A good plier set is the first thing most new jewellery makers buy. The right set lets you make loops, open jump rings, bend wire and trim ends neatly from your very first project. This guide explains which pliers you actually need, how our NS Crafts® sets compare, and when it is worth stepping up to parallel action pliers.
The four pliers every beginner needs
- Round nose pliers – tapered round jaws for making loops, curves and jump rings.
- Chain nose pliers – fine, flat-inside jaws for opening and closing jump rings and working in tight spots.
- Flat nose pliers – wide, flat jaws for gripping wire and making sharp, neat bends.
- Side cutters – for trimming wire close to your work.
Bent nose pliers are a useful fifth tool for reaching into awkward angles, and they also make opening jump rings easier when used with chain nose pliers. See How to Open and Close Jump Rings.
Which set should you choose?
| If you want to… | Choose | From |
|---|---|---|
| Start beading and wire wrapping on a budget | Jewellery Making Pliers Set – Wire Wrapping, Beading & Looping | £21.99 |
| Get all five everyday shapes in one go | 5-Piece Jewellery Making Pliers Set | £27.99 |
| Add a half round plier for ring shanks and curves | Craftsman Jewellery Pliers Set | £29.99 |
| Grip sheet and thick wire evenly without marks | Parallel Action Pliers Set of 3 (steel, nylon & brass jaws) | £35.99 |
| Shape rings and curves | Parallel Action Forming Pliers Set of 3 | £37.99 |
| Set up a complete bench or workshop | Parallel plier sets of 5 to 27 pliers | £64.99 |
Prices are correct at the time of writing; the product page always shows the current price.
Standard or parallel action pliers?
Standard pliers pivot like scissors, so the jaws meet first at the tip. They are light, inexpensive and perfect for beading and fine wire. Parallel action pliers keep their jaws parallel as they close, so they grip evenly along the whole jaw. Many makers move to parallel pliers once they start working with sheet, square wire or thicker gauges. Our guide Smooth, Nylon or Brass Jaws? explains the jaw options.
What to look for in a plier set
- Smooth jaws so soft wire is not marked.
- Spring handles that open the pliers for you, which makes long sessions easier.
- Comfortable grips that fit your hand.
- A side cutter included, so you do not have to buy one separately.
FAQs
How many pliers do I need to start?
Three pliers and a cutter (round nose, chain nose, flat nose and side cutters) cover almost every beginner project.
Is a set cheaper than buying pliers separately?
Yes. Our sets cost less than buying the same pliers one by one.
Do you deliver quickly?
UK delivery is free and orders are dispatched within 1 working day.
Browse all jewellery plier sets or the full range of jewellery pliers & cutters.