Proper Crimps and Loops

Basic crimps should be closed with crimp pliers.  Twisted or Tornado crimps can be closed by smashing the crimp with chain nose pliers.  A properly closed crimp will not pull free and spill the contents of your jewelry.  One broken piece of jewelry will cover the cost of buying the right tool.    When crimping to a finding such as a clasp or a split ring it is important to make the loop the right size.  The loop should be just big enough that the finding will move freely within the loop.  If the loop is tight against the finding it becomes a point of stress that will weaken and eventually break.  If the loop is too big, the piece will look sloppy and could get caught on something and break.

To Crimp: Position the crimp bead in the notch closest to the handles of the Crimper.  Separate the wires & firmly but slowly squeeze the crimp.  This puts a dimple in the crimp bead.  Now rotate the crimp 90 degrees and position in the notch furthest from the handles.  Squeeze the crimper firmly but slowly.  This folds the dimple down into a rounded shape.  If the crimp is too flat, rotate the crimp about 45 degrees and squeeze again.