Basic Kinds of Tools

• Most miniature beading tool kits will contain three pairs of pliers, each one only about three inches long. These basic tools include a nipper tool for cutting wire, round nose pliers for making loops from wire, and chain nose pliers for making right angles and opening jump rings. This basic set of tools is enough to perform most general jewelry-making tasks involved in wire work and stringing.
  
  Since the miniature tools are small, they can fit inside even the smallest beading kit or can be slipped into a pocket. Beaders who do a lot of work during long car trips often prefer to bring miniature tools rather than full-size ones, which weigh more and are bulkier. Some basic tool kits include a miniature bead board.
  
  

Advanced Miniature Tools

• Beaders doing more intricate wire work may need tools besides the basic three. Sets of eight miniature tools are also available. These sets usually include all three basic pairs of pliers plus a pair of flat nose pliers for hardening wire, a straight cutter to complement the nipper tool, nylon jaw pliers for straightening wire, a pair of tweezers and a beading awl to help control the formation of knots in activities such as pearl knotting.
  
  While the basic tool set is small enough to fit in a tiny drawstring bag, more advanced miniature tool sets will usually come in a zippered case with elastic straps to hold each tool in place. The size of the entire case is usually slightly larger than a woman's hand.
  
  

Getting Used to Miniature Tools

• Beaders accustomed to full size tools will probably find miniature tools a little difficult to work with in the beginning. They require more fine motor control and may strain the vision of those with poor eyesight, since the cutting and folding edges of the pliers are much smaller than usual. With practice, however, beaders can master using miniature tools.
  
  The quality that miniature tools produce is equivalent to what beaders accomplish with regular tools.
  
  

Disadvantages of Miniature Tools

• Although miniature tools do produce quality loops, cuts and other wire work, they are inferior to regular tools in some ways. Because of their small size, large simple and wrapped loops can't be formed on miniature round nose pliers. Another potential problem is that miniature tools are much more likely to be mislaid. They can slip between couch cushions and get lost in a beading kit or purse, especially when not stored in their kits.