Hi,
Are there such things as pliers that wont leave a mark on head pins etc when using them to hold and bend the headpins?
Thanks
that's a tricky one, I haven't found the perfect solution, but round-nosed pliers touch less of the silver that flat ones. I also sometimes wind a small bit of leather around the jaws.
You could try nylon jawed pliers like these (http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Flat-Nose-Pliers-With-Nylon-Jaws--Cookson-Value-Range-prcode-999-3055?p=gs&kpid=999%203055&gclid=Cj0KEQjwgoKqBRDt_IfLr8y1iMUBEiQA8Ua7XaMBHVr1Lu8fNebfNnJryIVgSy0v81r1wg9M42RQREkaAq768P8HAQ) or Parallel pliers like these (http://www.cooksongold.com/category_select.jsp?query=Maun+Flat+Pliers+6%27%27%2F160mm+Parallel+Action&queryFromSuggest=true), Both are available on an Auction Site somewhere on the Web, probably a bit cheaper too ;)
Second what they both said: either a pair of nylon pliers or a bit of leather (preferably smooth and quite pliable) around the jaws. I've seen people use the latter to hold the item in one hand, while using the former in the other hand for bending it.
You might try using a pin vice, https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/4-piece-pin-vice-set?da=1&TC=GS-040212281 and there are lots of other sellers too.
I wrap masking tape round the jaws of my flat nosed pliers, helps.
Yep, masking tape for me too.
The best solution is usually to use half round pliers - one half of the jaw is round (for bending around) and the other flat (which won't mark silver). My favourites also have grooves to ensure consistent sizes
http://www.cooksongold.com/Stringing/Beadsmith-Perfect-Looper-Pliers-prcode-999-CB8G