Things You'll Need:
- crimping tool
- crimping bead
- beading wire or cord
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Step 1
The purpose of a crimping tool, also referred to as crimping pliers, is to secure beading wire to a clasp or jump ring on a piece of jewelry. This is accomplished by flattening a folded crimp bead securely onto your stringing material or wire.
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Step 2
While holding a crimp bead (a tiny metal "finding" with a hole through the middle)in one hand and wire in the other, thread a piece of stringing wire through the crimping bead. Now, take your crimping tool and place the crimping bead inside the second groove of the tool (closest to the joint of your crimping tool).
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Step 3
Then, squeeze the pliers closed. The crimping bead should be round on one side and indented on the other side.
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Step 4
Now, move the crimping bead to the first groove of the crimping tool (closest to the tip of the tool) and firmly squeeze the pliers closed. This will flatten the bead completely, securing the wire.
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Step 5
Finally, tug on the wire to test that the folded crimp is secure. If it is loose, you can repeat Steps 3 and 4.
