Mandrels

Steel mandrels are an investment. There are choices to make when you are adding to your collection. Bracelet and ring mandrels come in a variety of sizes and forms. Stepped or tapered? Round or shaped? Consider the projects that you are working on and match the shape of the mandrel to the shape and size of the finished project. Wipe tools with an oiled cloth or buff with a coat of wax to keep the surface from rusting.

Mandrels go hand in hand with hammers. A variety of hammers may be used to shape wire and metal around a mandrel. Use a metal chasing hammer to stretch and shape metal and a plastic or rawhide mallet to shape without stretching and marking.