Julie’s Top 5 Favorite Tools for Jewelry Making

I often get asked about what jewelry making tools are my favorites, and if you have watched some of my beading videos, you probably have a good idea of a couple of them. But why are they my favorites? In this post I will share my top 5 favorite tools and why I love them so much! See each tool's product page for a product demonstration or project video.

#5 - Tulip Beading Needles Size #11 48.5x0.41mm - 4 Needles

I am notoriously hard on my needles and many-a-time I have actually snapped a needle. I think it’s also because I want to be able to use a needle over-and-over again for many, many projects. My needles get lots of use! In addition to snapping needles, I have also bent them terribly. My #5 favorite tool are Tulip beading needles, specifically size 11. These needles are strong and keep their shape. I can use them again and again and they do not break on me. I also love size 11 because it’s a really versatile size that can make multiple passes through a little hole but still has an eye big enough for me to thread.

#4 Beadalon Jewel Loom Kit - Weave Necklaces Bracelets And More!

No list of my favorites would be complete without the Jewel Loom. I have created so many projects on this tool. I like how lightweight and easy it is to use. It’s also really sturdy and I have never had to replace my loom–even after all these years of using it. I particularly like that you can create loom pieces using different size beads on it and can easily string it to suit the bead size you are using.

#3 Xuron Micro-Shear Flush Cutter Pliers - Cuts Up To 18 Gauge Wire (1mm) Thick, (1 Piece)

Honestly, it was a tie between #3 and #2. I use both these tools every single day and love them. This cutter has the nicest, finest tip. You can easily get it into tight loops and corners and make clean snips. The cutter is also lightweight, so it doesn’t strain my hand to hold it. I like the overall size too and the comfortable grips. It's very easy to just pick up and use.

#2 Xuron Jeweler's Super Fine Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose

The tip on these pliers is amazing. It’s very long and narrow making it easy to pick things up with it and easy to get into tight areas. I also like the flat part of the tip which makes gripping easy. I like how strong the metal is too. As for the handles, they are slim and easy to hold. Like the cutters mentioned above, these pliers are also very lightweight to hold which I really appreciate when doing a lot of designing.

#1 The Beadsmith Wire Looping Pliers - Concave And Round Nose

My #1 favorite tool, hands down, are these wire looping pliers! I must use them in a video at least once a week, and if I had to give away all my tools and only keep one, this would be the one! They help me make perfect loops every time. In addition to saving time and effort, they also have the added benefit of gripping your wire as you are forming the loop. I find making simple wire loops and wrapped wire loops so much easier using these pliers. There are so many benefits to this mighty little tool!

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