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How to use a crimp tool

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padIf you are not confident in the strength of your crimp, you may consider doing two crimps side by side. If you plan on using a crimp cover to conceal your crimp, make sure to leave some space between the crimp and the clasp. Otherwise, when closing the crimp cover, you may end up crimping your clasp as well.

Note: It is important that you use the right size tool for your crimp tubes. For 1mm crimp tubes (such as SS-CRM9), we recommend the Micro Crimper. For 2mm crimp tubes (such as SS-CRM1, SS-CRM2, SS-CRM10, SS-CRM11, GF-CRM1, GF-CRM2, and GF-CRM3), we recommend the Bead Crimper Tool. For 3mm and 4mm crimp tubes (such as SS-CRM5, SS-CRM12, and SS-CRM13), we recommend using either the Mighty Crimper or Bent Chain Nose Pliers. Finally, for round crimp tubes (SS-CRM4) and twisted crimp tubes (SS-CRM6 and SS-CRM7), we recommend Bent Chain Nose Pliers.
THE CRIMP TOOL
The crimp tool has two notches, or "stations." The first station, which is farthest from the tip of the tool, has a dimple in the middle and is used to squeeze the crimp into a "figure 8" shape. The second station, which is closest to the tip of the tool, is used to fold the crimp and form it into a nice shape.
STEP 1
The first step is to place a crimp onto your jewelry wire and push it up an inch or so. Next, run the wire through the loop on your clasp and back through the crimp, as shown in the picture. Push the crimp up to the loop on the clasp, but do not make it so tight that you lose movement in the wire.
STEP 2
While holding the crimp in the first station of the crimping tool, use your fingers to separate the wires so that they lie on each side of the tube.
STEP 3
Next, squeeze the crimping tool, bringing the dimple down in between the two wires so that the strands are trapped on opposite sides of what now looks like a figure 8. It is important that you do not squeeze the crimping tool too hard, because this will weaken the crimp. Instead, squeeze as hard as you would shake someone's hand
STEP 4
You will then move the crimp to the second station of your crimping tool, where you will "fold" the crimp tube into a nice tubular shape. Give it a handshake squeeze and you're done.
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