Simple yet ingenious tool holds pearls and other rounded beads in place while you drill or ream the holes. Smooth rounded openings of various sizes allow you to work with many different sizes of beads without damaging the surface. We recommend that you tighten this vise only to the point that it holds the bead steady - overtightening can damage delicate beads. Both round wheels of the vise can be turned independently - so for non-round beads you can select a different size opening on each side of the bead. The tool in the lower right of the picture shows a 6mm bead in place for drilling. Round openings in each wheel vary from 0.7mm to 6.3mm (13 diferent sized openings). Overall size is about 35mm x 40mm (1.6 x 1.5 inches). Sold individually.
Tip: for very delicate beads, consider wrapping them in a bit of soft fabric before clamping.
Tip: For slippery or oddly shaped beads, consider wrapping them in a bit of plastic kitchen wrap to keep them in place.
Tip: The largest hole position in this vise will hold a bead up to about 10mm in diameter in place securely. The vise will open up enough to hold a 12mm bead, but it may not be secure enough to drill or ream.
