What are crimp beads?  

If you are new to beading or jewelry making then you may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of beads available to you but what are crimp beads and why are they different to all the other beads?

Crimp beads are tiny beads, usually rings, which can be pinched closed to secure the start, end or even beads in the middle of a project. Crimp beads are usually pinched using crimping pliers but flat nosed pliers can be used instead. When beading you need to know what are crimp beads as they are a key component to your jewelry making and you may never be able to finish a project without them!

Round, tubes and twisted tubes are the three options available for the shape of your crimp beads. Any of them can be flattened with the use of chain-nose pliers, or you can use crimping pliers on the tubes.

Round crimping beads are mostly 2-3mm in size and are available in a gold-plated or silver finish.

Twisted tubes (which can also be referred to as twisted tornado crimps) are basically tube crimps that have a slight twist in them. Usually available in gold-filled or sterling silver, the twist is a great added decoration but it also helps to secure the beading wire.

Tube crimps are available in many different lengths and widths along with being available in sterling silver, gold-filled and copper.

Crimp covers are also available these are open round beads that can slide over a crimp bead then be squeezed closed with the use of mighty crimping pliers.

1 x 1mm micro crimps  

The smallest of the crimp beads can be used with the size .010 wires, the thinnest flexible beading wire along with micro crimping pliers.

1 x 2mm crimp beads 

Can be used for illusion necklaces on size .012-.019 flexible beading wire.

2 x 2mm crimp beads 

The most common size used for jewelry making. They can be used with size .012-.024 beading wire.

3 x 2mm crimp beads 

These can be interchangeable with 2x2mm crimps and used with .012-.024 size beading wire.

3 x 3mm crimp beads 

These are the largest available and can be used with multiple strands of beading wire or even with ribbon.   

Hopefully this information will come in useful to you in the future, Artbeads.com has all the products you need to get started at great prices.

Next you can find about the types of beading wire.