Crimp Beads.

Crimp beads are a must when working with beading wire to secure the ends of the wire into loops so that they can be connected to other components (a clasp for instance). This is the beading wire that I am talking about...

This wire cannot be tied in a knot, so the only way to secure the ends are to use crimp beads. To get the best results with a crimp bead, I recommend investing in crimping pliers. Crimping Pliers have two oval notches or grooves on their nose, one with a dip and one without.

To secure the crimp bead, you first press/squeeze it between the groove with the dip. This will pinch the bead's center, creating a curl shape like this...

Then you squeeze the crimp bead between the plain groove to tighten and fold the curl. The crimp bead will be shaped like this when it is completely crimped...

Crimp beads are great alternatives to knots on string as well, but are a necessity for beading wire. Happy crimping!