Mala Stringing Question

[Guest guest]

Dear Tomji:

 

The discussion about tying the knot and hiding it was when you use elastic

and come to the end of the mala.

 

This Accu-Flex wire does not stretch at all.

I don't thing it ties in a knot that well.

 

What is used are these small beads called crimp beads and a pair of special

pliers called crimp pliers.

 

You thread crimp bead like a bead at the ends of mala.

If you cap your Meru Bead and attach an "O" Ring to it, then you loop the

ends through that "O".

 

Then each of the ends goes through the Crimp bead.

With Crimp pliers you squeeze the crimp bead twice.

 

First, Mash the crimp hard in the hole in pliers closest to handle.

It will flatten the crimp bead.

 

Then Stand the bead on end and mash in the front hole of pliers.

 

That's it.

 

If your Meru is strung like the other beads, You can loop ends together with

crimp.

For japa malas this doesn't work as well as you will have a slight gap.

 

It's much easier that it sounds and I can pass on some illustrated

instructions to you. I think its easier and sturdier than tying knots in

elastic. Plus you don't have to worry about getting Crazy Glue all over the

place ;-)

 

The crimp beads are very easy to get. Any hobby store has them.Crimping

Pliers can be purchased at Jewelry Supply places.

 

If you can master the Internet, you can do this :-)

 

Namaste.

Kanti

 

In a message dated 10/17/2002 8:25:28 PM Central Daylight Time,

tmicklin writes:

 

 

> OK, this is something I know Kantiji and others can answer.

> I have used eye pins with a small needle nose pliers to make Malas and I

> also have tied knots like I was taught in India - but that was so long ago

> that I can't seem to get it right.

>

> What I'm going to do is use the Accu-Flex wire/thread that was recommended

> but I need a clarification since I've never done it this way.

>

> There was mention of tying and hiding knots in large beads and spacers,

> etc.

>

> Is the point to tie a knot after each bead and then hide it from sight?

>

> Why?

> Surely that wire isn't going to break and drop all the beads on the floor

> of the car.

> Or does it just keep everything in place?

> Does that wire stuff strecth at all? Doesn't seem like it could.

>

> Thanks in advance,

>

> Tom

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