Chain Maille Basics - How to Choose the Best Pliers for You.

[@AussieMaillers]

Hi Guys, hope you enjoy today's video. Comment here and let us know which pliers are your favourite ones to use. Deb

[@abacusgeek7903]

Great that this started with a discussion of handles. I did my first maille project using some Sidchrome electronics pliers I already owned - with very short, hard handles. They did the job, but the hand pain and soreness definitely impacted on my enjoyment of the exercise! I'll be buying some more suitable pliers before my next project...

[@AussieMaillers]

Kitty glad to hear you are planning better suited pliers. We have to look after our hands, otherwise how can we enjoy our work. Deb

[@abacusgeek7903]

@@AussieMaillers oh my gosh, my Xuron pliers turned up today, and what a difference! I'm now working in small anodised titanium rings, and they're a lot stiffer than the BA I did my first project with. With the old pliers it was pretty well impossible, and I gouged bits out of several knuckles when the pliers regularly slipped because I had to apply so much force. Never mind just the handle pressure in the palms. The project got put on indefinite hold. With the new pliers the project is still challenging for me as a beginner, but eminently do-able. It might be worth adding a comment to your video about the distance between the plier tips and the pivot point. Having such short pliers means you can exert a lot more force with a lot more control. They're brilliant.

[@RotnPiecez89]

My only wish is that I found this earlier. Would have saved me $200. So thankful for you putting out all this information. Your channel has been a lifesaver.

[@AussieMaillers]

Glad I could help!

[@annadion4134]

Thank you. Very interesting. I didn’t realize there were so many differences between pliers. I’m using pliers that came with a maille kit I bought; but they have teeth, and I’m chewing up the rings. I had no idea I could get smooth jawed pliers until I watched one of your videos. Now I’m waiting for my Xuron’s to arrive.

[@airenmoonwolf2520]

I fonally bought a set of the Xuron line pliers (short nose, chisel and thin nose) and I am in LOVE with them. I love the control and versatility of this set. Totally recommend them!

[@AussieMaillers]

They are pretty good pliers. Glad to hear they are working out well for you. Deb

[@BigHenFor]

Excellent tutorial on choosing pliers.

[@AussieMaillers]

Thanks 👍

[@nitagail77]

I love my Xurons. I think they are really great for the price. And I use them for stainless on 1.2mm wire and less. I saw you using the chisel nose pliers, so I had to have a pair. THANK YOU! On bigger wire I uses some cheap pliers my hubby bought (that I don't like, but feel I need to use -for awhile anyway 😬). Someday I hope to buy a few pairs of Lindstroms. Much thanks for this video.

[@AussieMaillers]

Thanks for the feedback on what works for you Anita. The Xurons are excellent value for money. Deb

[@leighherald9459]

I have the same issues with shorter handled pliers. I like Lindstrom but feel guilty about spending the money for them. I have several xuron pliers that I love.

[@AussieMaillers]

Lindstroms are a guilty pleasure, but since we are working with our hands we need to look after them. I have been a long time fan of the Lindstroms. Deb

[@nancyclegg3554]

hello, I am new to chain maille and really enjoy it....... are you going to continue making videos? I hope so and look forward to them...I have been going over and learning from your earlier videos.....................thank you so much

[@AussieMaillers]

Nancy I do a new video each week. They may not be Chain Maille Basic ones as I like to mix it up. Deb

[@brissygirl4997]

I've never thought about handle lengths before. The other crafty lady I watch all the time has modified a pair of bent nose pliers with teraflex thermoplastic to beef up the thickness of the handles to make them more comfortable for making jewelry all day, every day. Also anyone looking to get flush cutters for wire wrapping xuron have double flush cutters, so you get a straight cut on both sides instead of one or both sides being pinched like with other wire cutters.

[@AussieMaillers]

Thanks Brissy. I have seen people wrap pliers in what they call vet wrap. I'm not a total fan of using something that I then imprint my grip into as I can find myself adjusting my grip if it's a tricky spot or something.....but whatever works, go for it I say. Deb

[@saphire_kraken1670]

I just bought the curing chiseled nose and they mark my anodized aluminum 90% of the time. So I was wondering if they are a "break in" time for those pliers. May be I am juste bad at it XD. I am a beginner in chain maille. BTW I love you channel. Your enthusiasm for this craft is inspiring :)

[@AussieMaillers]

Hi , sorry for the delay in answering you, KZbin changed the admin area and I can't see new comments as easily now. it could be that you are holding the pliers too tightly. It's common when first starting out. One thing that can help is to hold your pinkies out as you maille, you can't grip as tightly on the handles when you do that. Otherwise, just try and loosen the grip on your pliers a little. You will get there! Deb

[@saphire_kraken1670]

@@AussieMaillers thank you! And no worries for the delay :)! I'll try lifting my pinkies, it's gonna be amusing I am sure lol. Thank you.

[@mariestreat7901]

Hi Deb Just watched your video on different pliers which you gave a lot of good advise. I have made quite a few of your projects, the one thing I find I tend grip my pliers quite tight and leave a mark on my rings is their a special way to avoid this or a plier that is less likely to mark the rings. I have seen a product on line Tool Magic but have not been able to find it in Australia. Love your tutorials and looking forward to next weeks (Wish you were left handed though :-) ) Regards Marie

[@AussieMaillers]

Sorry about the left handed thing....tool magic try Over the Rainbow, they used to sell it. Deb

[@mariestreat7901]

@@AussieMaillers Thanks Deb will give them a try.Marie

[@mauriceolivares9287]

Which ones are best to use with 16 gauge stainless steel rings

[@librariall]

Very helpful.

[@lorrainerauert1237]

Thanks Deb, great information, I love my Xurons, before them I used BeadSmith, I still use them for different projects. 😊 ✅

[@AussieMaillers]

That's the key Lorraine, different pliers for different materials etc. Deb