Things You'll Need:
- Crimping tool
- Wire
- Crimping beads or crimping tubes
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Step 1
A crimping tool is a necessity for making professional looking beading projects with a secure closure. The tool is used either at the beginning or end of a beading project to secure the crimp beads and keep them from sliding off of the wire or string.
The typical crimping tool looks and performs similar to a standard pair of pliers. However, notice that the tool has two areas which are used to bend the metal crimp beads in different ways. The opening closest to the handle is used first, and the other opening is used second. -
Step 2
When you are ready to add a crimp bead to your project, slide a crimp bead onto the wire. Next, slide the clasp onto the wire. Now, feed the wire back through the crimp bead. Remove any slack in the wire by sliding the crimp bead close to the other beads so that your beads will not move up and down the wire
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Step 3
Ensure the pieces of wire going through the crimp bead do not overlap. Place the crimp bead in the first opening of the tool and press the handles together. The crimp bead should bend fairly easily and hard pressure is not recommended, as this could break the crimp bead. Release the handle of the tool and the crimp bead should be flattened. The wires should be separated on opposite sides of the bead.
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Step 4
Now, turn the crimp bead 90 degrees, so that it is positioned up and down, instead of flat. Place the crimp bead in the second opening in the tool and press the handles together. This should bring the 2 ends of the crimp bead together.
Once this is complete, all the beads in the project should be secure with minimal movement on the wire. The project will have a professional finished appearance.
