In need of help:

I have made a couple bracelets only to have them break apart.  I suspect it's because I'm not using the appropriate sized crimp tubes with the corresponding wire sizes.  Can someone break this down for me like I'm a 2yr old, maybe some sort of table, and save me from stringing...and then re-stringing?

Thanks in advance,

 Kiwi

Here is a table I found on this subject:

wire diameter (in inches):               crimp tube size:

.010- 013                                                 1

.015-.021                                                 2

.024                                                        2,3

.026                                                        3,4

.030                                                         4

.036                                                         4

 I am not sure if these sizes are all right, because I have not worked with so many sizes of wire. I also know that crimp bead sizes are slightly different. Anyway, I hope this helps!!!

Hi Kiwi,

I find using plain crimp tubes is a nightmare. I have made hundreds of necklaces and bracelets and I use only twisted crimp tubes in the 2x2 and 2x3 sizes. I never have a necklace fall apart with the twisted or tornado crimp tubes. A good check to make sure after you crimp jewelry is to tug on the piece at both ends. If it doesn't fall apart while tugging, it probably won't fall apart. I use the 2x2 on lighter weight items usually when using up to .015 wire. I use the 2x3 on heavier pieces. Sometimes if the item is long or really heavy I use two 2x3 crimps on both ends.

You can find a lot more info if you go to the Archived Forums and search for crimp tubes and twisted crimp tubes.