How to Make a Simple Bead Link

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The humble bead link is a versatile component that is the cornerstone of many great pieces of jewelry.

This is the simplest type of link - a bead and two simple loops.

Making the Simple Bead Link

Materials:

18 or 20 gauge wire
beads

Tools:

flush cutters
chain-nosed or flat-nosed pliers (2 pair or 1 of each)
round-nosed pliers

Step 1:

beadlink step 1

Slip a bead onto an eyepin. (Click the active link to learn how to make your own).

Step 2:

beadlink step 2

Using your fingers, fold the wire at a 90 degree angle to the bead.

Step 3:

beadlink step 3

Cut the wire with your flush cutters at about the 3/4 inch mark (this may differ depending on your desired loop size). You can measure beforehand and mark the measurement with a permanent marker if you like. After a bit of practice, you might find that you get a feel for the proper length and can eyeball it.

Step 4:

beadlink step 4

Grab the tip of your wire with your round-nosed pliers and press the wire around the round jaw of the pliers, repositioning the pliers as necessary so that you get a nice round loop.

Step 5:

the finished beadlink

Using two pairs of chain-nosed or flat-nosed pliers, reposition the loops so that they are both facing the same way.

The finished bead link!

Tips:

Play around with the length of the wire for the second loop (from Step 3). The length will vary according to the size of the loop.

To make uniform sized-loops, use a permanent marker to mark your round-nosed pliers (see the Step 4 picture above for an example).

Opening the Link


To open the link, hold the bead stationary with one hand, then using your pliers to grasp the loop close to the opening (see above), pull towards you while at the same time pushing the bead away from you.	The opened link

To close the link again, do the opposite motion.

Tip: Always use the pull with one hand, push with the other to open links, loops, and jump rings. If you pull the loop "out", you'll never be able to twist it back into shape.