Large oval mandrel bail making pliers with green grips and two steel mandrel jaws, seen from above on cream linen

Bail Making & Wire Looping Pliers — Large Oval Mandrels 12 × 8 mm & 9 × 6 mm, Jewellery

£16.99
Sale price  £16.99 Regular price 
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Large oval mandrel bail making pliers with green grips and two steel mandrel jaws, seen from above on cream linen

Bail Making & Wire Looping Pliers — Large Oval Mandrels 12 × 8 mm & 9 × 6 mm, Jewellery

£16.99
Sale price  £16.99 Regular price 
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When a pendant needs a generous bail, standard bail-making pliers run out of jaw. These carry two large oval mandrels — 12 × 8 mm and 9 × 6 mm — so every loop you form comes off the tool the same shape and size, whether you are hanging one statement piece or making a run of matched components. Pair them with our wire gauge guide when choosing stock for heavier bails.

The steel jaws are smooth and non-tapered, so silver, gold and copper wire wraps without picking up marks, and the box joint holds the jaws in line under repeated forming. Cushioned grips take the sting out of a long bail-making session.

  • Forms two distinct oval loop sizes: 12 x 8 mm and 9 x 6 mm.
  • Smooth, non-tapered steel jaws prevent marking or scratching soft metals.
  • Strong box-joint construction keeps the jaws perfectly aligned whilst shaping wire.
  • Comfortable, cushioned grips reduce hand fatigue during repetitive bail-making tasks.
  • Suited for forming non-ferrous wires, including silver, gold, and copper.

Who it's for

A core tool for UK bench jewellers, jewellery designers, and craftspeople who need to produce larger, oval-profile bails for pendants and statement jewellery. Essential when standard bail-making pliers are too small for the job.

Specifications

  • Mandrel Sizes: 12 mm x 8 mm and 9 mm x 6 mm
  • Jaw Material: Steel
  • Handle: Cushioned grip

Free UK delivery from £30 · Same-day dispatch target for orders before 2pm Mon–Fri · 30-day returns

Weight 180 g

Common questions at the bench

How do I make loops the same size every time?
Form every loop at the same point on the jaw. On stepped or tapered jaws, a fine marker line at that point helps you find it again; pliers with a fixed loop size, a jaw stop or pegs do this for you, so see this product's description for how to set or use them. A test loop in scrap or copper wire first saves precious metal.
What wire thickness can I use?
If this product's description gives a wire size or gauge, stay within it. Annealed (softened) wire forms neater loops with less force; harder or thicker wire springs back more and puts more strain on the jaws.
Will these mark my wire?
Any jaw can mark soft metal or a polished finish if you grip too hard or the jaws are dirty, and serrated or textured jaws mark more easily than smooth ones. Use the lightest grip that holds the piece and keep the jaws clean; on finished or plated work, cover metal jaws with masking tape or use nylon-jawed pliers.
How should I look after them?
Wipe them clean after use, keep them dry and store them so the jaws do not knock against other tools. Keep the moving parts free of grit and filings so the action stays smooth, and do not use them as a hammer or a lever.

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