alternative to jin pliers

I have some juniper I plan to jin. Being new to bonsai, I don't have jin pliers yet. Is there a decent alternative anyone has used? Something that could be found at a home improvement store? If not, any recommendations when shopping for jin pliers? I can't spend a ton of money. Thanks!!!

i've seen it done with regular pliers. a pipe wrench with the longer handles can make it easier to crush the fiber, but pliers come in a variety of sizes and shapes. hope that helps.

Jesse

I use a combination of channel locks for squeezing the live bark and a few different needle nose pliers for peeling bark. They work well so far. I need to invest in real jin pliers though.

I really dont know the quailty of them but http://www.stonelantern.com/ has real cheap tools. I mean knob cutters for $11.95. I kmow usually you get what you pay for but they should last awhile.

I've been playing around with needle nose pliers. So far, they seem to be okay. I did score a dremel set for $12 at a garage sale today though. Made my day!!!