How do I get my jewelry to stop breaking?

Question

I need some advice from some jewelry makers out there on how to get my bracelets to stop breaking. I've started making them on my own w/o any classes or anything and they come out beautifully but they keep breaking mostly at the point where I crimp the bead.

Thanks Spunk113, it seems as though the crimp bead gives way and then the whole bracelet goes. I use wire and I've upgraded to a stronger one b/c the thin kind snaps. What do you suggest working with?

Answer 1

Use 2 crimp beads, right next to each other, and don't cut the tail of wire right next to the crimp- run it through the next couple of beads. Crimp pliers will give you a tighter, more secure crimp than flat-nose.

Avoid Tigertail (the most common wire, unfortunately)- it kinks easily, and the sharp bend where it goes through the clasp is prone to break. I like Beadalon- either 19 or 49 strands.

Answer 2

What kind of wire are you using? Try using the wire with 49 strands because it has the highest tensile strength. Also,are you crimping with a crimp tool or using a chain nose pliers? If you are not using a crimp tool that could be part of the problem. Crimping the bead flat creates more surface to rub on the wire and makes it wear at that spot. A crimping tool makes a rounded crimp which looks more professional and seems to have a stronger hold.

Answer 3

In addition to stronger beading wire. If you are using "Tiger Tail" and crimp beads, try buying crimp pliers. They have two notches. The first bends the crimp bead into a sort of crescent shape, the second rolls it into a tube. It puts less stress on the beading wire.

One of the problems with crmip beads, besides beading wire that's too weak, is smashing the crimp bead so it cuts into the wire. Crimp pliers ease the problem.

Answer 4

I'd need more details to diagnose for certain, but...
--What are you putting the beads on? If you're using thread, the crimp bead may be cutting through it.
--How are they breaking? Is the thread or whatever snapping? Or is it just coming off the clasp? If it's the former, use a stronger material. For the latter, practice tying knots and use knot covers to transition from the thread to the clasp. You can also reinforce your knots with glue. Come to think of it, using know covers could also solve the problem of the crimp bead cutting through the thread/whatever.
Hope that helps!

Answer 5

it sounds like you might be crimping it too hard causeing it to cut into the thread you are using making it weak so it then breaks

Answer 6

Maybe if you took a class they might show you some pointers on keeping your jewelry intact. Or, just get a stronger wire, if that's what you're using.

Answer 7

use elastic string or memory wire and knot each bead like pearls

Answer 8

by taking good care of it more and better.Also clean so it can look better too people