Well-Dressed Pliers
"Dressing" your pliers for a mar-proof finish
By Helen I. Driggs
No matter their price tags, most off-the-shelf pliers will need to be modified at some point during their work life. My convex/concave ring shank pliers are a good example because although they are 98 percent perfect for my hand size and preferences in terms of grip, action, and fulfilling their purpose, their hardened steel jaws can really mar ring stock, pattern wire, and other jewelry metal that’s thicker than 20 gauge. This is why I decided to “dress”—grind, sand, and polish—both jaws for a mar-proof finish when I use them.