Glass 6mm Flat Square Beads, Turquoise Copper Half Coat Matte, 48-50 glass beads New product
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An Alternative to Memory Wire Caps

Some people love those little metal Memory Wire caps (half drilled metal balls) to finish the ends of their Memory Wire Jewelry. Other people (like me!) cannot seem to get them to stay put, no matter what glue I have tried so far. Here is a great way to finish the ends of your jewelry without using glue!

Memory Wire Bracelet Project - Finishing Jewelry Ends using Sterling Crimp Covers


For a bracelet similar to this one, you will need:

Tools you will need:

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Simple Instructions:

  • Cut the desired number of loops of Memory wire from your coil using the shears or heavy duty wire cutters.
  • Form a small loop on one end of the memory wire to hold beads in place. You must make a very small loop to make this project work. Note from the picture (Figure 1) that our loop is the size of the very tip of the round nosed pliers. It must measure 2mm or smaller.
  • Flatten the loop using the serrated pliers. Non-serrated pliers don't work as well because the loop tends to slip when you try to put pressure on it. In the picture, a open crimp cover is shown for size comparison (Figure 2).
  • String your beaded design. You'll need less than 1/4" (about 6mm) of wire to finish the end of the bracelet - but you can cut off any extra wire before finishing.
  • Use the round nose pliers to form the ending loop and close it up as described above.
  • Use the crimping pliers (Figure 3) or non-serrated pliers to attach the Sterling crimp covers. These covers close easily, so go slowly using a gentle squeeze. If using the Crimping pliers, use the outer position of the pliers. If using the non-serrated pliers, use the tip, but make sure that the flat surface closes the tip (not the edge of the tip). When these covers are closed, they form a 3mm Round bead - so they have a small hole opening on each side. Position the cover so that when it closes, one of those holes closes around the memory wire at the edge of the loop.

You're Done! Your new bracelet is ready to wear!