There are three main ways to finish a bead stringing design: a crimp bead/tube, an EZ-Crimp™ end and a Scrimp™ finding.

Crimp beads and tubes are tiny metal beads that flatten when squeezed with a crimping tool. They are available in a variety of sizes, which you choose based on the diameter of your beading wire. It's important to use a crimping tool instead of regular pliers because regular pliers can accidentally cut into the beading wire.

To attach a clasp using a crimp, place a crimp bead or tube about 1/2" from the end of the beading wire. Place the wire end through a clasp and place it back inside the crimp bead or tube to form a loop. Adjust the crimp bead or tube so that the loop is small and the clasp is secure, and be sure that the beads are snug but not too tight to allow the design remain flexible. Place a crimp bead or tube inside the outer jaws of the tool and squeeze it gently so the crimp forms an oval. Place it in the inner jaws and squeeze it hard so the crimp forms a crescent shape. Remove the crimp bead or tube, turn it 90 degrees and place it in the outer jaws of the tool. Squeeze it gently to fold the crimp bead or tube in half. You can leave it exposed or hide it with a crimp cover.

EZ-Crimp™ clasps feature a tiny coil that actually crimps onto the beading wire, making regular crimp tubes unnecessary. They're available in a variety of styles, such as toggle, S-hook and hook-and-eye. You can also use plain EZ-Crimp™ ends and then add your own clasp.

To use an EZ-Crimp™, pass the wire end inside the crimp end, and then use a large crimping tool to squeeze the bars together. The coil inside flattens to securely hold the wire in place. Because the large crimping tool has a rounded jaw, the entire coil is squeezed shut, which holds the wire firmly in place without damaging the wire. Tug gently on end to make sure it’s secure.

You can also use a special finding called a “Scrimp” to attach a clasp. A Scrimp™ finding contains a miniature screw. Scrimp™ findings are a great way to finish a design because they are completely removable, which allows you to adjust the length or pattern after attaching the clasp.

Use a Scrimp™ finding in conjunction with a Wire Guardian™ finding for a secure finish. A Wire Guardian™ finding is a small hollow loop that fits over the end of beading wire where it attaches to a clasp. A Wire Guardian prevents abrasion and breakage. To use a Wire Guardian™, pass the beading with through the Scrimp™, Wire Guardian™ and clasp. Then pass the wire back through the Wire Guardian™ and Scrimp™. Turn the screw to secure the Scrimp™ finding.