Crimping - How to Crimp and Finish Jewelry

This tutorial from The Potomac Bead Company demonstrates how to use wire and crimp beads to finish necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry, and how to attach your wire to toggles, clasps, and other findings. This video also provides instructions for adding crimp covers over your crimp beads.
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[@63artemisia63]

When I started making jewelry I really struggled w this and w understanding the how-to photos in books & on blogs. Watching this short video I immediately get the idea. Thanks!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad to be of help, Lynn!

[@debraduffy9610]

Thank you so much!!! I will be brave and get the crimp beads and covers and the wire. I have the pliers and the agate stone beads to string on. I had it suggested to me, since agate and jasper etc are heavier than other materials, that I use 49 strand nylon coated jewelry wire for stringing them. I will watch more of your videos and just subscribed. I appreciate your sharing. Debra

[@tsmeman63]

I just used this on a bead necklace on nylon/plastic yellow fishing line, fairly easy, but it’s VERY hard to do that on the other side (with a jump ring of course) because line is smooth, slides easy and it’s hard to NOT end up with a space between the beads, especially when you want to put the end of the line through the last three beads. Maybe an idea for another tutorial?

[@thfreakinacage]

Thanks for the useful video. I am modifying some pearl bracelets for my wife for Christmas. The local jewellers want far too much money to do it whereas a kit to do it myself is tons cheaper so need to know the basics to be able to do it :)

[@Potomacbeadco]

It is always wonderful to know how to make and fix jewelry!

[@Cleon-td4kl]

Mind blowing. Honestly because it's going to help me fix all my broken necklaces! Thank you❤

[@Potomacbeadco]

You’re welcome 😊

[@GraceHeyward]

Thank you. This is the first video I've see that I could actually see the how to use a crimp. The video was much better

[@shahrazade26]

Nice video but I wish they would focus closer on the small parts because I can't see them.

[@rosegardenrosaries]

Agree!

[@mar-seaml5294]

Yea agreed !!!

[@janet58]

Very good point!

[@janet58]

lol all who agree, say I............ LOL

[@cynthiamickle1521]

I totally agree!

[@karenmiller9220]

Thank you!! Simple as it seems, I couldn't figure out the second part of crimping the tube. Got it now!! Thank you for posting this. 😊

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you for watching Karen.

[@RemixxGlamGal]

Best tut I use to always wonder how they did these kind of necklaces

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you so much

[@jodiz5901]

Now I know what to do with crimp covers! Looks so much nicer.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad I could help!

[@pawbless6892]

This video very clearly explained the details

[@khsculpture]

Excellent Video!!! You explained the basics better than the lady at my local bead shop! Fan 4 Life!!

[@Smallbiztok]

Thank you so much for putting up this video. It was majorly helpful! ^^

[@pwy699]

Thank you - now I understand how to use crimp beads! :)

[@ClocheTrickPony]

I was hoping this would show how you actually finish the jewelry when you have no slack to work with at the end.

[@Helenross]

I agree. I am ok with one end but have trouble at the other end.

[@CozySimsMama]

me too! I have yet to find a tutorial that actually FINISHES the bracelet as thats what I struggle with

[@FromRVtoCrafts]

Katee S Go to How to use Crimps, Crimp Covers & Wire Guardians by beaded jewelry diva, she has an excellent video from start to finish.

[@fungirl809]

That’s the problem I have. Finishing the other end

[@vmolina2002]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cecelialenore5576]

this would have been perfect if you showed us what to do on the other end! :/ OOO NVM! I FIGURED IT OUT YAAAY I used jump ring

[@andrea3020111]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ShantellBancroft]

you have helped me sooooo much....was looking for a simple solution. Thanks hun!!!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you so much Shantell

[@justalittlesersy5678]

I understand how to use a crimp bead and crimping pliers, but how do you crimp the wire at just the right length so as not to make the piece stiff but to make the beads close enough so that you don't see the wire? In the video, there's a good half inch or more of bare wire showing, letting the beads slide around.

[@hopehall153]

Great video. Thank you

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad you liked it!

[@macystengle8203]

Thank you this helped a lot

[@daniiiakasha1436]

No crimping tool? I’m impressed.

[@Potomacbeadco]

As long as you keep the wires parallel, they shouldn't pull out.

[@ShawnaCostonPhD]

Nice work! Love the demo. Thank You.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you for watching.

[@sherilewis4345]

Great video! Easy to understand--thank you!!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you so much Sheri!

