Crimping onto Wire

For our example we will be using tiger wire

Tools you need:

1. tiger wire
2. jewelry crimps (sometimes called bead crimps)
3. crimping tool
4. bead

Take a length of tiger wire (at least 2 inches). Place the crimp onto the wire.

1. Take the crimping tool and using the bottom hole (where one side is curved and one side has 2 bumps on it) gently surround the crimp so that it is centered in the tool. Squeeze the tool together so that the crimp is squished together and formed into a ‘C’ shape. The crimp should be now loosely secured onto the wire. DON”T PANIC if it is sliding around still – this sometimes happens. The next step will take care of that.

2. You will use the top hole of the tool for the next step. What we want to do is squeeze the curved ends of the “C” shape close together in order to secure the crimp firmly to the wire while making it into a small ball shape.

3. Voila!!!! You’ve just crimped your first crimp!

4. Now put a bead onto the wire and slide it to sit against the crimp.

5. Put another crimp on and do the same steps as above to the crimp on the other side of the bead. Now the bead is held into place on the wire. Beautiful!!

6. That’s it!! You’re done.

Crimping Tips:

–Don’t be discouraged if you experience some snags. It takes practice to be able to do crimping effortlessly. I still sometimes make a wonky crimp here and there.
–When putting on the second crimp, let it rest against the bead before grabbing it with the tool. Then the tool should crimp it as close to the bead as possible so that the bead won’t wiggle from side to side on the wire.
–Crimps can and do break. Even if you have great technique, sometimes for no reason the crimp will break apart, leaving you mad and sometimes swearing (maybe…if you're in a bad mood). Try to get the crimp into the center of the tool's hole so that the bend is centered. If the bend is more off to the side, breakage happens easier.

Many beautiful kinds of gemstone jewelry is made using crimps. Gemstones are gorgeous against thin and delicate wire.

Other articles topics you may be interested in: Stretch Bracelet Ideas and New Metals for Men's Rings. Keep looking for more new articles on making your own designs.

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