Beading Connectors
Crimp and Scrimp beads are used to connect beading wire to clasps
Learn how two commonly used connectors between beads and clasps work and how to use them yourself in jewelry designs.
This article continues the series of how jewelry works. Prior to this article jewelry closures were discussed explaining the difference between six types of clasps used as closures for necklaces and bracelets.
Those interested in beaded necklaces and bracelets probably have noticed that there are funny looking metal connectors sitting between the beads and the clasps. Two of the more commonly used connectors are crimp beads and fairly new on the market - the ScrimpTM design. These two types of connectors are used only with beading wire however - not with silk thread or other beading medium.
If used properly both are very reliable ways for jewelry makers to attach beading wire to clasps. Scrimps are more heavy duty and are better connectors for necklaces or bracelets with heavy gemstone or metal beads. If you examine your own necklaces or bracelets you can identiy the crimp beads by the fact that they are flat tubes of metal with a crease running vertically across the tube. The metal tube was originally round. During the process of securing the wire in the tube it was flattened by the special tool used in this application - crimp pliers.
How to Use Crimp Pliers:
- Crimp pliers are funny looking pliers that have two stations in the jaw of the pliers. Reference the clasp assembly image shown below - at the end of the bead strand a crimp bead is strung, followed by one end of the clasp. Then the beading wire is then reinserted into the crimp bead with the end of the beading wire sticking out the opposite end of the crimp bead. The crimp bead should be placed on the beading wire so it is sitting about 1/8 to 1/4 inch down from the clasp.
- Referencing #1 crimp plier image shown below you can see that the round crimp bead is placed in the station that is closest to the handle. The crimp bead is placed in the station so that the open end is facing you. Please note: To follow is the most important aspect of using crimp pliers - Do Not Allow the Wires to Cross.
- Image that there is a cross sitting directly in the middle of the open end of the crimp bead. The beading wire should stick out on either end of the vertical bar of the cross in a straight line. Position the crimp bead directly over the hump in the station and firmly press. The crimp bead will sort of curl into a U shape. You should have a dip the middle of the crimp bead with one strand of the beading wire sticking out on either side of the dip. If your beading wires are both sticking out on the same side of the dip you must start over again. This will not give a secure connection to the clasp.
- Then making sure that the wire ends are still not crossing turn the crimp bead on it's side and put it in the station of the crimp pliers that is closest to the end of the jaw and firmly close - reference #2 crimp plier image. It should fold in on itself forming a tube. The tube should be flat and neat looking with the beading wire sticking out of different sides of the crease.
- Trim the loose beading wire end as close to the crimp bead as possible and repeat for the other side.
ScrimpTM beads use the same basic theory except crimping pliers are not used. Scrimps have a barrel like appearance with a screw inside the barrel. The beading wire is inserted in the same manner as the crimp beads - although with Scrimps it is no big deal if the wires cross. To secure the wire within the barrel a screwdriver is used to tighten the screw against the beading wire. This is a skill that takes a little practice however as the slot in the screw is quite tiny.
Done correctly both connectors will hold as long as you own the piece of jewelry.
