Home » So Crafty

Basic Beading Tools

teriann by teriann

Basic Beading Tools

Beading jewelry tools can be as basic or as in depth as you wish to take it. We will explore many different jewelry making tools and the uses for them.

If you are looking to learn as much as you can about tools then you may need to explore more. But if you are looking to learn just the basics then you are in the right place.

I focus on the simple basics to give you a good foundation to start, where you take it from there is strictly up to you.

But I warn you it can be addicting and 'catching the beading bug' is one of the best things that's happened to me. Read on to see what you already know or what you are about to learn. It's easy, it's affordable and best of all FUN!!

Here is What You Will Find

Here is what is covered, click a link to go directly to it or just scroll down the page.

Three Basic Tools

Just three?

Three basic jeweler's tools are all you need to get started on any beading project. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, bookmarks and what ever your imagination can think of are only a tool away.

It is best to use tools intended for jewelry making and not the typical household tools. Jewelry making tools are specifically made for the sensitive materials that will be used in jewelry making projects. You will be able to tell them apart by the smooth finish at the nose of the pliers. (Here is a test, if you run your finger over the inside of the nose of the plier and it feels rough, then it will be rough on your materials and will scratch the finish.)

These basic beginner jeweler's tools are affordable. A moderate cost for a good starting tool will run around $8-$15. Do not settle for the cheaper made tools just to cut corners. They will mare or damage your work and may not operate as smoothly, this may create frustration during the learning process. But I also recommend you not invest in the high end tools either until you are comfortable with your skills and ready to upgrade.

An average length of 5" is a good start. I would encourage you not to go smaller for an average adult hand as this will be more difficult to use and your hand will become restless in using the smaller tools.

These tools are very simple to use once you know what you do with them. So read on and let's get started.
  1. Chain Nose Pliers
    Chain nose pliers are a must to have in any jeweler's tool box. This is the foundation tool of all your tools.

    With tapered tips, smooth jaws and half rounded edges this basic tool allows for precise work on your project. Chain nose pliers are used to compress your crimp bead and countless other tasks.

    They resemble the household needle nose pliers but this is a jeweler's tool. The smooth jaws are what separates this tool from the common household tool bench tools. I'm repeating myself but I can not stress enough to make sure that the inside jaws are smooth so not to scratch your project. (thank you for your patience)

    I like having at least two pair available and generally use as a second hand, but it's not necessary. That's just personal preference. I tend to use one chain nose to hold my project while the other chain nose is performing the task.
  2. Round Nose Pliers
    Round nose pliers look very much like the chain nose pliers with the exception that the jaws are completely circular. This tool is used to create either a single loop or wrapped loop with a head or eye pins for making earrings. The tapered jaw allows for creating varigated sizes in loops depending on what your project calls for.

    And again, with this tool, like the chain nose pliers you must make sure that the nose has a smooth finish so not to scratch your metal in your project.
  3. Wire Cutters
    Wire cutters or 'nippers' are used for cutting beading wire or soft gauged wire. There are a few different wire cutters and we need to make the distinction. The thicker the gauged wire is the stronger the cutter you will need. Caution should be used here on the difference of the strength of your tool, if you use a cutting tool intended for beading wire on heavy gauge wire you run the risk of damaging your tool so take care in using the right tool for the right job.

Video of Basic Beading Tools

pictures are worth a thousand words.

This is a quick visual of what I just covered above. I am a visual person and just reading a description on a new tool does not give me a picture in my head until I see it. So here it is. Listen careful to her descriptions of each tool. I've only started you on 3 of the 5 she is describing but I'll cover the other two tools further down.

Jewerly Supply is one of many beading suppliers I will cover more further in this lens.

Hope this helps for a quick overview.
Beading Tool Kit - Jewelry Making
by JewelrySupply | video info

25 ratings | 13,464 views
curated content from YouTube

Another Essential Tool

can't do without.

Another essential tool needed will be a beading mat. You will need something that will absorb and cushion your materials while working on your project to keep them from rolling away from you. Working on a hard surface will not accomplish that.

Beading mats are all moderately priced and a must have for any project. My best recommendation is to make sure it is big enough to hold a decent amount of items while you are practicing. You don't need the added frustration of loosing your materials.

