Bent-Nosed Pliers have a lot in common with chain-nosed pliers because they are so versatile; however, as the name suggests, the plier's nose is bent rather than straight. The very end is bent to about a 45 degree angle.
How Are Bent-Nosed Pliers Used?
Again, like its cousin the chain-nosed pliers, bent-nosed pliers often work like an extra finger or two for jewelry makers. They can be used for all kinds of jewelry making methods from bending wire and metal to grasping a jewelry finding. For whatever reason, they just sometimes feel better to use since the end is bent just a little.
What Should You Look for in a Pair of Bent-Nosed Pliers?
When selecting a pair of chain-nosed pliers, considering the following tips:
- See if you can try out bent-nosed pliers before purchasing a pair. Some jewelry designers love them and some are not as enthusiastic about their use.
- Try to find a pair that have a spring handle. This will make your hands do a little less work and help avoid hand fatigue.
- Bent-nosed pliers come in different diameters when it comes to the nose of the pliers. Sometimes the larger ones can feel a little awkward to use, so look for a pair with a nose that is a little more streamlined or narrow.
- Make sure the handle fits your hand. Some may be too large and other may be too small. The ends of the handles should fit easily inside the palm of your hand.
