By: Andrew Epstein

Andrew Epstein — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:23:40 +0000

I have been working with stainless steel wire (14 ga.) for the purpose of chainmail manufacture for a number of years, and have been through multiple pairs of pliers. While the pliers in this review are not jeweler’s pliers (jewler’s pliers don’t have “teeth”), they are excellent for gripping and twisting material that is ordinarily quite difficult to manipulate with pliers.

Despite the obvious gimmick of the “dual-action quick-change” from one set of pliers to another, the plier’s most salient feature is its comfort! This is, by far, the most comfortable set of pliers you will ever use. The shape of the handles allows me to use them for hours on end without suffering the same palm fatigue I experience with other pliers. The easy spring tension gently opens the pliers after each crimp, eliminating the need to manually open the jaw, and because the spring is soft, it doesn’t increase the force needed to crimp the material noticably. This is a huge time-saving feature.

I should state clearly that this is a two-plier set, and I was interested in purchasing only the smaller, found elsewhere as “the mini.” I purchased the set because the mini, while sold seperately elsewhere, is the same price as the set. I have not found an application for the large plier.

By: N. Gawron

N. Gawron — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:07:18 +0000

I travel and teach doll and animal making, so I have always had to bring several tools with me for bending and cutting wire armatures. This tool does it all in just a “flip”.

This is the second one I have had, so now I keep one in my travel box all the time, and one in my studio.

This tool is well made and a joy to use.

Comments on: Allied SwitchGrip 30582 Dual Action Plier Combo Pack

By: Andrew Epstein

By: N. Gawron