Crimp bead:A crimp bead is a small metal or plastic bead that is used to secure a piece of jewelry findings (such as a clasp) to the end of a beading wire. Crimp beads come in many different sizes to accommodate different thicknesses of beading wire. They are also available in different shapes (round, oval, tube), which affects the way they grip the beading wire. To use a crimp bead, the beading wire is passed through the bead and then back on itself so that the ends of the wire are flush with each other. The crimp bead is then squeezed flat with pliers to secure it in place.