3 Essential Basic Beading Tools for Any Beginning Beading Hobbiest
That is exactly what I will be doing here. I will be sharing the three basic beading tools you will need to make your journey of learning how to make beaded jewelry easier. Keeping it simple, easy and understandable so that anyone can do this and no previous experience is required.
Let's lay the ground work with the best and most affordable tools available. By the end of this page you will have a clearer understanding of what you need in beading tools to begin your projects of bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
I will be spotlighting the tools that I recommend and have used since I've started beading and teaching the basics of beading techniques, tools and tips to others. These tools are good beginner quality and will lessen the potential frustration that using cheaper tools, to save a buck, may create. I am still using my same tools, after 8 years, so I think I have gotten my money's worth.
It's not right or wrong it's just what I find to be the easiest until you get your footing. Once you become more proficient and comfortable with your techniques then upgrading or using different tools, may be the way you want to go. But in the beginning, this is my recommendation.
Join in and share at will. I always enjoy meeting and making new beading buddies. So sit back, let's talk and oh yes... happy beading.
photo courtesy of Jewelry Supply
Start With The Basics
Basic Tools for the Beginning Beader
3 Basic Beading Tools
Great Affordable Gifts for Any Beginner
I was introduced to Beadsmith brand early on but it is not what I started with. Like most of us learning to make jewelry, unless you can find a local class, connect on line or have a friend, we learn by our mistakes.
Beadsmith tools are very economical for the quality of tool you are receiving.
The ease of the use will help eliminate frustration that a poor quality tool may create.
Listed here are your foundation tools. These will be the tools that you reach for more often than any other tool and these tools do what the other tools can.
Here's a quick list but continue on to learn more.
- Chain Nose Pliers
- Round Nose Pliers
- Side Cutters
Chain Nose Pliers
It's like having an extra hand
Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers
Amazon Price: $9.60 (as of 05/25/2012)
Chain nose pliers have tapered tips with smooth interior jaws and half rounded exterior edges.
This will be your foundation tool of all beading tools.
Please make a special note that you do not confuse these with household tools.
Specialized jewelry making tools have a clean high polish finish with no teeth on the interior nose so they will not mare the sensitive jewelry findings.
With the narrow tip, the chain nose pliers allows for precise work on your project.
Chain nose pliers have multiple uses and you may find you like having a couple of pairs on hand.
For beginners this is the tool I recommend to use to compress your crimp bead when making necklaces, bracelets and anklets.
Round Nose Pliers
Use the right tool for the right job
Beadalon Black Handle Round Nose Pliers, Econo
Amazon Price: $5.88 (as of 05/25/2012)
The round nose pliers resembles the chain nose plier so please make sure you are using the correct tool.
Pay close attention to the nose tip, the jaw is completely round and circular, where the chain nose is flat on the interior.
You will use the round nose for making loops in eye and head pins.
The jaw is tapered for ease of making different size loops depending on what your project calls for.
Side Wire Cutters
for cutting stringing wire and light weight head pins
Xuron 170-II Micro-Shear Flush Cutter
Amazon Price: $7.70 (as of 05/25/2012)
The side cutters tool will be used to cut your stringing wire or head and eye pins for earrings.
This tool is not a Beadsmith tool but I like the tip of these wire cutters better for a beginner. With the narrow point it allows easier access when cleaning your project of excess wire and allows for a closer cut to your bead.
Beadsmith also carries a nice pair that I also have but again for the beginner it's easier with the more narrow tip and still economical.
***Please, please, when using this tool practice safety first. Be very careful when using this tool that you do not cut yourself or try to cut anything to heavy for this tool. This is a light weight tool for a lightweight job. Trying to cut anything too heavy and thick will only damage your tool.
[Special Note: Use the right tool for the right job.] I will repeat this over and over again for emphasis. I share from experience.
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Bead At Home Blog
Where beading secrets are revealed
I have tried to venture out to more advanced techniques but always find myself right back where I started....at the beginning with the basics. I enjoy sharing the secrets and tips I have learned through trial and error. I especially enjoy learning from you any tips that you have learned.
Feel free to visit my blog and share in the conversation. Explore around. It's a continuous work in progress and if you don't find me there adding new info then I am generally here in the Squidoo community sharing about more than my love for beading.
Either way thanks for visiting and come back often.
- Bead At Home Blog
- Learning to take 3 basic tools and 2 simple techniques from beading nothing to beading something.
Basic Beading Tools Kit
in one convenient package
Still very affordable and quality tool. But the choice is yours.
3 - Piece Color I.D. Plier Set for Beading & Jewelry
Amazon Price: $8.35 (as of 05/25/2012)
Beadsmith tools are a very nice beginner tool.
I have used Beadsmith tools since I started beading back in 2001 and still use some of my original tools. I have increased my collection to have extra sets available to me to share with students in class.
There are lesser grade tools and higher grade tools but I feel that these Beadsmith tools are the way begin as you explore beading techniques.
No need to become frustrated by a cheap tool that will only make the learning process more difficult and at the same time no need to invest in a higher grade tool until you have mastered your skill and have decided you want more.
Beadsmith tools are moderately priced and this is a comfortable size for your hand.
If you are looking to begin beading I encourage you to begin with a good tool set and this set gives you the 3 basic beading tools needed for any beginning beading project conveniently packaged together. The other thing I especially like about this set is that each tool is color coded for ease of use.
Are Your A New Beading Buddy?
Share a favorite beading tip
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amazonnottadog
Apr 5, 2012 @ 4:57 pm | delete
- I have wanted for years to get into this. Maybe I will have the time this summer. Thank you for the info.
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pliersworld.com
Dec 3, 2011 @ 1:10 am | delete
- Nice Post. Al Ramzan Tools International. This company Can Manufacture almost all type of Jewelry pliers. if you want to start jewelry tools supply business then contact with these guys. they also offer good prices.
visit www.pliersworld.com
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teriann
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so many beads, so little time
Beadboards
another valuable tool
Beadalon 34-Inch Bead Board and Cover
Amazon Price: $12.14 (as of 05/25/2012)
Beadboards are a valuable tool to have on hand when working on a project. A cushioned workspace is recommended to keep your beads from rolling off the table.
This convenient beadboard holds it's shape for easy storage if you are interrupted while working your project. The cover snaps close for easy storage and compartments in the beadboard holds your extra beads and supplies in place until you can return.
