rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,172
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Post by rockbrain on Aug 19, 2022 9:48:19 GMT -5
I've seen a couple references recently to "conditioning" pliers and tools. Seems like it helps preventing tool marks. I've done a search here as well as a general Google search and all I seem to come up with are the couple of threads here that mention it. So, what's it all about? Why and how do I condition my tools?
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Aug 19, 2022 10:20:15 GMT -5
Conditioning basically means just using a fine sandpaper on new pliers to soften the edges of the nose to help prevent unwanted marks in the metal. Also polishing up the nose a bit will also help prevent work marks.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,172
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Post by rockbrain on Aug 19, 2022 12:15:26 GMT -5
Thanks!
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Post by rockjunquie on Aug 21, 2022 7:41:20 GMT -5
I finally got around to conditioning my new pliers. The industry has been doing this thing where they put a rough texture on the pliers "throat" to decrease slipping. I am NOT a fan of that. The first pair were some Wubbers. I contacted them about this and was told about the slipping. This pair is a Swanstrom pair and I have had a Beadsmith pair with the rough surface- so it's pretty common. Luckily, it sands down fairly easily. It may be true that it helps prevent slipping, but I think it also causes more marks. Not a fan.
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Post by susand24224 on Aug 21, 2022 15:15:48 GMT -5
I agree with all of the above, with one thing to add, although I don't think it is really "conditioning." I watched a video on Rio Grande's website (I think it was under their Burlife product) about cleaning. I now use one of their Sunshine cloths on all of my pliers, etc. about once a week. According to Rio Grande, tiny bits of metal get "stuck" on tools and eventually can create pits and the like. I have no idea if this is correct, but it makes sense and I have seen little copper, etc. flashes on my tools after use, so I'm doing it.
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Post by rockjunquie on Aug 22, 2022 7:34:08 GMT -5
I agree with all of the above, with one thing to add, although I don't think it is really "conditioning." I watched a video on Rio Grande's website (I think it was under their Burlife product) about cleaning. I now use one of their Sunshine cloths on all of my pliers, etc. about once a week. According to Rio Grande, tiny bits of metal get "stuck" on tools and eventually can create pits and the like. I have no idea if this is correct, but it makes sense and I have seen little copper, etc. flashes on my tools after use, so I'm doing it. That's a good reminder. One I need.  I AM good about using a drop of household oil abt once a year, though. I also use compressed air to blow out the joint. |
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I AM good about using a drop of household oil abt once a year, though. I also use compressed air to blow out the joint. 
