Size question-5/32 mandral.

[Inky]

I used the 5/32 size mandrals to make Pandora size beads, not to be lined. They don't fit, too tight. How can I fix this and what did I do wrong ? I searched thru these forums before ordering the mandrals, from what I gathered, they should fit, and the 3/16 ones should fit even lined. I have some 1/4 ones too, but unlined they seemed abit too big. Thanks.

[squid]

My beads made on 5/32 work find unlined. What brand of bracelet are you using? Biagi and Pandora are the biggest - are you using an off brand?

[Inky]

It's a Pandora, belongs to a friend. She did buy it off Ebay, but it's labeled Pandora and looks to be the real deal. Could my release have been too thin? I only made around 50 like this ](*,)

[squid]

It's possible - what kind of release do you use? Have you tried double dipping it?

[ArtcoInc]

Either a 3/16" mandrel with a single dip of bead release, or a 5/32" mandrel with a double dip of bead release.

Malcolm

[squid]

With Fusion, I can use 5/32 single dipped :)

[Inky]

I'm not even sure which release I used, I have 3 half empty bottles of various brands(Bucket O Mud, Hotline Air-Dri, and FPI Bead Separator-made by Fusion). Will buy bigger mandrals next order. Any ideas on reaming out the beads I have ? I had hoped that the 5/32 ones would do it, will play around and try another brand of release, or let these dry out a little.

[smpeoples]

that happened to me too. I just used my dremel to file it open a little more and they fit just fine. Now I double dip my mandrels all the time. It sure is embarassing when someone gets one for their bracelet and it does not fit! Now I check all of them before they go on my table. I have not had a problem since I started double dipping:)

[BeadingBabe]

Did you check to make sure you weren't sent the wrong size mandrels? I buy TIG rod at the welding supply store (5/32) and cut my own, they fit my pandora unlined just fine.
Kris

[Inky]

I got them from 2 suppliers, both are the same size. I will get the Dremel out and "fix" some of them, next time use a thicker release, and but the 3/16th size next time. I'll save some for Beads of Courage, they will be easy for kids to string. Thanks all for the advice and tips.

[J. Savina]

The Troll bracelet should work with your beads. If you're selling them, just be sure you let customers know that they're a tight squeeze on the Pandora bracelet, or just advertise them for the Troll or Chamila. Just MHO.

J.