Using these ChiaoGoo Knit RED Circular Needles is easy. Start by casting on your yarn onto the needles. Since the yarn slides smoothly over the red nylon - coated cable, you can work on your knitting project without much hassle. When choosing a needle, pick the right size and length according to your project. For small, delicate items, a shorter length and smaller size might be better, while larger projects may need longer needles. As for maintenance, keep the needles clean. You can wipe them gently with a soft cloth after use. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the nylon coating. Store the needles in a dry place to prevent rusting. Also, be careful not to bend the needles too much, as this could affect their performance.