Bend & Form Wire, Photo-Etch, Light Gauge Sheet Stock with this Specialty Pliers Duo

I’ll bet that when you think of Xuron® tools, a few well-known and well-used tools come to mind. Today let’s expand your view of what’s available and hone in on a couple of possibly lesser-known tools to bend wire, form wire, as well as photo-etch, and a variety of materials. These pliers and all Xuron® tools are available through local hobby shops.

Xuron® Model 485FN Flat Nose Pliers

Lightweight and easy to hold, yet strong, the Xuron® Model 485FN Flat Nose Pliers is perfect for model building. It’s fairly small – only 5.5 inches in length and although the widest jaws of our pliers line, sports a thin profile. This model is a flat (duck bill) version of the #485 Long Nose Pliers.

Use this tool to bend wire, form photo-etch and other lightweight materials. As you’d expect, use it to grasp, hold, and flatten these same materials. Its long, flat, square blades provide extra surface area for added control and maneuverability. As with all Xuron® brand pliers, the model 485FN offers ergonomically shaped grips and a return spring for comfort and control while working. You’ll find it’s easy on your wrists and hands.

Xuron® Model 575 Micro-Forming Pliers

This pliers was initially designed for model railroaders; we later discovered it had a much broader application. In a nutshell, if you need a perfect 90-degree bend for your grab irons or photo-etch, you’ll quickly see the benefit of the Model 575 Micro-Forming Pliers.

Simply position the “V” of this pliers where you want the material to bend, and squeeze. If you want a less pronounced bend, don’t squeeze as hard.

Its unique forming blades easily shape wire and light gauge strips of brass and aluminum. And back to its original purpose – it’s ideal for adjusting trip pins on N, HO, and O-sized couplers.

As with the 485FN, this pliers features our ergonomically designed Light-Touch™ return spring and non-slip Xuro-Rubber™ handle grips for comfort and control.

The model 575 Micro-Forming Pliers is also available as part of our TK 3600 Professional Photo Etch Tool Kit.

Warranty and Maintenance

Both models 485FN and 575, as well as all Xuron® tools, are covered by our factory warranty. Follow the link for more information.

Xuron® tools are easy to maintain to keep them in good condition for years of use. FolloSw this link to learn how to replace springs (if needed) and keep your tools well-maintained.

Please let us know in the comments if you’ve learned something new in this post. Thanks for reading!

Subscribers Always Win!

One lucky subscriber will win either the Xuron® 575 or 485FN Precision Pliers. If you’re already a subscriber watch for and be sure to open your next Xuron® Scale Modeler’s Toolbox email newsletter. If you’re not yet a subscriber, fill in the form below and be sure to confirm your email. That’s it … be sure to open and read ALL emails and you will automatically be entered to win whenever we offer a subscriber-only giveaway. The drawing for this current prize will occur on Monday, July 17, 2023, and the winner will be notified shortly thereafter.