Finishing off a bracelet or necklace using crimping pliers may look intimidating – but if you follow 3 simple steps, you’ll be crimping like a pro before you know it!
Before we start, let’s take a closer look at our crimping pliers (read a post about crimping pliers here.) You will notice that there are two indentations on the end – the one on the outside edge looks like an oval and the one on the inside edge looks like a semi-circle. Your crimp bead (or tube) will fit right into these indentations – and crimping is as simple as squeezing the handles of the pliers!
Step 1: Slide a single crimp bead (or tube) onto your wire. Pass the wire through the clasp of your choice (or simply leave a loop of wire), and then pass the wire back through your crimp bead.
Step 1
Step 2: Gently place your crimp bead in the semi-circle shaped indentation of the crimping pliers (inside edge). Firmly squeeze the pliers’ handles together. This will flatten your crimp bead, and at the same time put an indent into it.
Step 2
Step 3: Take your flattened crimp bead and place it in the oval shaped indentation of the pliers (outside edge). Be sure to line up your bead so that the indent faces out (see image). Firmly squeeze the pliers’ handles together – this will neatly fold your crimp bead in half!
Step 3 (Pre-Crimp)
Step 3 (Post-Crimp)
Finished Product
Optional: If you would prefer a slightly flatter crimp to the rounded one you have –take a pair of flat-nose pliers and very gently squeeze the crimped bead to flatten it just a bit.
If it doesn’t look perfect on your first try – do not despair! It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of this nifty tool. If you are just learning, I recommend getting comfortable using larger crimp beads before trying anything delicate.
Happy Beading!
Use you newly-acquired skills an try making the Winter Wonderland Bracelet!
8. February 2010 at 10:16 am
Thank you for the tut! Crimping is one thing that makes me sweat! I either break the crimp bead. or don’t get close enough to the end of the
beading” so have a gap. It is frustrating, but I will keep practicing!
8. February 2010 at 9:21 pm
Thank you for the wonderful detailed step-by-step post. I always have trouble with crimping this is perfect!!
9. February 2010 at 9:29 am
You’re welcome Sarah! Keep practicing!
25. February 2010 at 9:32 pm
I found your Blog when I was searching for decorations and I need to say, you do a really good job. You article helps me a lot! Thanks.
5. March 2010 at 11:43 am
Thanks Jamie, I usually give up, but now I have step by step pictures, thank you. I was wondering what to do today (retired), now I know. Thanks again, Judy
22. July 2010 at 2:37 pm
so is there a trick to not breaking the crimp?
22. July 2010 at 4:01 pm
Chris, the trick is using the pliers. Usually folks break up the crimp because they are using needle nose pliers with a serrated edge, which cuts into the metal- and then they try to “mash” it 2 or 3 times to make sure it’s secure, but then that only stresses the metal more and causes it to crack. With the crimping pliers, it’s really easy. Hopes this helps, Jenny