Sometimes referred to as long nose pliers or pinched nose pliers, the main functions of a set of needle nose pliers include cutting through thin wiring and gripping small objects during an intricate craft project. Often used by electricians, needle nose pliers are also found among the tools used by arts and crafts enthusiasts. Here are some facts about needle nose pliers, including some of the ways that the pliers are commonly used.

The body of the needle nose pliers is composed of solid steel, and normally has hard plastic covers for the upper portion of the pliers, which make it easy to grip the handles of the pliers. The name for the device is derived from the appearance of the blades. Slim and coming to a point, the blades resemble a long nose. However, the blades are sharpened to an edge, allowing them to cut through a number of thin wires at one time. This makes the long nosed pliers ideal for use whenever electrical wire, florist wire, or craft wire is employed with a project. As such, electricians, tradesmen, and persons who enjoy handicrafts find the need nose pliers to be a handy addition to any tool kit.

Needles nose pliers are especially helpful when working in area that is crowded or where the wires are very petite. Along with their ability to cut through fine wire, it is possible to grip small wires with the ends of the blades and bend or otherwise manipulate the wire as needed. A cutting section that is near the point where the blades and the handles meet is ideal for cutting through the plastic covers of wires, as well as through the wires themselves.

Needle nose pliers are handy for working with small beads, holding them firmly in place while the wire is threaded through the beads. The also are handy in creating a loop of wire for a clasp to be attached to the strand. Because beads are often very small, the ability to firmly hold the bead in place during the threading process is very important. Use of needle nose pliers in this application can speed the process of creating various types of jewelry a great deal.

Needle nose pliers can be purchased at just about any hardware store, as well as the hardware departments of leading discount retail stores. Many craft shops will also carry several sizes of needle nose pliers, owing to the different types of beadwork that can be employed in the creation of crafts. A relatively inexpensive tool, the versatile needle nose pliers are an ideal solution whenever there is a need to work with small objects, or work in very tight spaces.