How to Make a Mobile - Part 1 - Mobile Making Tools

I've had a number of people email or call me over the years asking what tools I use to make my mobiles.  My philosophy is "share knowledge always, I can't take it with me when I'm gone".  

When I began my journey as a mobile maker I couldn't find any tool resources so I stumbled around and tried a ton of the wrong materials and tools before I found the ones I love.  And of course, Amazon is kind enough to support me when I support them so all the links below are part of my affiliate store.  They don't charge any more $$ to you for following my links and buying from them but they do give me a tiny stipend for sending you there.

Round Nose Pliers - While I started with my wubber jewelry making round nose pliers, which are wonderful, I soon found they were too small and hard on my hands to make use of them for long.  After lots of research my husband found electricians round nose pliers.  My favorites are Knipex ergonomic.  Buy a good tool and you only have to buy it once.  Buy cheap tools and you will have a drawer full of unused cheap tools.  These are the standard knipex round nose and will serve you well for years! https://amzn.to/3Fa5mq1  

Long Nose Pliers - I use long nose pliers to crimp my wire to a component in a handcrafted staple.  Look for a blog post soon with instructions on creating a component group.  I like the Irwin Vise Grip long nose pliers because the handles don't come off over time.  I've bought more brands than you can count and the handles on so many of them slip off after 1 to 2 months of daily use.  If you want a less expensive alternative a dipped grippy handle is another good option.  I like the Irwin Vise Grip long nose pliers also due to the ergonomic feel to the handle and the handles stay on over time. Irwin Long Nose Pliers

TIG Stainless Steel Welding Rod - .045 and 1/16 - These are the rods I use for mobiles under 6 ft in size.  Any component/rod combo over 16 inches I will use the larger 1/16th inch size.  I use these rods in 36" lengths instead of coils.  I can always bend a curve in a straight rod but it's nearly impossible to make a spool of wire straight.  I use the grade ER308 or ER309.  The translation from decimal to wire gauge is roughly .045 is 18 gauge and 1/16th is 16 gauge.

Memory Wire Cutters - I use these to flush cut the rods.  Occasionally, while working with the rods, your fingers or hands will slip and if you cut your rods with a pinch cutter like the ones on the long nose pliers you can end up on a trip to the emergency room for stitches.  The flush cut of the memory wire cutters won't absolutely prevent you from cutting yourself but they cut down on the accidents (excuse the pun).  Link to memory wire cutters here

Hole Punch - While drooling over gemstone beads at a bead show in 2008, before I ever made a mobile, a seller gave me a demonstration of this amazing hole punch. She showed me how it could punch holes in pennies and dimes and I thought, hmm... maybe these would make cute penny earrings.  So, I bought the hole punch and never used it.  Not until I started making mobiles.  Now I use it daily.  This tool can punch holes in almost any material (except stainless steel, glass and plexiglass).  Well worth the investment. Link to hole punch here and here

Parallel Jaw Pliers - They can be pricey!  When crimping your handcrafted staple to a component these come in handy keeping your round wire in place while crimping.  I also use these on every mobile I make both large and small as they work well in adjusting the straightness of a rod after turning a loop (another day, another lesson).  Link to inexpensive pliers that will start you out

Component Materials - These materials can vary greatly.  From items that can be hung at the ends of your rods to pieces that can be attached to them the possibilities are endless.  Keeping your components lightweight is the key to making mobiles that move easily indoors.    Kydex, mat board, and plexiglass are just a few suggestions.  The mat board (backing board) and plexiglass can be painted.  Not sure about the kydex but the kydex can be heat formed into interesting shapes:

Cutting component materials - I use this to cut the mat board as well as textiles and leathers.  Yes, component materials at the ends of a rod are endless in possibilities.  I cut many things with WOLFF scissors but rely on a die cut machine to cut precise circles, squares, ovals, and many other shapes in many materials less than 1/8th inch thick or less (except steel and plexiglass).  

These are my main daily tools that I use to make almost all of my mobiles.  Look for my new book, Mobile Making in the 21st Century, at the end of 2025 where I detail every step I take to make kinetic mobile sculptures.  

Carolyn Weir