Jewelry-making can go one of two ways- sublime or sophomoric. And the difference between the two is often craftsmanship: the design aside, either it’s well-make or it…well, isn’t. Crimp beads are one of those ways you can tell the difference- a well-made crimp looks professional, and a poorly-make one looks like it’s been chewed by a metal-toothed hamster. But if you use the One-Step Crimper, you’ll get… perfection.
I found the Bead Buddy One Step Crimper Tool at a local bead shop when I was browsing with buddy on a crafty field trip. Now, to illustrate the difference, a traditional crimping tool takes two steps- one grip of the tool makes a “hot dog” of the bead, one wire in each side. Then you have to rotate it 90 degrees in the tool to finish the crimp, effectively folding it in half. And while that seems simple enough, you do need some skill and steady hands to get consistent results. So the one-step action was attractive to me- you’d effectively be able to do the same job in half the time.
Here’s how it’s described at Amazon.com :
The Bead Buddy 1-Step Crimper. Perfect Crimps In One Squeeze! Fits Popular Crimp Tubes & Beads. Includes 50 2mm Crimp Tubes. Crimping has never been so easy! Simply place your crimp beads/tubes and squeeze–no twisting or turning! Measurements: 6″ long, 3″ wide. Quantity: 1 Step Crimper with 50 2mm crimp tubes
So let’s take a closer look!
There are three handles on this tool. Weird, right?
The small handle is a spring-action lever that will actually hold your crimp tube in place so you can hold your work in the other hand.
It’s actually pretty genius. Here’s how it works:
And if you’d like more information than that, watch this short 4-minute video:
So like I said, I’m sold! The Bead Buddy One-Step Crimping Tool works with round or cylindrical crimp beads and with different weights of crimping bead wire. I love it! And I’m really enjoying my new bracelet, which was inspired by my recent trip to Hawaii.
Not such a great pic- that’s what I get for taking pictures at night! But you can see my inspiration and better pics of the beads themselves in the Crafty Field Trip: Hawaii part 2 post.
Here’s a handy affiliate link for you if you’d like to get one of your own. I purchased mine and it’s worth every penny!
- Spooky Spider Halloween Bookmark Craft - October 24, 2018
- Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
- Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
- Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
Wow, didn’t know there was an special tool for that action, it is great, in fact, for people who do a lot of this craft… in fact, I have a friend who will love it… good idea, thank you Jenny!
Have you tried this on many sized crimps? It’s the only ‘reason’ I haven’t bought one for myself yet, it’s flexibility. – thanks!
Cris- I tried it on round and cylindrical crimps- some were 2mm and some were a little smaller. The spring hammer goes up higher so I deduce it would accommodate up to 3mms and down to 1.5. When using 1mm crimps, you usually don’t do a two-step crimp anyway- just one. Hope this helps!
Hi back Jenny!! that is awesome to know … next trip to a crafty store it’s mine!! I have several necklaces I want to make as Christmas gifts so YIPPIE for anything that makes it faster & neater 🙂
Great review. I don’t make jewelry but a friend of mine does and I sent her the video. I’m sure she’ll love it.
Thank you, sweetie, just ticked off one person on my holiday gift list! Great find.
Diane
You are welcome! Nice to “see” you here! <3!
Do you find that the crimps with this tool are strong enough to stand up to weight? I want to use them to space fused glass pieces on a wind chime, and I’m a little worried that they won’t hold up to the use. (Although honestly, I don’t know if regular crimping will hold up to the use either …)
Thanks!
What stringing material are you using? That could make a big difference.
Hi Vicki,
I’m using 49-strand .018 Beadalon. The consensus among my glassy friends was that fishing line would degrade and stretch under sun exposure and that the Beadalon would hold up better longterm.
Thanks!
Hi Jenny,
I am the jewelry designer/owner of Kat Kaye Designs on Etsy. The Bead Buddy One Step Crimper is a great tool, when it works. I’ve used this tool for about a month now and I’ve gotten mixed results. Most times, it works great and gives a perfect crimp. A few times and today, however, it works poorly: not crimping down nor releasing, cutting my crimp beads in half, and taking undue pressure to crimp. Normally, #1 round crimp beads work just fine. However, I’ve tried #1 and #2 round crimp beads today. The #2 crimp beads just flattened out and got stuck in the crimper until pried out. The #1 crimp beads got chopped in half. Have you experienced this? How do I avoid this happening?
Thank you,
Kat
I haven’t experienced this! I’d call customer service.