Newbie here! what to use to smooth tools?

[hazyfox]

hello everyone, i'm a total newbie i just got my tools in the mail and i'm wondering how to smooth the pliers, and to remove the black coating on them, i don't have files yet, what kind should i get specificly i plan to begin practicing with wire wrap and want to get into chain maille at some point. any advice will be appreciated! thanks kelly

[Polly]

Hi Hazy,

I'm not sure you want to remove the black coating.... I can't picture it.  If it is the plastic coating on the handles, keep it there; it helps your grip.

Smoothing the pliers:
If they are serrated (have indented lines in the tips, for better gripping), you have 3 choices:
 - you can wrap tape around the tips.
 - you can order a pair of non-serrated pliers, such as 65-206 Economy round-nose pliers
 - you can get something like Tool Magic to dip the tips in.  Tool Magic is great stuff, plus you can also get nearly the same thing at the hardware store, if you want to get started right away and not have to wait for another mail order.

I have 4 pages of messy hand-written lists, that I need to type up and post
 - 1 "Essentials for beginning wire-working"
 - 1 "Essentials for beginning Stringing/Beading"
 - Some more information about cording, choosing clasps, etc.
 - 1 "Essentials for beginning Clay working" (this one is easy, just one item -- The Rings & Things Metal Clay Toolk Kit -- plus some ACS I'll list later)

--Polly