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Attaching a Clasp

The way you attach a clasp to finish your design depends upon the stringing material used. The most common ways to attach a clasp are listed below, with the corresponding stringing material(s) listed in parentheses.

Using Chain Nose Pliers to Crimp
(Tiger Tail, Transite or Stretchy Cord)
   

  1. Slide a crimp bead or crimp tube onto a piece of tiger tail. Next, string on one half of a clasp set. In this example we are using a lobster clasp.Thread the tiger tail around the clasp and back through the crimp bead/tube.
  2. Be sure to leave a little excess tiger tail that can be thread back into the first few
  3. beads of your design.
  4. Flatten the crimp bead with your chain nose pliers. Tug on the clasp to ensure the
  5. crimp has gripped your wire/cording.
  6. String your beads in desired pattern. Cut excess wire/cording with your side cutters.
  7. Position the blade as close to the bead as possible to make a clean, flush cut.
  8. Repeat the above steps to attach the second side of your clasp set.

 

              

 

Using Crimping Pliers to Crimp

(Tiger Tail, Transite or Stretchy Cord)
   

  1. Slide a crimp bead or crimp tube onto a piece of tiger tail. Next, string on one half of a clasp set. In this example we are using a lobster clasp.
  2. Thread the tiger tail around the clasp and back through the crimp bead/tube. Be sure to leave a little excess tiger tail that can be thread back into the first few
  3. beads of your design.
  4. Place the crimp bead into the crimper area of the pliers. Squeeze gently to transform the tube into a half moon shape.
  5. Move crimp bead up to the rounder end. Squeeze the pliers, bending the half moon shape together.String your beads in desired pattern. Cut excess wire/cording with your side cutters. Position the blade as close to the bead as possible to make a clean, flush cut.
  6. Repeat the above steps to attach the second side of your clasp set.