How to Crimp a Crimp Bead
All jewelry makers should know how to crimp. Crimping beads or tubes allow you to secure two or more pieces of wire or to finish a necklace or bracelet. A crimping tool allows you to crimp these small jewelry pieces into place.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Cut the length of nylon coated beading wire that you need. Fold it over and add your clasp.
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2
Slide a crimp bead or tube onto both wires, and press it tight against the clasp.
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3
Several types of pliers come in handy for jewelry making.
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In the crimp pliers, place the bead in the first notch, the one closest to the handle and shaped like a crescent moon. Squash your bead by squeezing the handle. You will notice that the bead has been flattened with a dimple on one side.
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4
Turn the crimping bead on its side so the dimple faces outward, and place it in the second notch of the pliers, the one closest the tip and shaped like a flattened oval. This time fold your bead onto itself as you squeeze the handle.
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5
Place the crimp bead into the flat portion of the tip to tighten it gently. Don't squeeze too hard or you will break the bead.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Take the time to separate the wires for a more secure crimp.
Add a dot of glue for extra durability.
If you squeeze your bead too hard you may break it. This is sometimes hard to get off the wire and may force you to start all over, something that is real sad if you were finishing up the project. Be gentle and careful.
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- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Comments
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sherryeam
Feb 12, 2009
I recently started / learned to use crimp beads. Very nice explaination of how it's done.
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aidenofthetower
Aug 22, 2008
I like the look of the crimp beads or tubes and don't use crimp covers very often. I haven't ever heard of Twisted Tornado Crimp Beads, but then again I haven't heard of a lot of things!
