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Post by Renate on Nov 11, 2011 16:00:13 GMT -5
I'm thinking about getting some new round nose pliers. In particular I'am interested in pliers with very fine points for very small loops, and short nose for a better transmission of strength. (Hope I use the right terms, please correct me when I'm wrong.)
Presently I'm working with pliers of ca. 2,5cm nose length and ~1mm tips. They were cheap, but work pretty good. Nut now they are worn, and need to be replaced. I work mostly with 0,8mm wire,
I would like to hear about your experiences with and opinions about shapes and brands.
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shiny
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Post by shiny on Nov 11, 2011 18:01:41 GMT -5
I have Lindstroms that I don't like or use, but I love my baby Wubbers!
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Post by Renate on Nov 11, 2011 19:35:40 GMT -5
Wubbers! Thank you, shiny. I knew there was a brand with funny name  , but couldn't think of it. I have heard good things about it and that it is not too expensive. I know Lindstrom, Tronex, and then there is supposed to be an Italian company with excellent tools at moderate prices. |
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Post by Tela on Nov 12, 2011 8:57:04 GMT -5
I have some long nose Swanstrom (Rio brand), but I rarely use them. I need a better pair of round nose, too. I need the short ones like you are talking about. I've heard a lot of good about Wubbers, too. I'll have to try a pair. If you get some, let us know what you think.
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kay
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Post by kay on Nov 13, 2011 16:25:41 GMT -5
I am hoping a few more folks will weigh in on Wubbers. I also need some new tools to replace my old starter tools, and I was considering Wubbers.
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laura
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Post by laura on Nov 13, 2011 17:36:13 GMT -5
I'm still using cheap but quite well made pliers from electronics store and they're ok. I'd love to buy pliers with fine points too, but I just cannot buy tools online  .. Like shoes. I have to "try them on".. |
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Post by Tela on Nov 13, 2011 19:15:52 GMT -5
I had a pair of Rio Grand (not Swanstrom, that's different) pair that I liked, but they wore out real quick. I have some crap Beadsmith round nose now, that I need to replace. They are just that bad.
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Post by christine on Nov 14, 2011 16:57:32 GMT -5
I have Wubbers round nose and flat nose. I like the grip and the pliers but wish I had ordered the baby ones as the regular ones feel too big to me. I needed to use them for awhile before making a decision on them so it was too late for an exchange. I do like the brand.
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Post by Tela on Nov 14, 2011 17:44:32 GMT -5
Thanks Christine, that was very helpful to know.  |
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laura
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Post by laura on Nov 15, 2011 3:11:03 GMT -5
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Post by Renate on Nov 15, 2011 6:49:32 GMT -5
www.cooksongold.com ?? Laura, have you branched out? ;D My, these pointy pliers look really dangerous. Though the price... 
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laura
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Post by laura on Nov 15, 2011 7:32:02 GMT -5
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Post by Tela on Nov 15, 2011 8:20:20 GMT -5
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laura
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Post by laura on Dec 16, 2011 13:13:28 GMT -5
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Post by Tela on Dec 17, 2011 10:50:59 GMT -5
I have bought from this seller lots of times. I have several Mazbot tools. I think they are made in India or Pakistan, which in my experience, is generally better than made in China. They are not high quality, but not real bad quality, either. I have step pliers and bailing pliers by them. They are perfectly usable, but no Lindstrom.
