Classic Cutting Pliers With Steel Blades

Standard cutting pliers have a bevelled edge on both sides and are the classic, versatile pliers for cutting wire and pins. They're easy to use and a great choice when you're getting started with your first pieces of jewelry.

The difference between standard cutting pliers and a flush cutter

Because both sides of the blade are bevelled, the cut leaves a small point at both ends of the wire. On a flush cutter, one side is completely flat, so the end becomes straight and smooth. If the end sits somewhere it could scratch or catch, you can easily file it down or round it off.

This is what it's especially good for

• Cutting wire and pins in your jewelry projects
• Everyday cutting, where the end doesn't need to be visible
• A first pair of cutting pliers when you're starting to make jewelry

When is another pair of pliers better?

If the end needs to sit neat and smooth – for example on an eye pin or in wire wrapping – a flush cutter gives the neatest result. And memory wire or other hard steel wire should be cut with pliers made for hard wire, so the blades don't get damaged.

In short: if you want versatile, easily accessible pliers for everyday cutting, standard cutting pliers are the right choice. They handle most tasks at the beading table and are a great start to your toolbox.