How to Attach Clasps to Beading

Crimp beads help attach clasps to beaded jewelry

A few inexpensive supplies and tools found at bead supply stores make attaching clasps to bracelets and necklaces an uncomplicated procedure. A wide variety of clasps are available at the bead stores, but all involve two parts that connect together to fasten the jewelry. Hook closures, lobster clasps and magnetic clasps are all attached to your beading by the same method. Once you have mastered this technique, you will have no trouble making all your own custom jewelry.

Things You'll Need

• One spool transparent beading wire
• Ruler
• Wire nippers
• Clasp
• Two crimp beads
• Beads for stringing

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of beading wire to the desired length of the necklace or bracelet plus 6 inches.

2. String one crimp bead on the wire. A crimp bead is a flexible metal bead that can be flattened with a crimping tool to secure the clasp on the beading wire. Separate the two parts of the clasp and string one clasp part on the wire.

3. Pass the end of the wire through the crimp bead a second time and press the crimp bead firmly with the crimping tool to secure it. Cut off any excess wire with the nippers.

4. String the beads for the necklace or bracelet.

5. String the second crimp bead and the remaining part of the clasp. Pass the wire through the crimp bead a second time, sliding all beads as close together as possible. Press the crimp bead with the crimping tool and cut off the excess wire.

References

• “Jewelry and Beading Designs for Dummies”; Heather H. Dismore; 2008
• “Bead Simple”; Susan Beal; 2008