The pliers extend your grip on the tip of a feather when it becomes difficult to hold with your fingers. Loosen the tight area to prevent the fibers from causing the quill to slip between the jaws. When working with flat tinsel, check the orientation of the strip as you wrap it around the shank. When working with a hackle, press down the fibers you’ve already attached with your free hand. Keep the material gripped until it reaches the tying thread.