How to Use Double Crimp Beads
Crimp beads keep other beads securely attached to beading wire. Some crafters simply squeeze the crimp bead with a pair of flat-nose pliers, leaving sharp edges exposed. By using a pair of crimping pliers and double crimping, you will have a crimp bead with a smaller, rounded silhouette. For a more professional look, crimp beads can be covered with crimp covers or bead tips.
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Things You'll Need
- Crimping pliers
- Bead wire
- Crimp covers
- Bead tips
- Flat-nose pliers
- Adhesive for jewelry making
Instructions
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1
Select the right size crimp beads for your beading wire. The diameter of the crimp bead must be large enough to accommodate a double thickness of wire, as you will make a loop with the wire and string it back though the crimp bead when you terminate the strand of beads. Use a crimp bead with a width that fits a single strand of beading wire if you are using bead tips to cover your crimp bead and attach to your clasp.
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String a crimp bead on your beading wire. Tuck the end of the wire back through the crimp bead, leaving a small loop.
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3
Place your crimp bead in the indentation on your crimping pliers closest to the handle. Squeeze gently but firmly to crimp the bead into a U-shape.
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4
Turn the crimp bead and place it in the other notch of the crimping pliers. Squeeze to close the ends of the U-shape, rounding your crimp bead into a cylinder.
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5
Cover your crimp bead with a crimp cover for a more finished look. Insert the crimp bead into the open crimp cover. Gently squeeze the cover closed, using the rounded notch on the crimping pliers and being careful not to crush or flatten the round shape of the crimp cover.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not form a loop with your beading wire if you are using a bead tip. Crimp your crimp bead on a single strand of wire using your crimping pliers, completing the two steps to crimp and shape your bead. Cut your wire as close to your crimp bead as possible. Slip your crimp bead into a bead tip and add a small amount of adhesive. Close the bead tip with a pair of flat-nose pliers.
You can attach a clasp directly to your beading wire by adding it before you put your beading wire back through the crimp bead. This will crimp your clasp securely in place, instead of being attached later with jump rings.
Practice crimping with base metal findings before using more expensive sterling silver- and gold-filled crimp beads.
