Are crimp beads or crimp tubes better?

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.

What is the best size crimp bead to use?

Generally speaking, a 1mm OD crimp tube of any length is great for use with finer strands of beading wire (. 007 to . 014), 2mm OD crimps are ideal for .

What are Calottes used for?

Hiding a crimp that is holding the end of the beadwork in place. Hiding a knot that is securing the beads. Providing a neat finish for a multi-strand piece of beadwork that has been secured with crimps.

Why do my crimp beads keep breaking?

Breakage is typically caused by abrasion on the wire. The kinds of beads you’re can be sharp on the inside and can cut through the wire over time.

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 I use regular pliers for crimp beads?

If you’re making your own beaded jewelry, you’ll probably need to crimp the wire on both ends to make sure the beads don’t fall off. For best results, you should invest in a pair of crimping pliers, but a regular pair of pliers will work, too.

What are crimp beads?

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.

Do you need crimp bead covers?

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.