Removing the Mandrel from the Bead

(without bending it!)

Happy Fall y’all! Hope everyone is busy making pumpkin and witch beads, or perhaps buttons for the upcoming button swap.

Last month we talked about bent mandrels. This month I thought we should discuss how to get beads off without bending those mandrels. Here are a few suggestions:

If it’s stuck, of course soaking longer is always a good option.

If it’s really stuck try:

• using pliers on the mandrel and a rubber jar opener on the bead
• Kelly finds these specialty pliers great at grabbing mandrels
• holding just above the bead with pliers, give a sharp tap of the end of the mandrel closest to the bead on a hard surface, such as a cement floor or hard countertop you aren’t worried about damaging
• sometimes you can try putting the stuck bead in the freezer for a bit but be sure not to forget it!
• And for those multi-hole button mandrels, grasp the prongs between your thumbs and forefingers on each side of the button. Gently apply pressure to each side of the button, alternating sides until the button starts to move and break loose. It may take a bit of back and forth nudging but be patient.

Do you have a tip or trick that may help your fellow lampworker? Send it to Tips@theglassdragons.com