Tough time getting beads off 1/16th mandrells

[merigypsy]

Hey all,
I just started using 1/16 mandrells over the 3/32 size. Plus I just switched from Fosterfire to Bucket of Mud. I just can't seem to get beads off these suckers without bending most all of the mandrels!
I soak them in water and vinegar for a while. Also I batch anneal, so these of course have cooled down for hours. I have found that the bead release would usually come off easier when they haven't been fired. So I don't know
if it is the Bucket of mud, the 1/16th being new to me or just me doing something wrong! I do like the bucket of mud, hope it isn't that...
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Merilee

[evenia]

I soak mine in oil, olive actually cause it's all I have. i leave it there for at least a half hour and sometimes overnight. I use b-o-m as well. This usually happens cause the b-o-m is drying out. Anyway, I still haven't lost one yet.

[bgbeads]

hmmm - I use 1/16 and sludge plus and don't have any problems, but I usually double dip them (just a habit from my first class) I'm sure someone here will have the solution, but if not try double dipping a few and see if that helps!
good luck
bonnie

[Rose Leslie]

Get a vise grip and a piece of rubberized shelf paper. Use the rubber for the bead and the vise grip for the mandrel. They do work. I don't loose very many beads.

Where do you get the bucket of Mud?

[midniteburner]

I have an easier time if I use the vise grips and twist the bead back and forth first. Then pull it off.

Is this what you are doing?

Sara

[Carolyn M]

I always use 1/16th, and also use a vise grip. You have to twist them gently from side to side until you feel the release give them twist them off. Whatever you do though, after a few beads the mandrels will start to bend. I go through them fast - that's life with 1/16th!

[DesertDreamer]

I use pliers and one of those rubber jar lid openers on the tough beads. Most of the time it works great. I use a blend of Fosterfire and Fusion.

[beadstillmyheart]

what would it hurt to take the beads off the mandrel while cool, (since it's easier) and then put them on another mandrel to batch anneal? Or at least just give them a little twirl on the mandrel to break the release before annealing? Annealing doesn't change the shape of the bead, so it shouldn't matter, right?

[Islandgirl]

Have you tried freezing the beads???? Stick stuck beads in the freezer for a couple of hours the steel shrinks more than the glass....

Also I pick all my bead release (I use Mike Franz's release always have and I don;t double dip!) of the mandrel then throw it back in the water.... most I can get off with my fingers.... long bicones go in my vice but they still come off... I usually bend my mandrel when it slams into the side of the sink when the bead suddenly releases!

Main thing is don't torque the beads while they are still stuck try to set up almost a vibration on the bead.... keep throwing it back in the water.... and eventually they often seem to almost float off!

Lynne
www.fireballbeeds.com

[bclogan]

I have trouble bending the 1/16" mandrels also. I found that getting hubby to do it worked wonders. He uses pliers to hold the mandrel, twists the bead, and they come right off. But when I do it - I grab with the pliers and STILL wind up bending the mandrel pulling the bead off.

[merigypsy]

Hi everyone, thanks for the suggestions...

Julie- Olive oil sounds interesting! I'm trying it...
Rose, Sara, and Carolyn thanks for the vise grip suggestions
Rose- I get BOM from Timberwolf studios
Lynne- freezing them is another new idea to me, I'll try it, too.
Karen & Barbara- Pliers along with the vise sounds good.
Kendra- thanks,yet That is actually what I do...

I let the beads cool, then soak, then I peel off the wet bead release, even using my fingernail to get the stuff right up as far into the hole I can. Then I put the mandrel vertically on a towel and push on the bead down. It usually just rolls down and loosens up. Then I do put as many beads as I can on a mandrel and batch anneal.
I Guess I have been spoiled with this way of doing it, they have come off so easy mostly. I think I should try a vice like many of you are saying.
Thanks gang!
Merilee