Hi, Iknow that doing your search for pliers you have come across a mind-boggling selection of all types of jewelry pliers. I am assuming that you know the basic types of jewerly pliers.
Flatnose, round nose, chain nose, and bent chain nose.
You will also need to make some choises depending on the type of work you want to do with them.
1. Tip size - for very delicate work with finer wire, slimmer pliers with a fine tip will work the best. For heaverwire, you'll want wider, heavier jaws. You should note the tolerances of the pliers. Don't use a fine tiped pliers onheavy wire or you will damage the tips.
2. Tension springs - Some pliers have a spring to keep the jaws apart, others have a single or double leaf spring, or no spring at all. The springs cut down on fatique if you use them a lot. If your hands tire easily or if you do a lot of plier work, get pliers with springs.
3. Jaw length- Short jaw pliers are thicker and stronger. They are designed to work with the tip for fine work, and can bend heavier materials. Long jaw pliers have less taper per millimeter than short jaw pliers, and have a greater reach to make a longer bend. They have longer handels for better balance and greater leverage. Because of the length, the tips are not as strong as the short jaw pliers, and can be damaged more easily.
4. Metal - There are two types of metal pliers.
a. Stainless steel is rust resistant. It is a tough metal that gives reasonable life and is a good value for the money. The jaws may nick with use , so they may requiire some maintenance.
b. Hardened tool steel is the hardest, strongest, longest lasting material. The jaws are tough and resist nicking with normal use. The downside is that it has a tendency to rust in humid environments, so it should be treated periodically with WD-40 to coat the metal.
5. Feel - The final determination of whether pliers will work for you is how they feel in your hand. They have to fit well so you have complete control of them. You can have the best pliers made, but if they don't feel good in your hand, you won't be happy with them, and maywind up with an injury.
No matter which pliers you purchase, the first thing you want to do is to check the edges.
Some pliers need to be filed befor use to remove sharp edges that can mar the wire. A flat nose plier has 6 surfaces - the tips on each jaw, and 4 edges.
Check to see if these edges are sharpe, and if they are, file them down. This will save you a lot of headackes later because you won't have to polish out tool marks on you finished jewerly piece.
There are hundreds of kinds of jewerly pliers on the market. My advice is to buy the best that you can afford of the type that you need. If the description says comfort or ergonomic grip or handels, chances are that they will be comfy to hold, if not return them. So, check return policy befor you buy.
Linstrom, Wolf, Maun, Xaron - best, Teborg - better, Beadtool - good.
Hope this helps on your search.