Bail Biter

These plyers are designed like the Peters Tweezers and work very much the same way but give you more control and power when making loops and holes for pendants, vessels and buttons.

For symmetrically locating the eyes on a fish bead: heat up the area where both eyes will be located, place the points of the plyers around the head of the fish and gently squeeze them into the glass. The plyers will leave small dents which will indicate where you should place the eyes. This method also works great for locating opposite sides of any bead or marble up to 1¼" across.

To make loops and holes: place a small amount of glass shaped like a tall bump at the desired location. Heat up just the bump to just shy of it melting down. Quickly place the points of the plyers to the center of the heated bump and squeeze together. As soon as the tips touch, move the handle back and forth a couple of times in a motion that makes the points rotate in the center of the hole. This motion breaks apart the fine web that would otherwise bridge across the middle of the hole. Remove the plyers and reheat the glass area making up the hole, being careful not to melt the hole closed. Again place the plyers in the hole and stretch out the hole to the desired size and shape.

To make a large loop, simply start with a larger bump of glass. You may also need to reheat more than one time. For a wider loop, start with a bump that is slightly oval shaped at its base. Now nickel-plated to prevent rust!