Blue Buddha Boutique offers a variety of pliers as well as other tools needed for making chainmaille jewelry. Great tools are crucial to a happy weaving experience – find yours below!
About the Pliers We offer several types of pliers at a variety of price points. We suggest using two of the same pliers so your hands receive the same "workout", however, some students prefer using the Ring Tool in conjunction with pliers. We recommend coating your pliers with Tool Magic for a better grip and to prevent scratching your rings. You can try out Tool Magic by ordering pre-coated Ergonomic or Ultra Ergo pliers (see below). With the purchase of two of the same pliers, receive a complimentary mini-bead mat.
Euro Tool Ergonomic Pliers, flat-nose
These EuroTool pliers are our all-around favorite pliers. True ergonomics at very reasonable pricing. The handles are longer than normal, but closer together. This means less carpel tunnel stress and more comfortable grip with less fatigue and better control. Double leaf springs and cushion PVC grips. Length 5 3/4"
Recommended as "all-around" starter pliers. Particularly good when working with 20g - 16g base metals, 20 - 18g steel, and 19g - 14g silver.
***Please Note: We offer the option of purchasing these pliers "Coated". This indicates that your pliers will come already coated with Tool Magic. We offer this to allow you to try Tool Magic before you buy it. Please be aware that Tool Magic is not permanent and will wear off after a project or so.***
Euro Tool Ergonomic Pliers, chain-nose
Chain-nose version of the pliers above, recommended for those who prefer using chainnose pliers. Particularly good when working with very small rings. You'll probably need to slide way up on the pliers for leverage (resting the jaw of the plier on the crook of your index finger.)
Euro Tool Ultra Ergo Pliers
This line from EuroTool features a truly ergonomic plier with handles that are slightly larger and curved. These are suitable for a variety of gauges, from about 22g to 16g basemetal (21g to 14g sterling)—they're our favorite pliers to use with 18g stainless steel. This gives you greater leverage and comfort when using the pliers. Increased handle width provides greater surface contact which means less fatique. High grade stainless steel and double-leaf springs. Length 5 3/4"
***Please Note: We offer the option of purchasing these pliers "Coated". This indicates that your pliers will come already coated with Tool Magic. We offer this to allow you to try Tool Magic before you buy it. Please be aware that Tool Magic is not permanent and will wear off after a project or so.***
Euro Tool Ultra Ergo Pliers, chain-nose
Chain-nose version of the pliers above, for those who prefer using chainnose pliers. Particularly good when working with very small rings. You'll probably need to slide way up on the pliers for leverage (resting the jaw of the plier on the crook of your index finger.)
Beadsmith Flat Nose Pliers
These economical pliers are especially comfortable for folks with tiny hands. The ergonomic handles distribute pressure well; your thumb and index finger can rest nicely in the curves at the top of the handles. These pliers measure 4 3/4 inches long, with 3/4" stainless steel jaws.
Newly Redesigned! Wubbers Pliers. These pliers were created by the folks at Wired Up Beads and were specifically designed with wire-workers and chainmaillers in mind! They are extremely comfortable and require little pressure. Though the jaws are smooth, they have an amazing grip on jump rings. The ends have been carefully filed, to prevent marring your rings. With the purchase of two of the same pliers, receive a complimentary mini-bead mat.
Wubbers Narrow Flat Nose Pliers
Super comfortable pliers with padded handles and a very responsive spring. These pliers are heavy-duty enough to handle heavy wire gauges (such as 14g), but due to the narrow tips, we recommend them for 18g and smaller. They measure 6.5 inches long, with a 7/8" jaw.
Wubbers Medium Flat Nose Pliers
These are our favorite jaw-width for all-purpose chainmailling—not too small, not too large. Super comfortable pliers with padded handles and a very responsive spring. These pliers are recommended for heavy wire gauges (such as 18g-12g). They measure 6.5 inches long, with a 7/8" jaw.
Wubbers Wide Flat Nose
Super comfortable pliers with padded handles and a very responsive spring. These pliers are recommended for heavy wire gauges (such as 18g-12g). They measure 6.5 inches long, with a 7/8" jaw.
Wubbers Chain Nose Pliers
Super comfortable pliers with padded handles and a very responsive spring. These pliers are recommended for 16g and smaller, but they'll work best for squeezing into tight spaces in a weave. They measure 6.5 inches long, with a 1" jaw.
Wubbers Bent Nose Pliers
Super comfortable pliers with padded handles and a very responsive spring. These pliers are heavy-duty enough to handle heavy wire gauges (such as 14g). If you're using them for larger gauges, we recommend flipping the pliers around and working with the curve of the pliers. For gauges 18 and smaller, you can use the tips of the pliers instead. They measure 6.5 inches long, with a 1" jaw.
Wubbers Round Nose Pliers
Super comfortable pliers with padded handles and a very responsive spring. They can handle making loops in 12- to 14-gauge wire, but will also work with precision when using finer wire, such as 26-gauge. The long handles are easy on the hands, providing extra leverage and control. Pliers measure 6.5 inches long.
Wubbers Wire Looping Pliers
Super comfortable pliers with padded handles and a very responsive spring. These pliers have a unique jaw specially designed for creating wire loops and are very helpful for many of the CHAINED book projects that use crystals. Unlike pliers primarily used for weaving, you only need one pair of these pliers to create wire loops.