[@LaurenAlleyneCollection]

I don't like how there are big gaps between the beads

[@Tenzin_Dasel]

tysm i was thinking to start my own buisness. 💗

[@emmaheckel1674]

What gauge wire should I use for beads that are 2 mm and their hole is .6 mm? Love the video!! Helped a lot

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hi Emma, You might be confused about wire. Gauge wire is stiff and needs to be worked with pliers. Gauge wire thinner than 0.6mm would be too thin to hold the shape of your loops. Bead stringing wire is a fine twisted wire that has a nylon coating and this is the wire we use for crimping techniques. Beadalon 7 or 19 strand would be suitable for most bead stringing applications.

[@evebrito3623]

At the opposite end of the lobster you just attached there’s some sort of coil , what is it? And what’s its use? I’m just figuring out what tools and finding I need to get started in jewelry making

[@WhippetLuvs]

Great instruction.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you so much

[@alexandrawallacecurrie2570]

quick and efficient! We like that!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you

[@Arizona_lilly]

Very nice looks so professional Knott ties plastic syck

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you :)

[@MelodyPierson]

You say you do the same thing on the other end but what GOES on the other end? Perhaps a jump ring and???

[@Potomacbeadco]

Anything that is round... a split ring, soldered ring etc.

[@swiener11]

Great tutorial, bu I'd like to know that too. Thx.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Did you see the reply? Split ring, solid ring or anything round.

[@treehouse5224]

This is helpful thank you!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad it was helpful!. Happy beading :)

[@elijahessentials9064]

Thank you! ✝️♥️

[@Shilpakala]

thanks dr

[@juliahoward9637]

How about putting a toggle clasp on with wire

[@mhill3350]

Do you have a tutorial on how to do the other end?

[@Val-du7wb]

thank you for share this, Brilliant!

[@afrobluatlanta2380]

Thanks a bunch!!!!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad it was helpful, thanks, Afroblu.

[@judyanne3563]

Should the crimp cover be the same size as crimp bead or the next size bigger?

[@QueenQueenly]

I wish I knew this before

[@dollviee]

hey!! i’m really late to this video but can anyone tell my what type of wire is used to actually make the necklace?

[@Potomacbeadco]

You can use Artistic wire. You can check it here: www.potomacbeads.com/Artistic-Wire-s/2508.htm

[@dollviee]

@@Potomacbeadco but what gauge?

[@pinkpitch]

Amazing..!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thanks a lot!

[@gracegrace790]

Thank you very much

[@jwb52z9]

I've never heard anyone say crimping tools are anything but great. How can you maintain the roundness of the crimp tube using regular pliers?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Instead of using a crimp pliers, you would cover the crimp with a crimp cover. That still ensures that the crimp itself actually has a firm original crimp on the wire.

[@jwb52z9]

Potomac Bead Company I've always seen people use the crimp beads, but only after using a crimp tool on the crimp tube.

[@Firefoxy11]

Can you use these on beading string instead of wire?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Yes, you can!

[@daniellemay9651]

When you flat crimp, does it matter if the wire crosses? I have been having such a hard time using a crimping tool and getting it right, and may just flat crimp from now on. Also, do you think wire guardians are worth it? Thanks!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Danielle May wire guardians are a good purchase for helping to preserve the wire at a point where it frequently breaks, and you do want to try to avoid having the wires cross when possible, as that will ensure the best crimp.

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

The two ends should not be crossed .

[@cherylwilson7043]

How do you finish the other end!?!?!?????

[@janet58]

I make my own clasps, I don't care for lobster clasps. I feel it cheapens the art work. Can you explain how you would go about doing the crimping for other people as well, that don't care for them as well? Thanks so much

[@Potomacbeadco]

Great suggestion!

[@rosewind52]

I am planning on making rosaries by stringing rather than pinning them. What is your advice? Crimp beads with crimp covers and wire guardians, or will clamshell bead tips work without having to use wire guardians?

[@mariadelmarfranco8969]

hello! could i know which wire youre using? thanks xx

[@psychedelicpython]

I’m crimp tube challenged...lol! I have a crimping tool but I have problems getting the tubes just right so they don’t stay tight, or I split the tube. Perhaps I’ll try just using flat nose pliers.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Flat nose pliers work great for pressing your crimp bead down!

[@oweendebap4735]

If my beads 10mm, which type of wire tht need to use for necklace? 0.45 mm? Or? I need your advise on this😞

[@kailaawaila]

Thank you soooooooo much

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad you found it helpful, Kaila!

[@garnetjohnson4902]

Great info!

[@sunshinejanice30]

Is it okay (or as good) to do a flat crimp Vs. a crimp tool? I only do flat but not sure if it will be okay for long haul. Or should I invest in crimper tool?

