Tools 101
Creating bracelets and necklaces with simple stringing techniques is easy, but it helps to have a small tool box to get started. Here is what is in my tool box:
Flat nose pliers: basic, basic. Use to pull wires through crimp beads, pick up beads...use to crimp beads if you do not have a crimping pliers. Mine has a wire cutter on it, which I recommend.
Round nose or Needle nose pliers. Just like your flat nose, these babies are basic. If you need to use two pliers, they are invaluable. Also great when you get into wrapping and making eye pins.
Bent nose pliers are like your flat nose pliers, but have a curve in the end. They are really handy when doing wrapped loops and for getting into tight places.
Crimping pliers: very, very useful. You can get by without one, but your end product will not look as "professional". A crimping pliers is used to finish off small metal beads called Crimp Beads or Crimp Tubes that are used to hold the ends of your string of beads to the clasp.
Split Ring pliers, I would recommend only if you are looking semi-seriously at beading. They are fabulous to have (split rings are the little connector rings that look like key chains and they are a bear to open if you don't have one) but not at the top of my "must have" list. Notice the little hook at the end of the top of the pliers...that's what you use to pry open the split ring.
Also basics in my tool box: small ruler, nail clippers, small scissors (like an embroidery scissors), scotch tape and a thimble. If you are going to work at all with tiny seed beads, you will want a beading needle - they are long and very flexible. I like the "big eye" ones for easy threading. I also lay out a longer ruler (18") and a bead board on my work station.
You are going to want to have all of your tools at your fingertips. There are tool boxes available at Fire Mountain and other suppliers that will hold your pliers and other tools. Another suggestion is to use a desk pencil holder or small file box (available at Office Depot, Target or most retailers).
I personally use a hand made box (purchased at a craft show) that was created for taking along utensils and napkins on picnics - it has a bar across the top that I can hang my pliers on, and compartments that I can put a small hammer, a ruler and other tools in.
