Let me show you some very handy Tools

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone, I want to show some tools that I love.They absolutely make Wire Wrapping much easier. Yesss I am a Swanstrom lover....however,my partner, Gene Sheridan, is a Lindstrom lover....I would agree Lindstom is awesome too,just too big for my little hands. We all have our preferences,I'm sure. Some times good ol "cheapies" work just fine,and I do have plenty of those too.You can always acquire 'fancy' tools over time.I hope this helps out some beginners who might be wondering what they need.
I'm showing tools from my True Love for ordering wire and Tools, Rio Grande <3. As far as Sterling,Argentium and 14k Gold Fill Wire goes,I haven't found better prices any where....and believe me ,I've looked. They also just started carrying Sterling Filled wire for those of you who might be interested.
If you have some suggestions for tools you love,please share them too!

1.Flush Cutters--If you only splurge on one tool,let it be your cutters.These are very important for getting a nice straight cut. Cut with the flat side facing the piece of wire you keep.
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Swanstrom-Double-Ergo-Super-Flush-Cutter-Size-6/111714?pos=7

2."Flat Nose Pliers"-- These of course are a must wrapping those wires. I never see it listed how wide the nose end is,but usually it's 4mm. "Cheapies" are fine for this tool too, you might need to file the edges a bit before using them.
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Swanstrom-Flat-Nose-Pliers/111301?pos=1

----These might be "splurge" but I love them.Use them all the time.They fit in my hand so nice,the jaw is 3mm wide on this pair.
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Swanstrom-Micro-Flat-Nose-Pliers/111151?pos=53

3."Chain Nose" These are so important, cheapies do work just fine too. I just ordered this pair to replace my cheapies.They are a another "micro" pair.Perfect for smaller hands,they a have longer version too of course.
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Swanstrom-Micro-Chain-Nose-Pliers/111152?pos=49

4."Bent Nose" These are great for getting into those hard to reach places and also 2 pairs work great for opening and closing jumprings. I haven't "upgraded" to Swanstrom yet with these...my next splurge my cheapies work fine...did have to file them a bit though.
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Swanstrom-Bent-Needle-Chain-Nose-Pliers/111158?pos=35


That's some suggestions for mine and Gene's Style Wrapping.Those of you who do weaving and textured hammering might have some suggestions you want to add ;-)

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much for the info! I only use "cheapies" but I think it might be time to upgrade a tool or two so my pieces can look more professional. It's helpful to know where to buy good ones that others have actually used and like!

[Former_Member]

Glad to have you on the team gatorway ! There is nothing like a nice upgrade to remind yourself that you are advancing your skills deserve a reward :-) I love my Swanstroms,they are so gentle on the wire......very "goof" friendly .Rio is great,you have to love their selection :-)

[AnjasArts]

I also purchase wire from rio.
For tools I still use the cheapy cutters and pliers but for most of it I use my fingers. My nails get shredded but tools aren't able to do it lol

[Former_Member]

I like Wubbers. They are very soft in the hand. Anyone got a good tool for making split jump rings?

[Former_Member]

StonesforWire-thanks for sharing. Had a "grand" time checking out Rio Grande. :)

[InspiredWireJewelry]

I am always interested what someone says about tools and suppliers. I have mostly cheapies. I do have 3 pair of Baby Wubbers though. They fit my hand and are comfortable there.

[prettypiecesjewelry]

I love the flush cutter tool as well. It is an expensive one-time purchase but well worth the price. I don't use it to cut anything harder than copper. I bought mine about two years ago from RioGrande. They have the best tools and supplies - and variety, wow love that store.

[iKandiesJewelry]

Has anyone tried Wubber's new looping pliers? Saw them demonstrated at BeadandButton Show in Milwaukee this summer and had to have a pair. They're great for creating identically sized loops.

[Former_Member]

CatsJammies-I was using good ol' round-nose pliers to make my own split rings, but I recently treated myself to a pair of stepped looping pliers and they've been so much more consistent in size. Go around the desired loop size almost twice with your wire, snip the end, and then give a slight bend to mimic the look of manufactured ones.

I am very spoiled because there is a fabulous jewelry supply shop not too far from me (and my BF works there, too). They are very reasonable priced and will ship all over if you do not have the luxury of stopping in:

http://www.fdjtool.com/

[Former_Member]

Swanstrom Lover Myself!!!

[MyCountryGoods]

I have wire wrapped dragonfly suncatchers for your window!

[Former_Member]

I recently purchased a pair of stepped wrap and tap pliers that make bail-making SO much easier!

And perhaps I missed it in someone's post, but an indispensable tool for wire wrappers is the nylon-jawed forming pliers for straightening the wire. After wire-wrapping for nearly two years, it's about time for me to replace the nylon jaws.