Wiring: Tools
One this page, we’ll talk about rosary making tools, both required and really nice to have. When you’re first starting out, stay on the economical side until you get a feel for the size and brand of tools that work best for you. At Meinssen Handmade we use Baby Wubbers, regular Wubbers round and flat nose for large bead and heavy wire pieces. Baby Wubbers and Tronex chain nose pliers and Eurotool flush cutters. You will need one pair of round nose, two pairs of flat nose, one pair of chain nose, and one pair of flush cutters.
Required Tools
Round Nose Pliers
These are used to create wire loops. Shown are regular and baby sized Wubbers. Any larger round nose plier, is very helpful for bending heavy 19ga wire especially if you’re lacking arm strength. Two different sized round nose are great, but you can do very well with one pair.
Flat Nose Pliers
Flat nose pliers are smooth inside the jaws, and they are used to close jump rings. Flat nose are also used to create wire wraps. You’ll need two pairs. Shown are baby and regular Wubbers, and Tronex.
Chain Nose Pliers
Chain nose pliers are used to close loops or reach small areas, in beading. If you plan on wire wrapping, try to get the smallest tip you can, as the size of the tip affects the length of the wire wraps.
Cutting Tools
Cutting tools are useful for trimming wire and cutting chain. Flush cutters are recommended because the leave less of an angle on the cut, and are better for fitting into tighter spaces.
Helpful Tools
Looping Tool
Special pliers for making easy eye pins. These come in three sizes; the 2.25mm looper is good for 20 and 21ga wire.
Polish
Light abrasive polishes, such as Wrights Silver Polish and Sunshine polishing cloths, are perfect for cleaning and shining up wire. Tarnex works very well for jump rings, but it can damage the surface of beads, and should not be used to clean completed pieces.
Electric Bead Reamer
Variable speed hand drill, used to enlarge bead drills. They accept 1/8” diamond drill bits. For best performance, beads should be wet. This particular model is hard to find, and can reach up to about 16,000rpm.
Dremel Stylo
A Dremel tool is a widely available alternative in electric bead reamers. They use the same 1/8” shank diamond drill bits. The beads should be wet so that the bit’s diamond coating doesn’t burn and turn your bead black from heat.
Measuring Tools
Rulers and calipers are handy tools for measuring rosary parts and bead sizing. Especially gemstone beads, which often vary in size on a single strand.
Bracelet Mandrel
A bracelet mandrel is a cone with etched measurements which allow you to size your bracelets correctly. Especially important for custom pieces, chunky beads, and very small bracelets.
Bead Board
Board useful for designing and organizing rosaries, chaplets, tenners and bracelets during construction. These boards come in a variety of styles, so try to find one that works best for you.