Key mandrels?

[Blue Box Studio]

I am thinking about making some beads on keys - but presume I need a special mandrel to do this?  Can someone point me in the right direction please?

[arachnia]

I have used  Jelveh Designs Key Mandrel before now from etsy. I just looked to find you a link but they don't have one in. Only problem I found with it is if you get it too hot you weld the nut LOL. So not used it since. I do want to get another on.

I have known some people use a crocodile clip like  vicarage crafts grippy

[Blue Box Studio]

If anyone was going to weld a nut it'd be me   I have a croc clip, perhaps I'll try that first.  Thanks.

[Margram]

If you have vintage keys with a hollow barrel, you can just use a normal 2mm mandrel liberally dipped in bead release.
Allow to dry thoroughly and you should be okay.

[Blue Box Studio]

Ah - will have to check.

[Pauline]

some one is starting to sell up their kit, including 2 lots of keys ready for beading on ebay, she also has some frit and lentil mashers
see here   http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ladybirdbeads/m.html?item=300910909843&pt=UK_Crafts_Glass_Art_Supplies_CV&hash=item460fb01993&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

[Pat from Canvey]

I use second hand medical hemostats bought from a boot sale,   https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=hemostat+images&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a
Their advantage is that when closed, they lock together so holding a key or whatever very firmly. Before I bought them, I just used an old pair of pliers.

[Blue Box Studio]

some one is starting to sell up their kit, including 2 lots of keys ready for beading on ebay, she also has some frit and lentil mashers
see here   http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ladybirdbeads/m.html?item=300910909843&pt=UK_Crafts_Glass_Art_Supplies_CV&hash=item460fb01993&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Temptress!  Now I will have to have a look!  Slightly concerned that this might be another of 'Sue's mad ideas' and my customers wouldn't buy so am planning on trying out inexpensively.

I use second hand medical hemostats bought from a boot sale,   https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=hemostat+images&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a
Their advantage is that when closed, they lock together so holding a key or whatever very firmly. Before I bought them, I just used an old pair of pliers.

Are they not hard to rotate the key?  Or am I just clumsy minded?

[Glassy Lou]

Could you use one of the short rod holders, or would the key heat up so much that it'd weld onto it?

[Blue Box Studio]

Could you use one of the short rod holders, or would the key heat up so much that it'd weld onto it?

Good idea, I have one, it's pretty mangled anyway from being in the flame for that last mm or the paper label catching fire!

[Pat from Canvey]

"Are they not hard to rotate the key?  Or am I just clumsy minded?"

I found I soon got used to rotating them just as you have to get used to rotating  mandrels.

[Diane]

I did many keys using the same method as Marg without problems .

If you have vintage keys with a hollow barrel, you can just use a normal 2mm mandrel liberally dipped in bead release.
Allow to dry thoroughly and you should be okay.

Of course you do have to start with a hollow ended key - just choose the best fitting mandrel and use lots of bead release.  Good luck

Diane x

[Purple Cobwebs]

I've used my short rod holder from tuffnells for quite a few keys with no problems.

[katie78]

I have made quite a few beads on keys with a big old pair of pliers. You do soon get used to rotating it round. I have also found if you want the bead to move freely on the key plenty of bead release, but getting the right amount is tricky as if you put too much on the bead can wiggle off!  xx

[Andy Davies]

Hi  I wonder if you managed to solve your problem?

I'm assuming that you are planning to make a bead around the shank of a key for a mortise lock?

                           . . . Andy