There are a variety of items that can be used as beading mats so let's look at a few options and discuss them a bit.
  • Bead Board: Beading boards, like the one pictured above, are a good option and a handy tool to hold your loose beads, findings and beading projects. They are a molded plastic plate that holds their shape and won't collapse when picked up. I find this useful when I'm in the middle of a project that has not been completed but needs to be stored. They stack very easily so you can have several projects going at the same time.
  • Bead Mat: A beading mat is available is rectagular piece of fabric and most commonly found in felt or fleece. These are excellent for cushioning your projects but do not hold up when picked up unless you place something stable underneath but keep in mind there are not sides so be careful.
  • Towel: The most economical bead mat is a household towel. What ever type you use is obviously your choice and a real money saver.
  • Fabric: If you are like me you are probably a crafter that does more than one hobby at a time so more than likely you have something else around your house that can be used as a substitute bead mat. Again the main objective is to have some type of cushioned work space so that your loose beads will not roll around on you.

Beading Tools for the Beginner

Three basic tools for any project.

Shown on display below are the basic tools to get you started. Either buy individually or take advantage of the package deal.

If you have further questions on these tools before buying feel free to send me note and I'll be glad to walk you through it. No question is a dumb one, how will you know unless you ask and after all we all have to start somewhere.

Enjoy.
Loading

Other Useful BeadingTools...

...and their uses.

There are many different beading tools available and they all have their uses. Some do the same thing as the three basic tools, some do completely different task. I don't necessarily like introducing these tools to beginners since I try to keep it simple but it's good to know these other tools are out there.

Let's look at other tools that are useful but not necessarily essential.
  • Bead Crimping Tool
  • Multi Task Tool
  • Split Ring Pliers
  • Hollow Nose Pliers
  • Bead Reamers
  • Flat Nose Pliers
  • Bent Nose Pliers

Video of Other Useful Beading Tools

This is a continued session covering some of the other useful beading tools I have listed above.

This is a well informed video sharing good information and showing some demonstrations of how the tools are used.

Be watching for more updates to this lens.
Beading Tools
by d2008smith | video info

3 ratings | 1,360 views
curated content from YouTube

Please Sign In

Let me know you have been to visit.

I like knowing when a fellow or future beading buddy has come to visit so please leave your comments or just sign in.

I hope you visit often and please share this sight with your friends and maybe they will become a beading buddy as well. Be sure to favorite this sight so I can let you know about updates. All feedback is appreciated.

  • crosscreations May 7, 2012 @ 3:39 pm | delete
    excellent beading tutorial! Long ago I did some beading for awhile and believe I still have some of these tools, so glad I found this how-to resource.
  • Frankster Mar 6, 2012 @ 11:41 am | delete
    Excellent. I learned a lot . I like that you included videos and the tools for sale. Blessed. Bear hugs, Frankster
  • pliersworld.com Dec 3, 2011 @ 1:05 am | delete
    Nice Post. check More Jewelry Tools at www.pliersworld.com. This company manufacture almost al type of Jewelry pliers
  • terrapin719 Aug 8, 2011 @ 6:46 pm | delete
    Great lens outlining the tools ~ I've done more than string a few seed beads together myself, but I feel confident I could take this info and get myself started. *~*~*~left a little angel dust~*~*~*
  • Martylu Apr 3, 2011 @ 1:20 pm | delete
    This site has been very helpful for a beginner beading person. The videos are great!
  • Beaddoodler Feb 1, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    Great lens. I don't do this type of jewelry (I have tried and my hands and pliers just don't work together), but you've narrowed down the absolute necessities to get started. Too many jewelry maker beginners think they have to have way to much to get started.
  • puerdycat Jan 31, 2011 @ 1:57 pm | delete
    You have so many grrrreat lenses! Thank you for this help with beading equipment. Finally I'll quit the tweasers, ooo.
  • kiana Dec 25, 2010 @ 9:06 pm | delete
    yes i wanted to know where did you learn how to start doing beaded jerwerl
  • eclecticeducation Jan 26, 2010 @ 1:03 am | delete
    Great lens! Blessed by a Squid Angel and lensrolled to my beading lenses. :)
  • teriann Jan 26, 2010 @ 5:29 pm | delete
    Thx for the visit and the plug. I have so much I want to share on this topic but still have so much to learn in navigating around squidoo. This is a work in progress. Do you have any words of wisdom to expediting this?
Show All

This So Crafty page written by

teriann

Bead At Home

Proverbs 20:15 Lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

Teri, A.K.A. 'bead at home mom' is a:
 a child of Christ... more »

Create something new! Show off your work! Time to get So Crafty!

Connect with So Crafty

This author recommends...