Crimp bead

A crimp bead is a short tube of soft metal, usually plated brass or sterling silver, that slides onto beading wire and is squeezed shut to hold a clasp or loop permanently in place. It works because the metal is soft enough to deform and grip the wire strands passing through it without cutting them.

There are two common ways to close one: flattening it into a simple oval with flat pliers, or folding it into a rounder, more compact shape with dedicated crimping pliers. The folded version is generally smoother against skin and holds slightly more securely, since it wraps the wire from more angles.

Sizing matters: the crimp bead's inner diameter needs to match the beading wire, usually two strands' worth passing through it, snugly enough that flattening actually grips the wire. A common mistake is crushing the crimp completely flat with regular pliers, which can cut into the wire strands rather than clamping them, weakening the exact point that holds the whole piece together.