Crimps, crimping tools and bead caps: how do they work?

[SUNDU]

I have a few questions about these subjects.

How do crimps work? Does one just press a crimp tube against the necklace cord with pliers to make it stay in place? What is the function of a crimping tool such as this: http://www.artbeads.com/tool-100.html ? How does it work exactly? What crimp sizes does it accomodate? Are they worth the money or can something similar be done with regular jewelry pliers? And should I buy crimps that are the diameter of my cord (2mm), or can I go smaller or larger?

And how do bead caps stay attached to the ends of beads?

Thank you!

[lizajayne]

Welcome Sundu, I'm going to try to help you with this. Below is a link to a webpage with some great step by step photos.

Typically, I use the standard 2x2 crimp tube that I just smash flat with flat nose pliers, as shown. The crimping tool way of crimping, I just never liked personally. But, that way is shown also.

http://www.manabeads.com/productcart/pc/viewcontent.asp?idpage=8

Now, that being said, I do still use crimping pliers on a regular basis, but not for crimping. I use it for pressing down wire ends when I have done a wire wrap called a "rosary wrap".

And as for bead caps, they don't stay attached. They are a bead by technicallity, and are held securely up against beads by either other beads or a wire wrap.

Those are my short answers. I'm going to keep looking for some photos to help

[lizajayne]

Ok, quick example, using one of my photos.

See above the swarovski crystal how I have wrapped the wire several times around tightly to secure the loop (this is the most secure loop to make). Well, no matter how closely you are able to trim the wire, there is always a little bit sticking up. So, I use the curves in the crimping pliers to flatten it down. After cutting away any extra wire, I place the crimping pliers around the entire wrap and twist the pliers around. The curves in the pliers give just enough room to smash down the little tail, but not smash the wrap. I find the tool invaluable in that respect.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jul-2007/72658-earrings_005.jpg

Now please note, the loop on the actual ear wires are not wrapped. The ear wires are the standard wire loop. They are ok to use in this way, because the earrings are light, not much chance it will pull open. However, you should not use a standard loop on a linked bracelet or necklace, in my opinion.

[lizajayne]

And now an example of a bead cap...

http://www.bluesagebeads.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=SSBBCP028

found this one online. It is a decorative cap, and you can see the wire headpin going through the bead, the bead cap, and then formed into a loop. The loop is snug up against the bead cap, which keeps the bead cap snug up against the bead. No glue necessary.

[JoeyW]

Here's another great source for crimping and lots of other techniques.

http://www.wigjig.com/jewelry-tools/WJU/techniques/alpha.htm

Have fun!