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Last month we discussed different types of threads.  Each of three threads we featured can be finished using crimps. 

To finish off thread with a crimp, pull the thread through the crimp, then wrap it around your clasp and thread it back through the crimp.

 

Since your thread goes through the crimp twice, the inside diameter of the crimp must be large enough to accommodate twice the width of the wire.  There is a slight complication in determining the inside diameter needed for your crimp.  The thickness of threading material is typically given in inches and the thickness of a crimp is typically given in millimeters.  I personally find it easier to convert the thread to millimeters.  Here is a list of common beading thread dimensions converted to millimeters.

Diameter Inches   Diameter MM   
.013                               .33                             
.015                               .38                              
.018                               .46                             
.024                               .51                             

Using the above chart, you can see that a .015 thread requires a crimp with an inside diameter of at least .76 mm and a .024 thread requires a crimp with an inside diameter of at least 1.02 mm.

There are two different types of crimps: crimp beads and crimp tubes.  Crimp beads are round and tend to be smaller than crimp tubes.  They are used to hold your thread securely in place.  Frequently beaders hide their crimp beads either in a bead hole or clamshell bead tip.  Crimp tubes are larger than stronger than crimp beads.  They are always visible and sometimes work as part of the design.  Beaders have used crimp tubes to hold beads in a set place on the thread - this is especially true of illusion necklaces.   Crimp tubes are , of course, also used to hold threads securely together.

The type of crimp you use will determine the tool you use.

While round nose  pliers can be used to squash the crimps together, special crimping pliers will give you a more finished look. Click on picture to see an enlarged view of crimping pliers.

Crimping pliers come in two sizes: micro crimpers and crimpers.  The micro crimper has been designed specifically for use on small crimp beads.  Crimpers are the more versatile of the two tools, working on both crimp beads and crimp tubes.

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