Pliars;
Doesn't sound like much does it? Well, there's where you are wrong. There's regular Pliars and needle Nosed pliars. With the typical Two halves through bolted or screwed. Or, the ones that have a smooth internal joint that prevents twisting. This is important now. If you are doing a lot of P.E. and maybe a few " Metal Earth" Models.
Of course you're going to say why? Well, think about it. Do you want the tips of your pliar jaws twisting when trying something as simple as a little tab on the latter, or say a Gun Shield in P.E. in Brass. Now just for you newbies. I have built on commission for folks and I have run across variable thicknesses in brass for the same piece in the same scale or larger say the 40 mm shields by "Tom's Modelworks" vs. "Gold Medal Models" or even going to stainless like "Trumpeter's" U.S.S. North Carolina set.
Now this is just three brands in 1/350 so you do know there's more. I have even run across this difference in 1/72 and 1/700. Just keep this in mind when you buy or use what you have. I have crossed over and use specifically tools made for The Stained Glass Hobbyist. The " Delphi " catalogue ( for Stained Glass Hobbyists/Proffessionals) is full of high Quality tools. They all work fine for me.
Never think you have to use the old pliars from the hardware store. Even in cutters to remove the parts, look at your Pliar type Toe-Nail or Finger-Nail Cutters. That's the kind of hinge you want. They have a name I just can't seem for the life of me to remember what they call it. Much more stable and forgiving. Good Cutting !