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laura
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Post by laura on Feb 3, 2012 6:07:55 GMT -5
I've bought these "PowerPaw Ultimate Round Nose" www.etsy.com/transaction/69547483LOVING the long handles (will never go back to mini - these full size a so much easier on the hands), and the tips are really really fine, the surface is very smooth. The quality is nice, however the consistency is a bit lacking (I'm a perfectionist, I think). The tips of the pair I've got are a bit different, but I've seen that on most pliers (haven't touched the best of the best yet). The tip ends are 0.7mm and 0.88mm on my pair (measured with calipers). And I've used those tips on 0.9mm wire without any struggle, and even 1.1mm (soft), but with wire this thick used on the very tips the pliers begin to struggle At the base - 6.3mm Made in Pakistan too, but in general I'd say the quality/feel is better than Mazbot (from these I've bought a set of bailing pliers.. and have very mixed feelings about them.. even to the point where I wanted to send them back) |
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Post by livewire on Feb 3, 2012 8:45:15 GMT -5
I am a total plier junkie, and have many, for different purposes. I like Wubbers, esp. for medium to heavy wire. Comfortable to use, but the tips are not very fine.
I have Lindstrom and Wigjig roundnose that I believe are 1 mm tips. I really like them, but they are not great for heavier wire.
Joyce
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Post by Tela on Feb 3, 2012 8:51:38 GMT -5
I'm going to have to get some wubbers. Everyone who has them, raves about them.
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laura
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Post by laura on Feb 6, 2012 5:18:21 GMT -5
I've been looking long and hard at pictures of Wubbers and the PowerPaw pliers (there are also youtube videos of PowerPaw). They look suspiciously similar. Looks like the same thing with different branding attached. Both made in pakistan, both with custom branding.. And since wubbers spend so much on ads it would explain the price difference.. I'm almost willing to bet they are the same thing. Would be interesting to hear from someone who has both |
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Post by Renate on Feb 6, 2012 7:46:55 GMT -5
Logging in during lunch break, in a hurry... Have just received the micro tip round nose pliers and nylon jaw pliers made in Pakistan, Mazbot, from from eztoolstore at ebay. www.ebay.com/itm/Mazbot-5-Pro-MICRO-JAW-Pliers-ROUND-NOSE-Beading-Jewelry-Making-Tool-MR04-/270854217772?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f102b602cThe look of them is very low quality: The round nose have a very badly "cut" box(?). The points are fine and close well, but they are not horizontal, but slightly twisted. The nylon jaws on the other pliers are broken - from the screw that is supposed to hold them. At about 15$ definitely not tolerable. At the given price I would put up with that if they work nevertheless fopr a while, but I would not recommend them at all. They are a strong argument for high quality products.  (A while ago I had purchased another pair of pliers from them, made in Italy, and they were much better. ) After this sobering experience I've checked Beadaholique.com immediately for the Baby Wubbers, and the price has gone up from about 24$ to about 32$...   Renate |
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Post by Tela on Feb 6, 2012 8:17:45 GMT -5
Sorry about that Renate. I know that brand. What I have gotten has been ok. I've been looking into the Wubbers, too. I'm sure you can shop around for a better price.
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laura
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Post by laura on Feb 6, 2012 8:38:49 GMT -5
Well, based on the bailing pliers I've gotten from Mazbot, I wouldn't recommend that brand... Bailing pliers is not a working horse and for me they basically replace a set of pens and pencils I use as mandrels, so I can live with that quality, but I'd not buy any other pliers from them.
The bailing ones I've got from Mazbot - the set of three - all have different issues. One has noticeably misaligned jaws, one has misaligned handles, chipped base, the third - tiniest one- feels like it's going to break any minute and the jaws look twisted/wavy/curved, not really straight. All seem to have inconsistent diameter along the jaw. Still, they are usable and the price for the set is ok.
The PowerPow round nose feels in hand very much like Swanstrom cutters, only the spring is a bit softer (got used cutters on Ebay, still in great condition). And I'll never go back to "mini" size pliers for something you hold in your hand for hours. The only complaint I have about my pair is that micro difference in the tips..