Baby Wubbers Flat Nose Pliers
Baby Wubbers have smaller tips and handles and are especially suited for finer, more detailed work. They work very well with wire gauges ranging from 18 to 28. They measure 5 inches long, with a 3/4" jaw.
Lindstrom Rx Pliers, flat-nose
Without a doubt, the most comfortable pliers I've used. Ergonomic handles mean that your palms aren't subjected to excessive pressure. The spring is adjustable; on the easiest setting a light squeeze is all it takes to work the pliers. These pliers are essential if you're going to be working with small rings. (Rebeca used them when making her micromaille cuff.) As soon as you use them, you'll understand the price tag, and know that they're worth every penny.
If you are using these pliers with small rings, you may not want to coat the jaws. The layer of coating may be as thick as (or thicker) than the wire gauge of the ring, making it very difficult to work with the ring.
You'll save a few bucks by purchasing two pliers at once, and get a free replacement spring, too. In our experience, springs can last upwards of 3+ years, but if at some point, you do need to replace the spring, you won't have to spend time and money trying to track one down!
Lindstrom Rx Replacement Spring
Just in case you do need an extra spring, this one is compatible with all pliers and cutters in Lindstrom's Rx line of superior-quality ergonomic tools.
Duck Bill Pliers
These pliers were custom made specifically for Blue Buddha and Spiderchain Jewelry. They are perfect for working with large rings, and are Rebeca's favorite for 12 gauge anodized aluminum and 10 gauge sterling. She sometimes even uses them to pre-close larger 16g stainless rings, as they have really great leverage. High grade stainless steel and double-leaf springs. Length 6 3/4"
Tool Magic
The best way to keep from marring rings—especially those anodized ones!—is to coat your pliers with Tool Magic. We've found that Tool Magic also helps to keep a grip on slippery steel or silver rings.
The 2 oz jar includes enough Tool Magic for up to a year's worth of applications. Each application lasts for appoximately one to two projects, at which point Tool Magic peels cleanly off and a fresh coat can be applied. We recommend applying two thinner coats (allowing each coat to dry inbetween applications) instead of one thick coat to maximize the life of each application.
If your jar of Tool Magic becomes thick, you can thin it out using a bit of Naptha, or apply it to your pliers using a wooden skewer instead of dipping them.
Jump Ring Tool
With a pair of pliers in one hand and this ring tool on a finger on the other hand, you can easily open and close jump rings. The ring tool has four different size grooves to fit various jump rings. We find it works best for 18g base metal but it can handle up to 16ga SWG (14ga AWG). Many maillers like to use this tool for pre-opening or -closing rings.
Bead Mats
Though these felt-like mats were originally intended for beaders, they work great for chainmaille. You can dump out your rings on the mat, and—with just a little bit of practice—easily scoop them up with pliers, rather than trying to pick them up with your fingers. I prefer using several mini-bead mats at a time, each with its own project. Some students, however, prefer the larger surface of a full mat. (Purchase a full-size mat and cut it in quarters to create four mini-mats!) Be aware that stray fuzzies from these fabric mats sometimes stick to coated pliers.
3M Tarni-Shield Tabs
Store your jump rings and finished pieces in sealed plastic bags along with one of these anti-tarnish tabs. Highly recommended for copper and sterling silver. Can also be used with bronze, brass, nickel and gold. Each tab is 1" x 1" and will last for up to 6 months (up to 1 year in a sealed environment).
EuroTool "Brilliant" Polishing Cloths
"Brilliant" cloths are treated with a newly developed product that cuts through tarnish better than other cloths and inhibits tarnish from reappearing. You can polish brass, chrome, copper, silver and gold brilliantly without getting rouge on your hands. Never polish anodized metals with this cloth, as it may remove the color from the rings! Choose from two sizes of blue cloths.
NEW! Digital calipers
Looking to get exact measurements on your rings? Use digital calipers for accurate and easy-to-read results. Use the top scale for inner diameter and the bottom scale for outer and wire diameters. Convert mm to inches with the touch of a button. Measures objects with an accuracy of +/- 0.001" (0.03mm). Large, easy-to-read display with automatic shut-off feature.
Uses one 1.5V button battery. Comes with two batteries and a carrying case (shown in the lower left-hand part of the picture). We have long been looking for better calipers and we think these are great!
Rotary Tumbler by Lortone
Keep your chainmaille jewelry tarnish-free, smooth and shiny by tumbling your finished pieces. Designed for years of trouble free service, these tumblers are real workhorses. The 3-lb barrel has a quick-seal closure and is made of hard rubber to minimize noise. Purchase a single barrel, or do twice as much in the same amount of time with the double barrel tumbler.
Eventually we will also sell stainless steel shot, burnishing compound and replacement belts/barrels, but in the meantime, if you're looking for those items, let us know and we can custom order them for you.
Due to size and weight, an additional $16 shipping and handling fee applies to the single barrel tumbler, and an $18 fee applies to the double barrel. Our tumblers will be shipped directly from the manufacturer; please allow 7-10 business days. We're sorry, but at this time we can only ship to customers within the 48 contiguous states; we cannot ship tumblers to our customers overseas and those in HI, AK and PR.