[@Potomacbeadco]

sunshine.janice walker Our experience has been that flat crimping is actually more effective than crimping with a tool. The majority of repairs that we do in our stores had been originally made with a crimp tool.

[@sunshinejanice30]

Potomac Bead Company thanks so much for the reply. And I appreciate the advice. :-) I will stick to my flat crimping (its been working and never had an issue)

[@itsmyturn10]

Thank you! Awesome tutorial !! :)

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you for watching

[@elsaarriagada8028]

que bueno que nos enseñen hacer una buena terminación...como se llama eso que pone encima Cómo no está en español por favor

[@bettymayfield2830]

thank you!

[@katme4676]

How thick is the wire and what about beads please

[@Jess-oh3cj]

If I may suggest something, try doing instructional videos like these a little closer, focusing on each piece you’re using. Also, from the looks of it, I believe those are chain nose pliers, not flat nose. I’d hate to see anyone who is trying to learn to get confused. Otherwise, good tutorial.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Yeah this was from 7 years ago when we were new to KZbin. There have been 1200+ new tutorials on the channel since then ;)

[@andreabumpus6593]

What type of wire are you using for this project?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Not sure exactly what we used, but we generally will use Beadalon wire. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, colors, and strand counts (7, 19, and 49), 49 being the best.

[@chandinic230]

What kinda wire you are using?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Beadalon beading wire 7 strand.

[@ken45y]

Do you have to use crimp covers? I mean for necklaces? I always have a hard time trying to get them closed correctly.

[@Potomacbeadco]

No not at all. People usually use them to make the necklace cleaner, but crimps are small and barely noticeable, especially on the back of a neck where it will rarely be seen.

[@ilivemylifeforthestarsthat3140]

What about the other side?!

[@siyadesai9976]

What wire did you use

[@buddhathebarber4857]

Can you crimp nylon necklaces?

[@kathiejohns1418]

Can you do this if using monofiliment or nylon string or regular thread?

[@Potomacbeadco]

You could, but it is more likely to tear, so we suggest actual stringing wire.

[@amberli8778]

What the point of the crimp cover and is it necessary

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hi Amber, the crimp cover is purely optional. Some people like the crimp to be hidden by the metal bead the crimp cover forms. Crimp tubes probably need it more than crimp beads, because the tubes have sharp corners. It's personal preference.

[@Mantradhwani]

What wire do you suggest to use

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hello, it depends on the project you are making! The standard is 20 gauge and the higher the size number , the thinner the wire.

[@wildorchid4088]

Hi! Can I ask what is the color wire best for white fresh water pearls ? Thanks

[@Potomacbeadco]

We really enjoy using a silver color

[@cat52]

What size crimp bead did you use? Seems they come in different sizes.

[@Potomacbeadco]

A 2x2 will work great for your project

[@PristinysPinkParadise]

What is that Spring called you have attached to the other end of the wire?

[@Potomacbeadco]

It is called a lobster clasp.

[@PristinysPinkParadise]

Thank you! :)

[@Potomacbeadco]

You are welcome

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

I will be using tiny seed beads. how do i string the wire back through? also, would using two crimp beads make the necklace stronger. I spent weeks beading a three-strand complicated necklace and the bead crimp didn't hold. :[

[@Potomacbeadco]

If you are using small beads, you will probably want to use thinner wire.

[@justinbieberqq51]

What wire is this? :)

[@lilbird2734]

I have a problem that the crimp is flat and the 3mm cover doesn't cover it and only covers 7/8 of the crimp. I can't find any bigger than 3mm covers. It should work but never does. Any ideas to help.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Most beading wire only needs a 2mm crimp. Perhaps your crimps are too big? What size does the label recommend on your beading wire?

[@lilbird2734]

@@Potomacbeadco i just got an order with 2mm crimps so w that will work better. All that was for sale around here was 2.5mm crimps. They flatten but wont get grooves by puting them back in the crimp pliers. It is hard to handle them too. Thanks tons for the video. I learned a lot.

[@DM-cs8is]

What kind of wire and guage of wire is being used in this video?

