Ask the Experts Removing Crimps Q&A

I just finished crimping the end of a necklace and now I found that I left a bead out. How can I remove the crimp without destroying the end of the wire? I have not trimmed the wire yet.

- Sami

If the crimp bead has been crimped securely, you are not likely to remove it without damaging the wire. Restringing will be the best option. You can attempt to remove the crimp bead by crimping it in the opposite direction. Set the crimp bead into the inner jaw of the crimp pliers with the fold at the top. Gently squeeze the crimping pliers into the fold. This may loosen the crimp enough to slide it off of the wire. If your wire is damaged in any way, take the time to restring, as this will assure a secure finish.

- Michelle Wood, Jewelry-Making Expert