Handmade Jewelry-Making Basics – What is a Crimp?
The ends of a beading chain or cord are placed into the tube before the tube is flattened.
Sizing Crimps
Crimps are available in a variety of sizes. Two strands of bead wire between .012″ and .019″ should be able to fit (doubled) into a 2mm diameter crimp tube; larger crimp tubes may not hold the wires securely and smaller crimp tubes will not fit the wires through the tube very well. Crimp tubes of 1.5mm diameter may be more suitable for .010″ or .012″ diameter wires. Fabric cords should be tested with crimps to verify holding power.
Crimp Materials
Crimps tubes are available in many metals to match the primary metal of the jewelry piece: gold-filled, sterling, and plate over brass. Crimp beads are more often available only in the base metals. Crimp-on eyes and hooks are often available