[@Potomacbeadco]

+Devon Moulton it is Beadalon stringing wire. Not sure of thickness, but probably .015 or .018

[@Potomacbeadco]

+Devon Moulton it is Beadalon stringing wire. Not sure of thickness, but probably .015 or .018

[@Potomacbeadco]

+Devon Moulton it is Beadalon stringing wire. Not sure of thickness, but probably .015 or .018

[@vetalverson7401]

I ask someone, anyone to answer me please, all the videos are so old ! I just need to know if I can use these crimps fir 22 and 24 gauge wire, I’m making bible markers with beads, thank you anyone!!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Crimps are used for beading wire, which is a flexible wire cord with nylon coating. With 20 gauge and 22 gauge wire, you can form a loop at the end to hold your beads in place. 24 gauge will be too soft to hold a loop very well. You can also buy metal bookmarks and attach beads to the end as a dangle. Like this: img1.etsystatic.com/005/0/6244957/il_fullxfull.392043821_fgjl.jpg

[@vetalverson7401]

PotomacBeads thanks so much! I just preferred to make them. I fold the end of trim or ribbon down, glue, then run a loop of wire with beads and a finding on the in. Been twisting the wire together, cutting off, then pushing it inside the fold of the ribbon or trim and squishing some glue inside to stableize. The purpose being, not wanting the wires to stick anyone or pages of bible, so far so good but time consuming. I had no idea crimps would not work! Can you believe, I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday and spent 20 on crimps, them telling me what kinds I needed and they would work for everything? Lol I’ll be getting my money back today, thanks so much for the clarification❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@hannahbanana03]

what’s the name of the wire used

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hi Hannah, it's called beading wire. There are several brands including Beadalon and SoftFlex. It consists of very fine strands of wire twisted together and coated with nylon to protect it and make it more durable.

[@daecken]

What is the name of that coil called at the end of the wire.

[@enigmasky1680]

It's a bead stop

[@anniscrafts]

Is that worktop (white) lit up tablet or something? :)

[@Potomacbeadco]

It is an underlight (like used for tracing). We also use it in photography for eliminating shadows.

[@anniscrafts]

I need this in my life now! :D

[@alanasharif6622]

I don't hav crimp beads.😞 what is the alternative? Plz do tell .

[@Potomacbeadco]

Crimp beads are pretty much essential for start jewelry-making. They are inexpensive, and we have links to order them in the description.

[@alanasharif6622]

Potomac Bead Company I'm from Pakistan. Do you deliver in Pakistan? How much it will cost? I can pay only cod ;cash on delivery.

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

can you use a quality string and tie it?

[@ahmadar2234]

أحسنتي👏👏👏

[@bextermonkey246]

now do the other end!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Both ends are identical

[@amethystgallo8207]

Crimps aren’t supposed to be flattened like that

[@DiCam3667]

I wish I watched this earlier

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad to be able to help. There are hundreds of other videos here on our page that you can search for answers to any other questions.

[@glynpereira3256]

This video is fuzzy and blurry. Need to sharpen the visuals if you want people to see the fine detail.

[@junglepitts]

It seemed fine to me..

[@dolorestoon]

Videotube won't let me watch this

[@citraoctaviana1824]

Cant see anything

[@Potomacbeadco]

It is probably a computer problem. Try from a different device or browser.

[@fancifulfilly]

I hate lobster clasps. They are a total pain in the "yas"--it's hard to see what you're doing at the back of your neck, they gouge your fingertip holding it open while you're fumbling around, they can break /chip a nail, and on top of it, they're WAY ugly. You can use a lot of other clasps that work as well, but you make it seem like those dreadful lobster clasps are the only way to go. Your tutorial bites.

[@TheAtromix97]

You say finish but you dont show how to finish off the bracelet/necklace with a crimp. Feels like half a video

[@keepthechange1]

You should not use a flat nose plier on crimp beads. It does not allow to to achieve a clean and precise finish. Nor does the flat nose enable you to do a double fold on the crimp bead. The double fold is crucial when it comes to proper placement of your crimp cover. May I suggest that you invest in a crimping tool, and demonstrate properly how to finish a bracelet with crimp beads. This should be a thumbs down because of misinformation. However, I won't be that petty. This is a teachable moment, and I will treat it as such. Food for thought: You left your audience wanting more. This is never good. I would also encourage you to redo for the sake of your own reputation. It's just a suggestion. I will teach you if you need help. My comments were not meant to be mean or hurtful. Your intentions were good; that's what matters. If I can be of assistance to you, by all means, please feel free to reach out. I will be happy to give you further instruction on properly finishing a "tightly" crimped bracelet. 😘🌺❤️ Peace and Grace #TipOfTheDay #KeepTheChange

[@Potomacbeadco]

Many people have problems using fold over crimps. We have also repaired THOUSANDS of projects over the years that have broken because of fold over crimps and crimp pliers. Because of those experiences over years running multiple stores, we teach only to use flat crimps. This causes much less breakage over time.

[@bettymayfield2830]

thank you!