Beading Info

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CRIMPING

Crimp beads come in two basic styles. You'll find round crimp beads and tube crimp beads. Each of these styles comes in a variety of sizes. I've pictured an assortment of crimp beads below for comparison.  When properly applied, both round and tube crimps hold well. The main differences are in how they look and what tools are required to apply them.

Moving clockwise starting at the 12 o'clock position is a 2x2 sterling tube crimp, next is the #1 Beadalon gold plated round crimp, a 3x3mm sterling tube crimp, a 2x3mm long sterling crimp tube, #2 Beadalon crimps, and in the middle are micro crimp tubes.

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Tube crimps are applied using a crimping pliers while the round ones can be applied by "smushing" them with a regular needle nose pliers. There are 3 sizes of crimp pliers, Regular Crimper, Micro-Crimper, and Mighty Crimper. The 2x2mm or 2x3mm tube crimps are applied with the regular size crimper while the micro crimps require the smaller jaws of the micro crimper, and the mighty crimper is used on 3x3 or larger crimps and it can also be used on the crimp cover beads or the fold over clamp ends used to connect ribbon or suede to a clasp.

Some people apply tube crimps with a needle nose but this is considered an amateur method, it tends to cut the outer nylon coating on the bead wire which weakens it. Flat smashed tube crimps also tend to catch on clothing. If you want a professional look, you need to learn to apply the tube crimps with crimping pliers.

Tube crimps produce more professional results like a jeweler would require. The round crimps are easier to apply and you don't need a special tool. They are pretty fool proof to apply so we often suggest that you start with these. After you get proficient at finishing your jewelry you can get a crimp pliers and use the tube crimps. 

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CRIMPING ANIMATION

Thanks to W. Scott Bartky, the inventor of the
original patented bead crimping pliers,
 for giving us permission to use this animation.

Go To TOP          Tube Crimps         Round Crimps         Crimp Pliers

If you have an idea you want to share, send us an email with useful ideas or your favorite tips and tricks.  We'll be glad to publish your ideas on Beadstuff.com!