the L helps hold it in the vice. a punch works too sears sells then with a square sides...you can change the sizes too..... I got my round nose or circle plyers at walmart for like 3.50 its in there sewing or crafts dept cheap but they work good
I'm not great at them, but I just bend to 45 degrees, grab with round nosed pliers at the bend, and wrap the wire around the pliers. Use the search and I think you'll find plenty on this.