Crimp beads for solid finishes on your DIY jewelry
Discover our complete selection of Crimp beads, crush tubes, bead covers and 2-in-1 models to secure and enhance all your DIY creations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, find here the ideal materials and finishes for a clean, solid and professional assembly.
Crimp beads are essential for creating strong, well-finished jewelry. They block the wire, secure the clasps and hold your mountings in place, whether you're using corded wire, nylon or polyester. Accessible to beginners and indispensable, they guarantee a clean, long-lasting finish.
Different types of Crimp beads
We offer several formats to suit all your needs:
- Classic Crimp beads: round in shape, they're ideal for easily blocking your threads. They are covered by Crimp beads covers, perfect for masking the crushing and creating an elegant finish.
- Tubes to crush: longer tubular shape, they offer a better crushing surface for enhanced hold.
- Crimp beads 2 in 1: practical and aesthetic, they require no additional bead cover.
Each type is designed for a specific use, from simple mounting to the most demanding creations.
Choosing the right Crimp beads
For optimum mounting, take into account the diameter of your wire, and remember that this wire will pass twice through your Crimp bead. Choose a Crimp bead with an internal diameter slightly larger than twice the diameter of your wire. For example, if your wire is 0.4 mm in diameter, choose a Crimp bead with an internal diameter of 1 mm, since 0.4 mm x 2 = 0.8 mm. Don't choose a Crimp bead that's too large, as it will be useless.
Also, choose Crimp beads of the same material as your clasp and the other metal components of your creation. For example, avoid mixing brass with stainless steel or Gold Filled.
What type of thread are Crimp beads used with?
You can use Crimp beads on wired thread, nylon thread, silk thread or synthetic thread. Don't use them with elastic threads, as they can damage the thread and cause it to break.
How do I use Crimp beads?
- Thread the bead to be crushed: slide the bead to be crushed onto your thread (cable, nylon, polyester...).
- Add the clasp or ring: pass the wire through the clasp ring, then pass the wire back through the bead to create a loop. For added safety, you can use a wire protector to help you make the loop and avoid friction that could damage the wire.
- Adjust the loop: pull lightly on the wire to adjust the size of the loop to the desired effect. The smaller the loop, the more discreet the finish.
- Crush the bead with crushing bead pliers.
- Cut off excess wire: trim off any excess wire and, if necessary, slip the cut end into the following beads for a clean finish.
What are Crimp beads for?
Crimp beads hide the crushed bead for a cleaner finish. Once closed, the bead cover imitates a small round bead, adding a decorative touch. They are not compulsory, but recommended for a cleaner finish.
What's the difference between a crushable bead and a 2-in-1 crushable bead?
The classic Crimp bead is mainly used to block and secure wire. They need to be crushed with pliers, and a bead cover is required for a clean finish.
The 2-in-1 Crimp bead, on the other hand, combines technical and aesthetic aspects: it closes nicely without a bead cover, offers a more discreet finish and is quicker to assemble.