Crimp beads

[elektraloaded]

i want to use 49strand beadalon wire (because its the most durable and least likely to kink i believe)...firstly, how do you know if your beads will fit on? i am using 5mm beads for one particluar necklace, will they fit properly on this wire or how do you know what size wire to use, i am a bit confused on this subject. also, how do you know what size crimp beads to use, and crimp beads are for finishing off the ends of the necklace right before the clasp right?

[Polly]

49strand Beadalon is a good choice.  And yes, crimp beads are for finishing the ends (hooking to your end pieces).
Take a look at the details page for crimp pliers for how crimp beads are used.  You don't actually need crimp pliers -- you can use standard flat-nose pliers and flatten the crimp bead instead of making the neat little round shape that the crimping pliers create.  Many people say that flattening the crimp bead makes it more secure, but most people prefer the look of the rounded method.  

To see which weight will work for your beads, first find out what the hole-size of your beads is.  Our online store lists this for most items.  If it lists a range, assume the smallest hole size, and you should be fairly safe.
Pick a cording that is a bit smaller than the smallest hole size.
In the online store, each weight of Beadalon is listed in both " (inches) and mm (millimeters), along with an approx. gauge in case you need to convert to or from sterling silver wire.

Also, we've recently added a new feature to the online store.  Some items -- Beadalon is one of the first we've done this with -- now have a "use-with" field.  It has a link to the items that work with it. Check out the "Use with:" field., and also read the [details] link for the items in question, to help make the best decision.  If 2 sizes will work, you'll probably want the smaller crimp bead listed.

pshew, got through all your questions '>  for now anyway!

--Polly