Question 1

What is the difference between a crimp bead and a crimp tube?

Accepted Answer

A crimp tube is a short hollow cylinder with even walls that compress into a clean fold, while a crimp bead is round and squashes flat. Tubes grip beading wire more securely and look neater once folded, so most jewelry makers prefer them for necklaces and bracelets. Round crimp beads are fine for lightweight strands or quick repairs when you only have flat-nose pliers on hand.

Question 2

What size crimp bead do I need for my beading wire?

Accepted Answer

Match the crimp's inner diameter to your wire gauge. Fine .010"-.014" wire works with 1mm or 1x1mm tubes; .019" wire pairs with 2mm or 2x2mm; thick .024" multi-strand wire needs 3mm or larger. The wire should pass through twice with a little room. When unsure, size up slightly and use a crimping tool to fold rather than just flatten for a stronger hold.

Question 3

Do I need special pliers to use crimp tubes?

Accepted Answer

A dedicated crimping tool gives the strongest result. Its two notches first press the tube into a folded crescent, then round it into a tidy bead shape. Flat-nose or chain-nose pliers can flatten a crimp in a pinch, but a flattened crimp is weaker and has sharper edges. For sterling and gold-filled crimps on jewelry you plan to sell or gift, a crimping tool is worth the small investment.

Question 4

What are crimp covers used for?

Accepted Answer

Crimp covers are tiny hinged spheres that close over a finished crimp to hide it and create a smooth, professional round bead. They protect skin and clasps from sharp crimp edges and give handmade pieces a polished, retail look. Most measure 3mm or 4mm and come in metals matching common crimps. Close them gently with crimping or chain-nose pliers so the seam disappears.

Question 5

What metal crimps are best for fine jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver, gold-filled, and solid copper crimps suit heirloom and sellable pieces because they resist tarnish-flaking and match precious-metal findings. Base-metal and plated crimps are great for practice, costume designs, and high-volume work where cost matters. For anyone sensitive to nickel, choose sterling, gold-filled, or niobium. Always match the crimp metal to your clasp and beads so the finished piece reads as one cohesive design.

Question 6

How many crimps should I buy for a project?

Accepted Answer

Most beaded necklaces and bracelets use two crimps each — one at every clasp end — so a 50-count tube covers about 25 pieces. Buy extras: crimps are inexpensive ($4-$12 per tube of sterling), and you'll occasionally misfold one or need to redo a strand. Keep a small assortment of 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm tubes plus matching crimp covers so you're ready for any wire gauge.

Crimp Beads & Tubes: Lock Beading Wire

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