How to Use Crimp Tubes

Crimping is a skill that must be learned by every beader. It allows for the secure placement of clasps on jewelry and gives the completed piece a professional look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A clasp to match your design
• Flexible beading wire
• Crimp tubes
• Crimping tool
• Wire cutters
• Crimp covers (optional)

1. Cut the flexible beading wire about 3 inches longer than your project requires. This length allows you 1.5 inches of wire to work with on each side of your project. If you are not confident with your abilities yet, use a longer piece of beading wire.

2. 

   Place a crimp tube on the flexible beading wire.

3. 

   Next, place one end of the clasp through the beading wire.

4. 

   Pass the end of the beading wire back through the crimp tube.

5. Place the bead tube so that it fits closely against the clasp.

6. Separate the wire ends so that each strand is on opposite sides of the tube.

7. 

   Using the inside groove of the crimping tool, squeeze the crimp tube shut.

8. 

   Turn the crimp tube on to its side and close it again using the outside groove of the crimping tube.

9. 

   Cut any of the remaining flexible beading wire close to the tube.

10. 

    Place a crimp cover over the tube and squeeze it close with the outside groove of the crimping tool. Although the crimp cover is not necessary, it gives your jewelry a more finished and professional look.

Tips & Warnings

• Crimp beads are fastened differently than crimp tubes. Crimp beads are usually closed by flattening them with flat-nose pliers. If you try to curl them back onto themselves with a crimping tool, the will break.

[huanton]

on 10/22/2008 Very interesting. Good article. 5 stars!