Stubborn Bead Just Don't Come Off Mandrel

[chimehk]

I have a bead that just won't come off from the mandrel, but I could see that the separator is already cracked and some spots does not have the separator. I already soaked the beads for a day in the water but still it won't come off. And worse my mandrel starts to rust. I'm just a newbie and this happens to be one of the "good" beads I've made. Is there still a way to save this bead or it's a lost cause? ](*,)

[Nejoum]

Try soaking in vinegar.
Or coke.
Diana

[DawnT]

Sometimes I will take them outside and tap the end of the mandrel on the concrete. Not sure if it's the vibration or what but will usually loosen them. Good luck, I know how frustrating that is! 8-)

[x_phoenician]

I use vice-grip pliers to grab the mandrel and then take a non-slip rubber "grippy" and twist the bead back and forth.

[misfit]

I've been told putting them in the freezer will help. Never tried it, can't say but that is what I've been told.

A.

[Jacinthe]

try and get the bead warm and the mandrel as cold as possible
but from the sounds of the bead release you may not be able to get it off without smashing the poor beadie...
you could always make it into a plant stake

[sunnyone]

table top vise grip....mounted down...and the thingy to get stubborn jars open on the bead!! or very nice plant stake...just add to your fav plant!

crystal

[MikeAurelius]

I love the plant stake idea! I've got a flower vase on my store checkout counter and sell them for $10 each!

(Of course, the idea is NOT to get them stuck in the first place, but hey, make lemonade!)

[adee]

Try trickling undiluted vinegar in the hole around the mandrel ..wait a bit to let it soak , do it again..It worked for me..
Good luck!
~Adriana

[Roseanne]

Or... you can always take a hammer to it;)

[Rebekah]

I like to stick em back in the fire when I make beads again. That shattering all over the room is very satisfying (though very unsafe) after the hours I spent trying to get the bead off of the mandrel. :)

Rebekah

[chimehk]

The freezer idea really work. I forgot and left it for a week in the freezer. Took some time to pull it off. Thanks for all your suggestions. :biggrin: