Blue Buddha Boutique -- Tools for Making Chainmaille

tools for making chain mail from Blue Buddha Boutique

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.

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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.

single set
$9

two pliers
$18

single set with coating
$10
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two pliers with coating
$20

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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.)

single set
$9

two pliers
$18

eurotool ergonomic pliers for making chainmail

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Euro Tool Ultra Ergo Pliers

This line from EuroTool features a truly ergonomic plier with handles that are slightly larger and straighter than most. 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"

single set
$12 each

two pliers
$22 ($11 each)

single set with coating
$13

two pliers with coating
$24 ($12 each)

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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.)

single set
$12

two pliers
$22

beadmsith flat nose pliers for making chainmail

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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

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.

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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
$30 each

two pliers
$56

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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.

single set
$30

two pliers
$56

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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
$30

two pliers
$56

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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
$30

two pliers
$56

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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.

single set
$30 each

two pliers
$56

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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
$30

two pliers
$56

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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.

single set
$22

two pliers
$41

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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. (I used them when making my micromaille bracelet.) 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. I've had my pliers for 3+ years and have not yet needed to replace the spring. 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!

single set
$54

two pliers
(plus free replacement spring)
$102

lindstrom Rx pliers replacement spring tool

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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.

1 spring
$7.50

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Lindstrom EX Pliers, flat-nose

These flat-nose pliers have a very strong tension that some people love (including our customer service specialist Aimee!) Aimee says that while they're not for everyone, she loves these pliers for working with stainless steel, especially small rings. As the tips are quite narrow, these pliers are suitable only for small to medium-sized rings.

single set
$50

two pliers
$102

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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
$18 each

two pliers
$32 ($16 each)

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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.)

If your Tool Magic is thick, instead of dipping the pliers, we 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.

1 jar $9

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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.

1 jump ring tool
$3.50

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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.

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")
$2.00

Pack of 3
full size mats
$5.00

anti-tarnish tab cleaning sterling silver jewelry

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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
$3.00 ($0.12 each)

polishing cloth cleaning sterling silver jewelry

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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")
$2.50 each

medium cloth (12" x 7.5")
$3.50 each

digital calipers to measure chainmaile jump rings

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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 up to 4"/100mm. Large, easy-to-read display with automatic shut-off feature.

$15.95

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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.

single barrel tumbler
$82

double barrel tumbler
$112

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