Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

I use Beadalon® 49-strand wire and 7-strand wire. What size crimps and wire protectors should I use on each size? Also, what size will I need if I use the 7-strand wire doubled?

Beading wire strand number vs. diameter can be confusing. Thanks for bringing this question up! When working with Beadalon 49-strand wire and Beadaon 7-strand wire, it’s important to choose the right crimp tubes and wire protectors based on the wire diameter, not just the strand count. The strand number indicates how many strands are twisted together to create the wire. 

In 7 strand, the wires are much thicker and the wire more prone to kink, and in 49 strand, they are very fine and drapey. You can have either strand count within one diameter of wire. Beadalon 0.024-inch diameter is the thickest, and Beadalon 0.015-inch diameter  is the finest diameter that we offer. 

We suggest using 2mm sterling silver crimp tubes  with either 3mm or 4mm crimp covers , depending upon your preference in your designs. Those are standard and work well with all diameters of Beadalon beading wire that we currently offer. 

In addition, 5mm Accu-Guard™ wire protectors  fit 0.024- and 0.018-inch diameter wires best, and 4mm wire protectors fit 0.015-inch diameter wires.   

- Patti