There is some slight adjustments that need made to the loops now and then, but the process is still much faster and the loops look much nicer. If I have to adjust a couple here and there I'm fine with that.
I do think the handles are a bit "big", so that's why I only gave a 4 star review. I discuss that in the video, but overall it was not enough to deter me from this tool. In fact I'll be ordering the other 2 sizes as well.
If you struggle with getting even, same size loops on your eye pins, this is a must have tool. I'd be lost without it now.
It works fantastically for my needs. I make vintage inspired jewelry and making the loops to each bead was not only time consuming but could compromise the looks of the final piece, considering that I'm not very good at making them consistently. With this tool I made a whole strand of pearls in less than 5 minutes! Just for that I give 5 stars. Let's see if it is durable. So far so good but I received it today.
I have injuries in my hands, so this little tool is a god send. I've started making rosaries recently and just love the ones made with chain. If I had to do it all by hand, it would take me weeks. When I use this tool, it just takes a couple of hours and saves me so much hand cramping and stain. It easily makes beautiful and consistent loops every time. It saves me money too, because I can just buy wire and make my own eye pins. Once you get the hang of it, it makes really professional looking stuff. I recommend using 20 Gauge wire with this tool. It helps reduce the slight gap in the loop when you make it.
I want to address an issue people have been having with this tool. many people have mentioned that when you use it there is a quite noticeable space between the bead and the second loop. This is true. However, I have developed a little technique to reduce that gap greatly. It takes a little more time, but the results are very nice. open the first loop by about 1mm before you make the second loop. I know a lot of people don't like the open loop but I need to do it anyway to connect the beads together. Here is a detailed breakdown of what I do:
You Will Need:
-The 1 Step Looper
-Wire or an eye pin
-Bead
-Round nose pliers or rosary pliers
Steps:
1) make 1 loop using your wire or just grab an eye pin
2) Using the pliers, twist open that first loop so it's offset by about 45 degrees from it's original position. *This is super important because this allows your bead to butt right up against the curve of the loop and helps compensate the space needed to make the second loop.*
3) Position your wired bead to make the second loop. Be sure to press it right up against the left pincer that molds the loops. * it helps to lift the bead and wire away from the back slightly so you get get it flush with the pincer. I also recommend using a shorter wire so you don't have to thread it through the other end of the pliers. This lets you maneuver the bead easily*
4) Press the pliers to make the second loop.
5) Use round nose pliers to close and adjust the loops
I find the simple act of opening the first loop by 45 degrees shifting up the bead into the opened loop makes all the difference. Also make sure you butt the bead right up against the left pincer as well. This really helps in making a snug fit with the second loop. It does take a bit of practice, but it works great every time! I hope this helps someone out.
To conclude, I love this tool greatly. It allows a wounded noob like me to make really professional looking jewelry with a little amount of practice. I Can't recommend this tool enough!
I love this thing; it's super easy to use and has saved me HOURS of work.
There are some drawbacks: It's not the best for small beads since it leaves a bit of space between the bead and the loop, and if you try to shorten the gap by holding the bead right at the edge of the looping mechanism, it will chip or, if the bead is glass, completely crush the bead. If you're using pre-made head pins/eye pins, I recommend using longer ones - at least 1 1/2 inches - as they are easier to thread through the mechanism and you will get more consistent results. It's also a good idea to use eye protection while using this, since the clipped wire tends to go flying off (this isn't as much of a problem with smaller gauge wire). And (as with any product) be prepared to set aside some time learning how to use it before you can whiz through beading projects.
So why am I giving it 5 stars? Because it's just that good. Once you learn how to use it, it's easy to get consistent results that look great, and you don't kill your hands doing it! The construction is good quality, and it has a nice sturdy spring. It pays for itself in the time and energy it saves you; I would absolutely buy it again.
I received the pliers on Friday and I haven't stopped playing with it since! I've tried different size eye pins, different size beads, and different materials. It works fantastic! The only issue I'm having is that the very outside edge of the loop is angled outward- sort of like an open split ring would be. I expect I am seating the wire wrong, so I'll have to practice it little more. This tool will not only save me time, it has rescued the 2" eye pins (that I ordered accidentally) from obscurity. I use it to make an eye pin for bead #1, then loop the excess and I have a second eye pin! Holy crap- I'm in rosary making heaven!
Feature Product
- Trim and loop embellish head and eye pins!
- Will bend and trim wire between 26 to 18 gauges
- Contains one looper tool
Description
BEADSMITH-One Step Looper Tool. Trim and loop embellish head an eye pins! You can create and trim eye pins in one motion. Works with dead-soft or half-hard precious metal wire, craft wire and copper or brass core wire. This package contains one looper tool that will bend and trim wire between twenty-six to eighteen gauges. Imported.
I love how easy and precise this tool works for making perfect eye pins. But, the directions on the back of the package are not as easy to follow as are the instructional videos that are online. I especially liked the video done by the Potomac Bead Company.
I had a looper tool which was far, far harder to operate. When I saw this last week in the "suggestions" that we always get while shopping here, I was curious, and decided to give it a try.
First, I have tried 4 different eye pins in this, four different weights. They ALL work in it. It makes a perfect circle, it is the easiest to operate of any tool I've used for a long time. It appears to be well made. And it is now my GO TO tool because it has taken a couple of minutes off of the making of every single pair of earrings. In other words, if I make 15 pair of earrings today, I can do it in nearly a half hour's less time. That, to me, makes this tool well worth the money.
I also have used it for building bracelets when I need loops where an o-ring or split ring won't work.
If I have difficulty with this in the future, as always, I will edit this post to reflect it.
Fantastic! Works great. Easy and fast. Makes loops same size every time. Turn wire into eye pin. Save time and pays for itself!! If this pair ever breaks or wears out I will buy again!! I can’t do without these now. I heard they are going to make them in 2.0mm. I will buy them as soon as they do.
I have made jewelry for a few years now and have depended on my round nose pliers for loop making. I was almost certain I did not need this tool. Well, now that I have it I can't imagine being w/o it. I highly recommend this tool to anyone who makes jewelry. Maybe I came late to the party and everyone already has one but get one if you don't!
This is a great tool for looping beads. It's quick and easy. Well constructed.
Some improvements that I'd like to see in future models:
Some times there's a noticeable space between a loop and the bead. I guess this could be a personal preference.
The base of the cutter (where the pin sits) could be wider because when doing different size beads you want to have the edge of the bead against the back of the tool. To do this it would help to have grooves on both sides where the wire sits so that they are aligned properly. They could also change the hole on the right side to a slit.
I don't think much can be done about this, but I'm a man with fairly large hands and it's not that hard for me, but I can see for tiny women it might be a problem where they would have to really stretch their hands.
It would be nice if they could get it where the loop is completely closed. As it is now there's usually a space, which I guess for some people it wouldn't matter since they would probably have to open them to attach to whatever anyway.
Overall this is a time saver and I would recommend it to anyone that does a lot of looping.
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