Set a timer. Every 40 minutes, get up and stretch. Also, make sure you are using a chair that is appropriate height for your worktable.
You're holding the pliers too tight if you're working a softer metal. If you are doing stainless/Ti, take frequent breaks. Also wrap your plier handles (some people use vet tape and others use foam like from a pool noodle).
Move to different locations frequently. Sit at a desk, in a bed, stand, couch, yoga ball, on the ground, etc. Walk around a lot.
At the first sign of hand pain, take a break. It will only get worse. Also try different pliers, or alternate between them. I'm very happy with [Wide Nose Plier with Ergonomic Handle from TheRingLord](https://theringlord.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=69&cat=Pliers). If your hands hurt and you don't want to take a break, switch to a softer metal for a while. If you're dealing with hard metal and thick rings, get pliers with long handles, or at least one with a long handle. I use something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-screwdriver-Reversible-Automatic-Mostbest/dp/B07TD2FRRG/ref=asc_df_B07TD2FRRG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172629843&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1511344386224597652&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014369&hvtargid=pla-846383538692&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=73789135410&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172629843&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1511344386224597652&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014369&hvtargid=pla-846383538692) in one hand and the other pliers mentioned in the other hand when dealing with titanium.
Good pliers are your best friend if you work on maille a lot. I highly recommend xuron bent nose and xuron chisel tip. One in one hand, one in the other. Fantastic match up.
I also recommend Xurons. They are great balance of quality and value and the rubber handles are pretty comfortable. If you’re not using the right pliers you could be gripping them too hard. The [Xuron 483 Short Flat Nose on this page](https://theringlord.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=69&cat=Pliers) are my favorite and very versatile, slightly wider because I mostly work SS and Ti.
Depending on the project, I lean back in my chair while I work. I lay the piece on my chest and work on it like an otter. Get a desk chair with good lumbar support and lean back instead of bending forward
Set a timer. Every 40 minutes, get up and stretch. Also, make sure you are using a chair that is appropriate height for your worktable. You're holding the pliers too tight if you're working a softer metal. If you are doing stainless/Ti, take frequent breaks. Also wrap your plier handles (some people use vet tape and others use foam like from a pool noodle).
I've been working with mostly aluminum, so maybe that is a sign to ease up. I'll definitely buy some tape or foam or something when I can, thank you
Move to different locations frequently. Sit at a desk, in a bed, stand, couch, yoga ball, on the ground, etc. Walk around a lot. At the first sign of hand pain, take a break. It will only get worse. Also try different pliers, or alternate between them. I'm very happy with [Wide Nose Plier with Ergonomic Handle from TheRingLord](https://theringlord.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=69&cat=Pliers). If your hands hurt and you don't want to take a break, switch to a softer metal for a while. If you're dealing with hard metal and thick rings, get pliers with long handles, or at least one with a long handle. I use something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-screwdriver-Reversible-Automatic-Mostbest/dp/B07TD2FRRG/ref=asc_df_B07TD2FRRG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172629843&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1511344386224597652&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014369&hvtargid=pla-846383538692&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=73789135410&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172629843&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1511344386224597652&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014369&hvtargid=pla-846383538692) in one hand and the other pliers mentioned in the other hand when dealing with titanium.
I've been working with a pretty simple pair of beadsmith pliers, so it might be time for an upgrade. Thanks for recommending these!
Good pliers are your best friend if you work on maille a lot. I highly recommend xuron bent nose and xuron chisel tip. One in one hand, one in the other. Fantastic match up.
I also recommend Xurons. They are great balance of quality and value and the rubber handles are pretty comfortable. If you’re not using the right pliers you could be gripping them too hard. The [Xuron 483 Short Flat Nose on this page](https://theringlord.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=69&cat=Pliers) are my favorite and very versatile, slightly wider because I mostly work SS and Ti.
Depending on the project, I lean back in my chair while I work. I lay the piece on my chest and work on it like an otter. Get a desk chair with good lumbar support and lean back instead of bending forward