Blue Buddha Boutique -- Tools for Making Chainmaille

Supplies:
Sterling (prices, stats, ring counts) - Base Metal (prices, stats, ring counts) - Anodized Aluminum - Anodized Niobium - Enameled Copper - Tools - Kits/Instructions - Findings - Sale

Because Rebeca's students were always asking about tools, she decided to start offering a few different pliers and other tools that have proven useful for chainmaillers.

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 pliers (see below). With the purchase of two of the same pliers, receive a complimentary mini-bead mat.

click for larger image

Euro Tool Ergonomic Pliers, flat-nose

These EuroTool pliers are my new 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.

single set
$9

two pliers
$18

single set with coating
$10

two pliers with coating
$20

eurotool ergonomic pliers for making chainmail

click for larger image

Euro Tool Ultra Ergo Pliers

This new line from EuroTool features a truly ergonomic plier with handles that are slightly larger and straighter than most. This gives you greater leverage and comfort when using the pliers. Increased handle width provides greater surface contact which means less fatique. These are suitable for a variety of gauges, from about 22g to 16g basemetal (21g to 14g sterling). High grade stainless steel and double-leaf springs. Length 5 3/4"

single set
$12 each

two pliers
$11 each

beadmsith flat nose pliers for making chainmail

click for more images

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.

single set
$9

two pliers
$18

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.

click for more images

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.

single set
$25 each

two pliers
$23 each

click for more images

Wubbers Wide Flat Nose Pliers

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.

single set
$25 each

two pliers
$23 each

click for more images

Wubbers Bent 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). 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.

single set
$25 each

two pliers
$23 each

click for more images

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.

single set
$25 each

two pliers
$23 each

No Image
currently
available

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.

single set
$25 each

two pliers
$23 each

Lindstrom pliers are currently out of stock. The new re-design seems to have the effect of causing the pliers to not spring back open fully when the pressure is on the lightest setting. We're working with the manufacturer to troubleshoot if we got a botched batch, or if this is indeed how the new design should work (which would be not as cool for maillers!)

click for larger image

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"

single set
$17 each

two pliers
$32 ($16 each)

click for larger image

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 can last anywhere from a few days to about two months, depending on how often you use your pliers, and what rings you're using. For example, steel is especially rough on Tool Magic. When the coating gets grubby, or if you decide you don't like the coating for the rings you're using, simply pull it off. We prefer dipping the pliers twice, for a heftier coat. (Two thin coats seem to last longer than one thick one.)

The clear Tool Magic tends to be thicker than the blue kind, but over time, the blue will also thicken. At any rate, if your Tool Magic is thick, instead of dipping the pliers, I recommend using a shiskabob skewer (or similar utensil) to spread on a thin coat, making sure to cover the edges well. After letting it dry for a few hours, apply a second thin coat.

NOTE: The current batch of Tool Magic is blue. Same product; just with some color. It should make it easier to know when you need to re-coat, because you'll see the silver of the pliers peeking out. This batch is very fresh, so dip instead of paint!

1 jar
$10

click for larger image

Jump Ring Tool

With a pair of pliers in one hand and this ring tool on a finger in the other hand, you can easily open and close jump rings. The ring tool is has three different size grooves to fit various jump rings. I find it works best for 18g base metal. The largest hole will fit 16g sterling, but NOT 16g base metal. Many students like to use this tool for pre-opening or -closing rings.

1 ring
$3.50

click for larger image

Bead Mats

Though these 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 bead mats sometimes stick to coated pliers.

mini-mat
(1/4 size, 5.75"x 7.25")
$0.75

half mat
(1/2 size, 7.25" x 11.5")
$1.25

full size mat
(11.5" x 14.5")
$2.25

Pack of 3
full size mats
$6.00

click for larger image

Craft Mates® Locking Caddy

Ever since a student introduced Rebeca to these, she's been hooked. A great way to travel with rings. The Patented Ezy Lock™ acts as a safety and prevents the lids from popping open. Each lid opens independently and jump rings won't migrate from one compartment to another. Small caddy is 9" long; large is 11" long. Purchase 7-compartment caddies, or double your storage capacity with 14-compartment caddies.

Top photo: 14-compartment Large Caddy Bottom image, l to r: large (14) large (7) small (7)	Approximate ring capacity per compartment:
	Small Caddy P16 - 120 L16 - 160 L18 - 240 H18 - 370 F18 - 510 D20 - 1420	Large Caddy P16 - 220 L16 - 300 L18 - 430 H18 - 680 F18 - 930 D20 - 2620

7-compartment
Small Caddy
$4.25

7-compartment
Large Caddy
$4.50

14-compartment
Small Caddy
$5.50

14-compartment
Large Caddy
$6.25

click for larger image

Craft Mates® Canvas Tote

A convenient way to carry all your rings and keep them organized. Main compartment fits up to seven 14-compartment Small Caddies, six of which are included with the purchase price. Three internal and three external pockets provide additional storage for pliers and other supplies. Shoulder strap is adjustable and removable. Dimensions approximately 10" W x 9" H x 5" D.

Black Tote with
six 14-compartment small caddies
$36.00

anti-tarnish tab cleaning sterling silver jewelry

click for larger image

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).

Pack of 10
$1.50 ($0.15 each)

Pack of 25
$2.75 ($0.11 each)

polishing cloth cleaning sterling silver jewelry

click for larger image

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.

small cloth (4" x 6")
$2.25 each

medium cloth (12" x 7.5")
$3.25 each

Supplies:
Sterling (prices, stats, ring counts) - Base Metal (prices, stats, ring counts) - Anodized Aluminum - Anodized Niobium - Enameled Copper - Tools - Kits/Instructions - Findings - Sale