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Post by Tela on Feb 6, 2012 10:37:17 GMT -5
Hey Renate FDJ has them for 23 usd www.fdjtool.com/ProductInfo/PL6014.aspxLogging in during lunch break, in a hurry... Have just received the micro tip round nose pliers and nylon jaw pliers made in Pakistan, Mazbot, from from eztoolstore at ebay. www.ebay.com/itm/Mazbot-5-Pro-MICRO-JAW-Pliers-ROUND-NOSE-Beading-Jewelry-Making-Tool-MR04-/270854217772?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f102b602cThe look of them is very low quality: The round nose have a very badly "cut" box(?). The points are fine and close well, but they are not horizontal, but slightly twisted. The nylon jaws on the other pliers are broken - from the screw that is supposed to hold them. At about 15$ definitely not tolerable. At the given price I would put up with that if they work nevertheless fopr a while, but I would not recommend them at all. They are a strong argument for high quality products. (A while ago I had purchased another pair of pliers from them, made in Italy, and they were much better. ) After this sobering experience I've checked Beadaholique.com immediately for the Baby Wubbers, and the price has gone up from about 24$ to about 32$... Renate |
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Post by wirewrangler on Feb 6, 2012 14:49:35 GMT -5
Another firmly entrenched in the Wubber gang.
I have both the baby Wubbers and the classic Wubbers. The babies fit my smaller hands and for general wire are my all time favorites. I also have the classic Wubbers when I need to torque the lower gauged wire (14 to 10 gauge). I am looking at the square mandrel pliers lately. Love the bail making pliers, the big one.
As to other brands: I started with 'Eurotool' German made, and these have been fine, but now delegated to working with the stainless steel.
I have some 'Stuller' brand of German made that have begun to rust. I have not used any of the Lindstrom because my work is not extremely fine on a regular basis. The baby round nose(Wubbers) are about 1mm at the nose tip.
BTW, although you will see the look alike types, be forewarned, the 'official' Wubbers all have a final finish which rounds the edges and a matte finish both. These final steps help to cut down on marring of the metal, minimizing slippage and overall, these are just a treat to use.
I really like to purchase from Patti Bullard's site, because she was the inspiration for the Wubbers. (Wired up Beads is her site and I am not affiliated, just like to give credit where it is due, my way of giving back).
I still like the "Italian Cutters", the three cutters via Patti B's site remain my core group of cutters, The largest will cut up to 10 gauge and the ultra flush gets into the most challenging spots. BTW, I do have Tronex cutters, but I still prefer the the Italian jobs. Again, be very careful in researching this cutter, there are many that look similar and may say 'Italian' but not even close to this set that Patti offers. I counted all my cutters, I have about 8 now. Oh my.
Okay, my two cents worth.
Good Luck
WW
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Post by Tela on Feb 6, 2012 16:02:37 GMT -5
Well, I just broke down and ordered both the baby wubbers round nose and the Italian cutters. I am familiar with the brand as I have the micro flat nose which I can't live without. If the cutters are as good, I'll be happy. I ordered from Wired up Beads, too. Thanks WW for pointing that out. I have been there before and had forgotten that Patti helped design them. I see them everywhere now.
I need to call Rio about the Lindstrom cutters. Believe it or not, after just a few weeks of my regular usage, they are shot. Honestly, I think I'll post a picture. The tips don't even meet now- this prompts me to say What the hell??? They used to be good. For real, I didn't do anything outrageous with them.
