Basic Crimping Method Using the Euro Tool

Advanced Crimping Methods

I use 21-strand wire for most bracelets with a .014 diameter. Soft Flex Company makes this. There are other wires, such as a 49-strand wire with a .019 diameter etc. to choose from. Another popular wire is a seven strand that tends to be a little stiff, but is good for stringing key chains, dangles etc. It is also less expensive than the others. I use the larger wire (49) when the beads are heavy, or the person tends to be rough with their jewelry. Sometimes, the 49 strand .019 diameter will not fit back through certain beads twice, which can become a problem when using a small hole bead. 49-stand wire also comes in a 0.15 diameter (Beadalon makes this) which is easier to thread back through most sizes of beads. There are several diameters, strand counts, and colors of wire to choose from The most popular that I have found are the ones mentioned above. Depending on the weight of the beads, the abuse you give your jewelry, and the design you choose will determine which wire you prefer.

I also use crimp tubes, which are 2x2. These are sterling silver and fit flush with the crimp pliers. There are also smaller crimps that are 1x1, and larger 3x3âs (for multiple strand projects), or you can use a bead crimp that looks similar to a small bead. Whichever you choose, remember, that this little piece is what holds all of your work together.

HOW TO MAKE A BASIC BRACELET

1. Choose a pattern for your beads. (I will usually use a headpin to check out various patterns.) As it is easy to put beads on and take them off, with this little helper!

2. Determine the size of your wrist and allow enough space for your clasp. Subtract the number of inches that your clasp is from the size of your bracelet.

3. Thread your beads on the wire. (I will often thread them on the wire with the spool attached so they arenât able to fall off. I tend to use less wire this way.)

4. Put on the crimp cover, then the crimp and one end of your clasp. (I usually use the large end of the clasp here for more control at the opposite end where it will be needed). And feed the wire back through the crimp

5. Slide the crimp snug to your clasp (But allow enough room for the clasp to have sufficient movement) and use the half moon part of your crimp piers to make a fold in the crimp. Center the fold in the full moon side of the pliers. Fold the crimp in half using the full moon part of the crimp pliers. Look to see that you have a nice straight line in the crimp tube with no air space in the crimp and be sure it is tight on the wire.

6. Slide the crimp cover over the crimp and feed the tail of the wire through a few of the beads and cut off the excess at the end of one of the larger beads used.

7. Slide all of the beads together. Cut the wire at the opposite end leaving yourself enough to easily work with, while putting your other end together.

8. Put on your crimp cover, your crimp and the other end of your clasp, feed the wire back through the crimp, the crimp cover and a few beads. Pull the beads together tightly by holding the clasp and the tail of the wire. Make the beads very tight and then apply your pliers to the crimp, using the half moon part and fold. (Hold your 2nd end of the clasp down with your index finger so you will not pinch this with the crimp & make the bracelet inflexible.) Refold using the full moon part of the pliers. Slide the crimp cover over the crimp and you will get the flexibility back in the bracelet. Cut off the excess wire.

Done!