How to put a clasp on a nylon thread?

How to close a nylon thread bracelet?

If you're getting into jewelry making, and more specifically necklaces and bracelets, you're probably wondering how to put a clasp on a necklace or how to put a clasp on a bracelet. This article shows you, through a step by step video, how to put a clasp on a nylon or fishing line. This method is also valid with other threads, such as silk thread or cabled thread.
You can also create jewelry without clasps using elastic thread. If you are not familiar with this method, please check it out to learn how to make elastic jewelry.

In this article, we're going to talk a lot about crush beads. To learn all about crush beads and become an expert on the subject, go to the how-to sheet, which shows you how to make pretty finishes with crush beads.

1. Closing a nylon thread with crush beads

How do you put a clasp on a fishing line? The quickest and easiest way to add a clasp to a thread is to use squeeze beads. You might be tempted to tie it with a knot, but this method won't work if your line is too thick. The knot can come undone easily.
What are crush beads? These are small, soft metal beads that can be simply flattened with a pair of flat tongs. This bead once flattened will block the wire and prevent it from slipping.

Here are the detailed steps for attaching a clasp to a wire:

1. Before you even start stringing the beads, attach the first part of your clasp to the wire. This will prevent the beads from falling off.
2. String a squeeze bead onto your wire.
3. Thread the wire through a closed ring and then back through the squeeze bead in the opposite direction. It is best to use a closed ring, as the slit in the open ring may allow the thread to pass through.
4. If you are stringing beads all over the jewelry, leave 5 cm of wire after the bead to be crushed. If the wire will remain visible, less.
5. Flatten the bead with a pair of flat tongs.
6. Check that the wire is held by pulling on it. If it doesn't slip, you can continue, otherwise flatten the bead harder or start over.
7. If you are stringing beads, thread the end of the wire through the beads to hide it. Otherwise cut it off.
8. The method is the same on the other side. Once there is a closed ring on each side, attach the clasp with open rings. The clasp may already be attached to closed rings as in the example.

This method is the easiest and fastest, and also requires the fewest tools and accessories. However, it is not the most durable or professional method. Indeed, flattening the bead on the wire can crush the wire and weaken it. The wire will then be more likely to cut at the bead later, unlike the following methods.

2. Use a special crushing bead pliers

The second method requires a special crushing bead pliers adapted to the diameter of the bead to be crushed. This information can be found on the page of each pliers. Since the bead to be crushed also depends on the diameter of the wire, you may have to buy several crush pliers if you use wires of different diameters. The advantage of these jewelry pliers over flat pliers is that they will flatten the bead while making a fold in the center of the bead. Thanks to the second notch in the pliers, you will then be able to fold the bead in half. Ideally, the two ends of the wire are then on either side of the bead to be crushed folded in half. This method allows you to tighten the bead around the wire without crushing it. You can then put a crush bead cover over it to hide the bead.

3. Use wire protectors

These small "U" shaped accessories will protect the wired wire from friction caused by the clasp and rings. It will prevent the wire from wearing out. They are designed for wired yarns, but you can also use them with other yarns such as silk or nylon for a more professional finish. You don't need special tools to add these primers, but remember to make sure your wire is thin enough to fit through. They do come in several sizes.

4. Use special pliers to attach a clasp easily

There is a special clamp that makes it much easier to make a perfect finish with crush beads than with crush bead clamps. However, it is only suitable for beads with a diameter of 2 mm and a fairly thick wire. For example 0.50 or 0.60 mm. We tested it with 0.35 mm wire, but once the bead was crushed, it did not block the wire. So it is a very good tool, but for a limited number of creations.