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Post by Renate on Feb 6, 2012 17:01:07 GMT -5
Thank you for the link, Tela, and to WW for sharing your tool experience and for recommending wiredupbeads.com ! What a great source for Wubbers ( Wired Up Beads?) and those Italian cutters at a VERY good price! |
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Post by Tela on Feb 11, 2012 12:13:49 GMT -5
Thought I would give an update to my order from Wired up Beads. I ordered the Baby Wubbers, which for the price are good, but not perfect, by any means. One tip is oblong and the two are different sizes, but not enough to be too upset with. I've seen much worse. They are, however, aligned, which is good. Maybe, I got an off pair, but the German made Rio brand was much better for almost the same price. I loved those and wore them out. These Wubbers are better than the Beadalon I have now, but not a high end tool, in my opinion. I include a picture. Besides the tip sizes being off, one side is slightly larger and curved. Also, the metal is not well polished. One tip is 1.08mm by .78mm and the other is 1.22 by 1.06. Not round. These sizes are so small that it seems inconsequential- until you go to make a small loop and find it isn't a loop, at all. I have a couple of tools that I have to remember to use the good side. Having bought a lot of made in Pakistan tools, this is what I thought these were. However, the quality is a little better. After so many good reviews, I expected a little better. I really wanted to give these a rave review. Like I said, maybe I got an off pair. I can work with these, but I am a little disappointed. By comparison, I have some fine tip Swanstroms, over ten years old, that are still perfectly aligned and round at .9mm. I don't use them much anymore because they are very long. I ordered the Italian flush cutters, which I am in love with. I just tried them out a little, but I can say, without reservation, that they are MUCH better than my almost 60.00 Lindstrom, for what, 15.00? I feel like a chump now for buying the Lindstroms, but my last ones were so damn good.... These Italian jobs are awesome! I compared the cuts and the Italian cut is, as good, if not better. They remind me of Xuron, but better, I think. I have used this Italian brand before and am very happy with it. I also got some nail files and am happy with them. They are sold at Sally's Beauty Supply, too. They are for acrylic nails. I didn't know it when I bought them, but you can use them wet, which is a benny. The shipping was a little slow, I thought, but I'm spoiled by fast shipping. However, the packaging was like getting a Christmas present. I've never really been one to be impressed by packaging. But, this package was beautifully and carefully packaged with a signed card by the shipper. Very nice touches. It wouldn't change my opinion of the product or company, but it really is a very nice touch. And, I reiterate, it was very nicely done. I would buy from WUB again, to be sure. I'm not so sure about Wubbers, though. I know so many people are happy with them. I don't like to be the odd man out. I'm just trying to be honest. I prefer the German made Rio brand for the same price. The quality is higher. (I bought mine years ago and I don't know if the quality is changed, but I use those same tools EVERY day.) Attachments:
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laura
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Post by laura on Feb 11, 2012 12:41:59 GMT -5
Hehe, my PowerPaw pliers are at least ROUND nose ;D And the finish on mine seems to be better. And they are cheaper  |
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Post by wirewrangler on Feb 11, 2012 16:07:00 GMT -5
Dearest Tela,
So glad you like the Italian Jobs.
The baby Wubbers, sounds like a bumb pair and I would certainly contact WUB.
Even if a defective pair, it might be, a change in manufacturing or quality control, whatever, and if that is the case it is certainly very distressing to hear. Please keep us apprised, because if the quality has diminished since I purchased my set, I will certainly stop recommending them.
As to the finish, they are not supposed to have a shine. They have a matted finish (but should NOT be rough) to better grip the wire so it slips less and also to minimize the glare that happens with highly polished tools.
Again, let us know what happens.
Thanks so much.
WW
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Post by Tela on Feb 12, 2012 9:51:11 GMT -5
WW- no worries I've heard good things about them from everyone. I really hesitated to say anything negative. I will contact WUB by phone tomorrow and see what's up. I'll post what I learn. I understand the lack of polish on the Wubbers. I don't mind that. They just seemed a little too rough to me in some spots. I use a lot of soft copper so sometimes it matters. My Beadalon are much, much, much worse. The Italian cutters are awesome. I used them on two projects last night and quickly got over my natural reaction to reach for the blue handles I have their micro flatnose, in fact, I have 2 pair- one to beat up and one to keep real nice for those applications where I need a pristine pair (fine wire or spots that will show a lot). My "beat up pair" just means broken in really. They are just as usable as day one. I'm really impressed with these tools. |
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, but couldn't think of it. I have heard good things about it and that it is not too expensive. 
.. Like shoes. I have to "try them on".. 
