Tool Talk: Crimp Pliers Aren't Just for Crimp Beads

Some tools are created with one specific function in mind, but turn out to be much more versatile.  A la the crimping pliers.  A standard tool for those who do stringing with beading wire and crimp beads, here are other useful functions it performs.

Originally designed to secure crimp beads to flexible beading wire and give them a nice fold, the crimp tool has proved it's not just a one-task tool.  The outer, or "rounder" notch, has several applications.

Your basic crimping pliers

Seed beaders learned many years ago that the tool is strong enough to break a glass seed bead that somehow snuck into the wrong place in the pattern (those sneaky little things!).  Carefully placing the one miscreant bead in the front notch of the crimper and giving it a squeeze will usually break the bead so you can remove it without damaging the thread or surrounding beads.

Closeup of closed crimp tool showing the two notches

Here is one of my favorite uses:  tucking the last bit of wire into a wire wrapped loop.

If you like making wrapped loops for earrings or other types of wire links, you know that sometimes getting that last bit of wire to tuck close to the wrap can be as frustrating as all get-out.

Wire wrapped loop with the cut edge of wire showing

Always be very careful when placing the crimp tool around the wrap (in this situation you don't want to break any beads).  Keep a thumb or finger at the bottom of the headpin to keep it steady, and place the wire in the front notch so the end is against the tool.  Gently squeeze the pliers so they push the end against the wrap.  You may have to readjust and repeat the process a couple of times.

Wire end all tucked in

The edge of the wire is against the left side of the front notch, ready to be squeezed against the wrap

I also like to use the crimp tool when using foldover crimp ends on cord or thin chains.  The crimp tool gets a good purchase on the whole crimp, and with one edge of the crimp in the front notch you can start to fold one side over so it grasps the cord.

Hold foldover crimp with one size in the front notch of the crimp tool

When the cord is secured by one side of the crimp, re-position the crimp and use the front notch again to fold the other side over.  By using the front "rounder" notch and squeezing all around the crimp you'll get a nice rounded look that is very secure.

Fold the second side over

Squeeze around the entire crimp for a nice rounded look

Anyone else use the crimp tool for something besides crimping?  Let us know.  We love to hear from you.

Finished earrings with wire wrapped loops