water on the reamer.

  Tip from Jackie: A bead reamer works best if dipped in water first.

• Wrap and Tap Mandrel Pliers -- Hold the wire at the size of loop/coil you want to make. Use your thumb to keep the wire close, turn the pliers so that the wire wraps around. Continue wrapping for coils, or clip for a single ring. Hold the joint in the pliers, rest on a block, and tap to temper the metal.

• Leather Thimble and Moleskin -- Use to cover the finger that is doing the work for protection and to prevent bruising.

• Mighty Crimper -- Excellent for larger crimp beads, round end caps and coil ends. Use the first space (at the tip) to start the crimping, and use the middle space to work around, squeezing smaller and keeping the crimp round.

• Two Hole Metal Punch. Works on metal up to 24-gauge. Place the metal between the hold and the drill, and turn the lever. Cuts through cleanly, and you can use the tiny metal circle on projects.

RESOURCES :

Beads, crystals, pearls, jump rings, head pins & tools
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Website: www.firemountaingems.com

Charms (Fire Mountain Gems)
Fire Mountain Gems & Beads
Grants Pass, OR
Toll-free Phone: 800-423-2319 - Customer service
Toll-free Phone: 800-355-2137 - Order by phone
E-mail: Questions@firemtn.com
Website: www.firemountaingems.com

Euro Tool, Inc.
Website: www.eurotool.com