Clamshell Bead Tips can be the perfect way to finish the ends of your stringing materials like chain, flex wire or beading thread. Here are two ways on how to use clamshell bead tips.
These versatile clamshell bead tips can be used with all types of stringing materials. You can use it to finish off Nylon Silk Cord, Chain, Soft Flex Beading Wire and more. There are two types of bead tips we carry.
One opens and closes from the side like a book. And the other opens and closes at the base with a hole in between.
The process of how to use the clamshell bead tips are as followed:
1st Clamshell Bead Tip
This clamshell will fold like a book. We have used here, Nylon silk cord. You will make a knot at the end of your thread and cut off the excess end. Cup the knot by sliding the bead tip to surround the knot. Bring both sides of the bead tip together by squeezing your finger together. You can also use a plier to gently close and enclose the knot within the bead tip.
You can find these bead tips in Silver, Gold, Antique Silver and Brass.
Plus, this clamshell bead tip has a loop at the top, which makes it easy to use a jump ring to attach your clasp, chain, etc.
2nd Clamshell Bead Tip
This clamshell (Z010740) folds upwards and has a hole in the middle of the hinge/folded part. We are using Soft Flex Beading Wire and a crimp tube with this clamshell bead tip. Slide end of flex wire through hole. Slide a 1mm or 2mm crimp tube on beading wire and flatten it with a flat nose pliers. Slide crimped tube inside the clamshell and close. This tutorial works well with .7mm beading chain (CH00724).
This clamshell bead tip has an open loop, where you can slide on your clasp, chain, etc without the use of a jump ring. All you do is slide your clasp through and use a flat nose pliers to close the loop.
Here are samples of jewelry using this clamshell bead tip.
This tutorial is very helpful and easy to understand. I have taken a few seed bead classes but never covered these two different clamshell bead tips. Thank you
Grammie
You’re Welcome!
WOW I have been beading for years and just figured those clamshells were for thread only. I am always looking for good ways to secure lobster claws and this looks perfect. Great that I can now use them!! Thanks!
You’re welcome Beverly. The first set of clamshells can be used with any type of stringing materials. All you need is to anchor the end with a knot or a crimp bead, before clamping the bead tip over the anchored end.
Exactly! Thought they were for thread only and I stopped using that long ago. This is going to make using chain so much easier. Thank you!
I never knew there were two types, but had wished there were! Thanks so much.
Thank you for this tutorial, I will finally will be able to use nice and different kind of chain and be able to place something to finish the end nicely. I take this opportunity to wish all the staff of Goody Beads, the very best for the 2019!
Thank so much Rachel for the well wishes! We are glad you are able to use this tutorial.
can this be used with stretch/elastic string?
Yes, but you’ll have to be careful that the knot inside the clamshell doesn’t cinch out of the hole underneath when stretched. I suggest that you tie a small bead like a size 11 or 15 miyuki seed bead to the end with a surgeon’s knot. Add a dab of Super New Glue or strong glue to the knot and bead. Once it dries, cut off excess elastic end and clamp the clamshell over the knot and bead.
Can you finish the opposite end of the piece with a crimp and bead tip also? I haven’t been able to find any guidance on how to accomplish that finish, unless it is not recommended…..
Yes, you can finish the other end with a crimp and bead tip. When you finish one end, add beads to the chain/stringing material before adding a crimp and bead tip to the other end.
Hi, I think she means showing us. I find that the other end is not as easy as the beginning and I struggle with it a lot. Is there any good tips you can give for this?
For the other end, I would suggest that after you slide on the clamshell, then slide on the crimp tube. Let your crimp tube sit inside the clamshell. Use your flat pliers to flatten your crimp tube. Cut off excess wire and close your clamshell over the crimp tube. I hope this helps.
Thank you so much. This is going to allow me to use broken chains now that I did not know what to do with. Thank you again.
You’re welcome.
What is a good way to anchor beading chain?
In our second tip, we flatten a crimp tube at the end. This is the method you would use for beading chain.
Thank you very much for this tutorial. The pictures really help to understand the techniques. I was wondering if the open loop on the 2nd crimp cover is sturdy enough to stay closed if the jewelry piece, e.g., necklace or bracelet, is tugged or pulled on.
We haven’t had problems with the 2nd crimp cover opening up. You can also add a small dot of Super New Glue to help keep the clamshell closed also.
Can you use the first type of clam shell tip on wire? I’ve only seen this type used on thread or nylon. Thanks.
Yes, you can use it with wire. Make sure to flat crimp the end of your wire, then close the clamshell over it. You can use a little dab of glue or E-6000 to the end before encasing the end inside the clamshell.
Hi! I have a question… do you think I can use a clamshell bead tip with a soft Flexi wire of 0.19 inches and a crimp bead? Will this work for a necklace?
Thank you, Ariadnna
Yes, it will work with soft flex wire.
Thank you for such a clear explanation. I’m new to all this & got a packet of these as part of a job lot of beads & was wondering what they were & what to do with them. Now I know!