How to Use an End Cap or Crimp End

End caps and crimp ends can provide professional looking results to your jewelry pieces. As indicated by the name, they are most often used to finish the ends of jewelry. We have expanded our selection of end caps and crimp ends to accommodate your every need. We have a large assortment to choose from and here we will show you some tips on how to use the different styles in your jewelry.

Round End Cap with a Loop


STEP ONE:
When using a round end cap it’s important to add a small amount of adhesive to your stringing material before attaching to the end cap. We will be using E-6000 and rubber cord in this example. If you plan to attach your end cap to a different component that cannot be opened, such as a closed jump ring, you must do so before gluing.


STEP TWO:
Place the end cap on one end of the rubber strand. Be sure not to push the stringing material all the way through the end cap.


STEP THREE:
Place some type of a clamp on the end cap if needed. Allow glue to dry.

Crimp End Caps


STEP ONE:
You may want to finish each end with different types of end caps, depending on the design. In this example, when working with a 3mm braided leather cord, we finished one end with an end cap with a loop and the other end using an end cap with a hook. Both end caps are used in the same way.


STEP TWO:
Insert the stringing material into the end cap. We recommend using an adhesive to ensure a strong hold, although it is not required. If using an adhesive, be sure to use only a small amount to minimize seepage. Slowly and gently squeeze the center of the end cap with a pair of chain nose pliers until it crimps down onto the stringing material.

Tip: If you are having trouble with your glue, scratch the leather a bit on the end with a fingernail to remove the shiny exterior. When it is more porous, the glue holds better. Also remember to let the glue dry for at least 24 hours for a strong bond.

Crimp End with a Loop


STEP ONE:
Here we used a crimp end cap with a loop. Simply place your stringing material into the crimp end cap and gently squeeze with a pair of chain nose pliers or nylon jaw pliers until completely closed. Adhesive is recommended but not required.

U-Shaped Ribbon Ends


STEP ONE:
These style of end caps are generally used to finish ends of ribbons and fibers. Once you have placed your stringing material inside the end cap, gently squeeze with a pair of nylon jaw pliers. We recommend using the nylon jaw pliers for this style end cap to avoid marring up the finish. Again, adhesive is recommended but not required.

End Cap with a Loop


STEP ONE:
This type of end cap is simple to use. Place the end cap onto your stringing material and crimp it down with a pair of chain nose pliers or nylon jaw pliers. Try using this end cap with a jump ring before a jewelry clasp instead of a crimp end. Adhesive is recommended but not required.

You’ll be ready to explore all new stringing materials that you can work into your jewelry designs in no time! Just be sure to always use the right crimp end or end cap for your specific idea.

-Marissa

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Comments

  1. Reply

    Thank you for the great ideas. I’ve been wanting to use different items for the necklace part of all my bead embroidery pieces, but didn’t know how to end them…now you gave me wonderful ideas to start experimenting.
    dot

      • Marissa
      • January 17, 2012
      Reply

      That’sgreat to hear, Dot!

    • Sue Wuest
    • January 17, 2012
    Reply

    Thanks, this was helpful.

  2. Reply

    This blog was just in time. I just got crimp tubes with loop for a necklace. I am making necklaces with ribbon also God supplies your needs i needed this wisedom. So Thanks

  3. Reply

    These are great. Am saving this one as my memory isn’t that long!!

    • Tina
    • January 22, 2012
    Reply

    This is so helpful. I have been looking for nice professional looking finishes for cords and ribbon. Thanks so much!

    • Eleanor
    • January 22, 2012
    Reply

    What do you recommend to use at the end of chain?

    • Barb Whittingham
    • January 22, 2012
    Reply

    Thank you. Every little bit of information helps to create a more professional looking product.

  4. Reply

    Boy, did I need this! Thanks so much. Love your website, products and customer service. You’re the BEST!

    • Marcy
    • January 22, 2012
    Reply

    Thank you so very much! Extremely helpful!

    • Dita
    • January 22, 2012
    Reply

    Thank you very much for this very informative post. Dita.

    http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com

  5. Reply

    I’d appreciate seeing various sizes of unfinished chain being attached to ends.
    Thank you.

    • Diana Chervinko
    • January 24, 2012
    Reply

    Great! Very clear instructions. I would like to see a clear photo of each type before it is attached. I’m unclear what kind of end piece is used in the “one last simple step” example.

    • Marissa
    • January 24, 2012
    Reply

    Hi Diana-The last picture shows an end cap with a loop. We appreciate all of the wonderful feedback!

    Eleanor-To finish chain, there are different options. You can attach clasps using jump rings, for example.

    • Marissa
    • January 24, 2012
    Reply

    Thanks for the feedback, Rita 🙂

  6. Reply

    clamp…duh! Why didn’t I think of that? So helpful!

    • Cheri
    • January 29, 2012
    Reply

    Thank you for some very valuable information. This gives me some ideas for different ways to
    finish the ends of my projects.

    • Laurel
    • May 14, 2012
    Reply

    Any instructions on putting end cap on multi-strand leather cord bracelet?

    • Marissa
    • May 14, 2012
    Reply

    Hi Laurel-

    you could try using one crimp end for each cord and then connect them all using a jump ring. Here’s a link to our Handy Tip video that shows you how to open and close a jump ring: http://www.artbeads.com/jump-ring-ht-video.html

    • Carla
    • February 11, 2013
    Reply

    Hi, I thank you for the tips but could you please give me advice on attaching a cap clasp onto a snake type chain.
    I want to create a necklace that has a snake type chain. I want to purchase the chain in bulk because I have a design in mind but need your help. I am guessing it would be like your first example but I don’t want it to come off.

  7. Reply

    Good question, Carla. It depends on the thickness of the chain. If it’s a larger size, a crimp end should work. If the snake chain you want to work with is smaller, we actually carry finished snake chain that have been professionally attached to a chain.

    You can browse our available snake chain here.

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