Cord ends give leather, suede, cotton and other cords a clean, finished end and a secure loop for attaching a clasp. At The Bead Chest we carry cord ends and end caps for jewelry making in gold plated, silver plated and antiqued copper finishes, with inside hole sizes from 1.5mm to 3.4mm.

Types of cord ends

• Crimp cord ends with ring – squeeze shut onto the cord with flat-nose pliers; the ring takes a jump ring or clasp. No glue needed.
• Hidden crimp cord ends – crimp-style ends with a low-profile, tidy finish.
• Glue-in end caps – barrel-shaped caps that slide over the cord and are secured with jewelry glue, ideal for round leather and thicker cord.
• End caps with ring – cap the cord and add a loop for your clasp in one step.
• Clamshell bead tips – small hinged cups that close over a knot to finish thread, silk or nylon strands, perfect for knotted and seed bead designs.

Cord end FAQ

What size cord end do I need? Measure your cord's diameter and choose a cord end with an inside hole the same size or just slightly larger — a 2mm cord fits a 2mm hole. For glue-in end caps, a snug fit gives the strongest bond.

Crimp ends or glue-in end caps — which should I use? Crimp ends are fast, need no adhesive and grip both flat and round cord. Glue-in end caps give a sleek, seamless look on round cord; use a strong jewelry adhesive and let it cure fully before wearing.

What are bead tips used for? Clamshell bead tips hide the knot at the end of a strung or knotted strand and give you a loop to attach a clasp.

Finish your design with our clasps and jump rings, and explore more stringing materials and jewelry making tools. Cord ends are essential jewelry making supplies — shop the collection below.