Round nose pliers From Beadsmith

Round nose pliers have two round jaws that narrow towards the tip. This makes them the obvious tool when wire needs to be shaped into round eyes, loops and spirals – and they are one of the pliers you'll need most when making jewelry with wire.

How to use it

The closer to the tip you shape the wire, the smaller the eye becomes – and the further in towards the joint, the larger. If you want to make several eyes in the same size, you can put a small mark with a marker on the jaw, so you hit the same spot every time.

It's especially good for

• Eyes on pins, when making earrings and pendants
• Making your own jump rings, spirals and loops in jewelry wire
• Wire wrapping and other details where the wire needs to be shaped softly and roundly

When is another pliers better?

If all eyes need to be completely identical, a looping pliers is a good choice. It has fixed steps in specific sizes, so the eye turns out the same every time, while round nose pliers give you the freedom to choose the size yourself. For holding the wire or opening and closing jump rings, flat nose pliers are better, because the flat jaws grip without shaping.

In short: If you want to freely shape wire into round eyes, loops and spirals, round nose pliers are the right choice. It's easy to use and lets you put your own personal touch on your jewelry.