Hi,

Greetings from a beading novice in UK!! 

On reading through Forum I have come across the use of "twisted and tornado crimps".  In the past I have also had problems with crimps but as I have now mastered crimping pliers I am getting on better.  I have also just invested in scrimps but yet to use them.  I know that some findings can be known by different names, but I have never come across these.  Could somebody please let me know whether they are only to be found in USA and also how they work compared to normal crimps?

 Twisted Tornado Crimps are a registered trademarked brand of Via Murano. http://www.viamurano.com/

 We carry one size of a twisted crimp at Rings & Things. Click here to see it. Beadalon distibutes a a twisted crimp that is sold at many bead stores.

Hi Russ,

Thanks for your response. I have checked out the links and read the available information. I have also been on the beadalon site in the UK to see if they are stocked.  As beading is quite addictive and I need to curb my spending a little bit can you tell me what is it about these crimps which make them better and more reliable than oridinary crimps.  Is it the angle at which they are flattened on either side which makes them more secure?  Sorry to be a pain but not having seen this type of crimp in any of the beadstores which I have access to, even the large ones in London, it is hard to make a comparison.

Thanks

 Via Murano was the originator of the style and created the demand for the item. They don't seem to have wide distribution into bead stores but their ads and marketing does create an intrerest in the concept. We had requests for them and referred our customers to Via Murano. Our customers kept saying "I like to buy as much as I can from Rings & Things."  When Beadalon and others offered some similar designs we added them to our stock.

I have to admit that we first carried them because customers asked for them, not because we knew there were intrinsically better. I'm usually a little skeptical about marketing claims. I personally think that any jump ring will work better if it is work hardened using the technique that Via Murano sells with their  Snap-Eze. Their trademarked name and technique for their jump rings sell their product.

In any event, I asked my staff for their opinions. This is what I learned:

>>> Evette
I was actually told by one of the customers yesterday that they are easier to use and grip better, I however have not used them to see if that is true.

>>> Chris
For the customer who does not use crimps that much, they do not need crimp pliers to use. Customer can use them without the investment in another tool and just use flat and/or chain nose pliers which most crafts people would likely have on hand.

>>> Amy M
They add a decorative quality to the work....The jewelry pieces I have seen using them, the creator flattened the crimp - with flat nose of chain-nose pliers.

If you flatten crimps (crimp tubes) the 'twists' give a nicer look than a flattened 'plain' crimp tube.

This may be a result of people frustrated by crimping pliers not working well for them...or as Chris says not needing to buy another tool.

>>> Karin
i personally don't like them for crimps but they make a cute bead

>>> Amy S
I personally like the 2mm 41-258 (at Rings & Things ) because you can get a better grip on them so maybe the same is for the ones you're asking about.

>>> Mollie
From Artbeads--customer reviews:
http://reviews.artbeads.com/8573/SS-CRM7/reviews.htm
It appears that ease and security are the primary reasons sited.  And as Chris said--one less tool to own.

I hope that helps.....

Wow, I knew that beading was a friendly community but you have surpassed expectations with your response - many, many thanks for taking the time and trouble to respond in this way.  Well, looks like the old beading budget for this month is going to take another pounding!!

 <grin> Well, you asked, so I asked and I got all these opinions so I passed them on.
I learn a lot when I'm answering and researching.
I'm glad you found this one both entertaining and useful!!!!

 By the way, you DO know that we ship to the UK, don't you? 

 Sure do!!!

 Hi Silverback,

I use the tornado crimps regularly and love them.  They are more secure than ordinary crimps, especially for heavier necklaces.  They are also prettier and so you can choose not to use a crimp cover.

I use the tornado crimps all the time now. They are very secure and I feel better about a finished piece.  I had bad luck with regular crimps  letting loose.  I buy them from KayWiggins.   They are easier to use, just flatten with chain nose pliers and your done.