I have been beading for five years now.  I started out with some pretty basic tools, then "appropriated" a set of Craftsmen tools from my husband and am now ready to move up to a better set. I do a lot of bead weaving, very little wire work, and just did my first Byzantine weave bracelet.  The instructor had a set of Lindstrom hand tools - wow what a difference! While I would love to upgrade to an entire set of Lindstrom they are a bit pricy.  Does anyone have some suggestions for a more moderately priced line that is still a step up from what I have now?  I will have to order on line as there are no stores carrying the better lines in town.  Thanks so much.

I found a pair of ergonomic chain nose pliers in A. C. Moore that I like very much. Total length is 5.75 inches. The barrels are only 3/4 inch long so they have long handles. The mark on the side of the handle is "BMB". I've tried to find them online with no success except that there is a company that makes "BMB" pliers but not this one. The padded handles are blue on the outside and grey on the inside. I though perhaps they were made or marketed by Blue Moon but I'm not sure.

I like using bent nose pliers with jump rings but I haven't found any others that I like other than the cheap ones that come in a set. I cover the ridges with scotch tape.

Why don't you ask your husband or your family to give you a nice birthday, Christmas or Hanukkah present this year?