Head Pins

[Poppy4lee]

Recently, I thought I'd have a little dabble in earring making, well, it only took me a whole evening to make a pair of OK-ish earrings!! My problem is...I can't bend the head pins into a nice loop. I've looked on jewellery websites & in books etc. and tried to follow the instructions but without much joy. Can anyone tell me a fool-proof method? I really don't mind having to practice the technique in order to perfect it, I just need a reliable technique that I can understand...please

[JBJB]

See my "garbled" explanation in this thread

http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6638

Or have a look at this :

http://beadwork.about.com/cs/beadshowtos/ht/wrappedloop.htm

[Poppy4lee]

See my "garbled" explanation in this thread

http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6638

Or have a look at this :

http://beadwork.about.com/cs/beadshowtos/ht/wrappedloop.htm

Thanks for that, I think I shall have to practice (a lot!!) . Does the size of the chainnose pliers make a difference? Maybe the ones I have are a bit big & clumsy, do you think if I had finer that it would help??

[JBJB]

I've got proper jewellery ones and they're ever so easy to use.....

[Poppy4lee]

I've got proper jewellery ones and they're ever so easy to use.....
I bought mine as 'jewellery' pliers but, knowing nothing about it, I've probably been given garage mechanics pliers!! Where's the best place (preferably on-line) to get some?

[Peter]

To get a loop in headpins you MUST have roundnose pliers! Chainnose will only bend the wire at an angle. :)

[Poppy4lee]

To get a loop in headpins you MUST have roundnose pliers! Chainnose will only bend the wire at an angle. :)
OMG I thought studying for a degree was hard!! So many pliers, so little time!! I take my hat off to all you jewellery people, how/where on earth did you learn all your stuff?? Is there anywhere where I can buy a 'jewellery pliers kit', preferably one that comes with a users manual and valium
(I only wanted to make a pair of earrings!)

[Peter]

This is where I get most of my stuff from http://www.beadsdirect.co.uk/index.php?cPath=84_207
or here http://www.julesgems.com/singleitem.php?Cat=Jewellery%20Pliers&Id=3206&page=Julesgems%20Professional%20Round%20Nose%20Pli ers%20-%20Pink

[Poppy4lee]

Thanks for that - I shall have a good old browse through all their stuff.

[Peacock]

I would definitely echo the recommendation for round nosed pliers. I spent ages when I first started making jewellery trying to use a pair of dodgy old pliers from our household DIY kit, with dubious results. Bought one of the sets from Jules Gems, which has made things so much easier!

[JBJB]

or here http://www.julesgems.com/singleitem.php?Cat=Jewellery%20Pliers&Id=3206&page=Julesgems%20Professional%20Round%20Nose%20Pli ers%20-%20Pink

Did you get the Pink ones Peter?
:sm:

[Donster]

Bought one of the sets from Jules Gems, which has made things so much easier!

I have one of those sets too with the pink handles? :D I would also recommend them. :)