WHAT IS A crimp bead?

Crimp beads are soft metal beads used in place of knots to secure clasps and beads onto un-knottable stringing material such as beading wire. To use crimps, you will need some flat nose pliers to squash the crimps, or speciality crimping pliers that "fold" the bead into a small volume.

What can I use instead of crimp beads?

An alternative to crimp beads and crimp tubes is a newer finding called Screw-Tite Crimps™. Screw-Tite Crimps not only secure your Accu-Flex® beading wire to your clasp, they also allow you to change your clasp for a different one, should you want a different look.

What is the difference between crimp tubes and crimp beads?

Many jewelry designers prefer crimp tubes over crimp beads. The tubes tend to be stronger than crimp beads and less likely to crack and break. Tubes may do a better job of gripping beading wire because they tend to have a larger interior surface area.

Why won't my crimp beads hold?

This is either a result of using a diameter of wire that is too small or stringing your beads too tightly. First, check to make sure that you're using the largest diameter of wire that will pass comfortably through the beads.

Are crimp beads secure?

Crimp beads resemble a hollow round bead and come in a variety of metals and sizes. They are secured to jewelry-making wire by flattening the crimp bead with a pair of flat or chain-nose pliers. The flattened crimp bead grips the wire for a secure finish.

All About Crimp Beads And How To Use Them

How do you use crimp beads without a crimp tool?

Use chain or needle nose pliers.

They get the job done, but they won't give you the same round, uniform crimps that crimping pliers will. To use these pliers, simply grasp the crimp bead with the flat section of the pliers and squeeze gently but tightly to smash the crimp bead flat onto the wire.

Can you use crimp beads on thread?

Can crimp beads be used with thread? A. The metal edges of a crimp bead can cut or fray thread when crimping so it is not recommended to use crimps when designing with thread. Instead, use knots with bead tips or French wire for a professional finish to your designs.

Can you use crimp beads as spacers?

Crimps can be used as spacers and more. But the most common use is finishing the design. Crimping is a huge part of the jewelry making industry. You must master your crimps in order to create a design that is sturdy and will not break.

Are crimp covers necessary?

If you've ever used a crimp bead, you'll know that they don't always close shut in the neatest possible manner. So, by covering them, you don't have to worry. The cover will also help to protect your crimp bead from wear and tear, hopefully making your jewellery last longer.

How do you remove crimp beads?

You can attempt to remove the crimp bead by crimping it in the opposite direction. Set the crimp bead into the inner jaw of the crimp pliers with the fold at the top. Gently squeeze the crimping pliers into the fold. This may loosen the crimp enough to slide it off of the wire.

Do I need crimping pliers?

Regular Crimping Pliers are a must have tool for compressing 2x2mm or 2x3mm crimps. Regular Crimping Pliers allow for your design to be secure with a crimp bead that looks and feels smooth. Easy to follow instructions can be found in our Tips and Tricks section.

What are crimps used in jewelry?

1) Round and Tube Crimp Beads: Crimp beads are used to secure your design into place when you are working with any jewelry thread or wire. They work as a stopper and prevents your designs from unraveling. If you are a beader you will know this very well.

Do crimp beads work on elastic?

Never use crimp beads with elastic. Some people try this, but it never lasts long because metal cuts elastic, and there's no changing that. A correctly tied knot will last better in the long run.