How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

DebWAZ — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:45:28 GMT

I also agree about briolettes - I don't even bother trying to enlarge or open a hole. I've chipped and broken too many to even THINK about wasting my time with them any more. They either get the "over the shoulder" or put aside for another project - someday. <grin!>

There've been very good warnings posted here about water and electricity and wearing a mask and eye protection. I agree with all of them.

Pam - good tips about gloves, eye protection and masks - from my brief foray into making stained glass, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the protective tape to put on your fingers under the rubber gloves, just in case the bead reamer slips.

A vacuum system is a little overboard if you are "just" a hobby beader, but you can always set a fan to blow across the work away from you or from behind you to help prevent breathing any dust. I don't have too many beads that I *have* to enlarge the holes - most of the time, if the hole's too small, I go for smaller thread/wire and if the smallest is still too big, the bead gets added to my stash of pretty rocks!

Pearl and shell dust aren't the only things to be concerned about breathing. Bone dust isn't too healthy, either.

There are bead vices that you can use to hold the bead. I'm a hands-on kind of person, so I would find it awkward to use, but it would certainly be safer than holding a bead in your hand. And, again - IF you are a hobby beader, you probably wouldn't want or need to buy one. If you do, it SHOULD cost less than $10, but *I* would rather spend that $10 on BEADS! <grin>

Hope this helps someone!

Deb - AZ Bead Depot

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

Pam Glendinning — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:55:02 GMT

Anytime you are creating particles small enough that you can inhale them, you should use a mask to protect yourself. Of course when thinking about which ones, it's always better to err on the safe side! Just because the powder of a pearl seems to fall to the ground, does not mean extremely fine powder has not come upwards in the air you are breathing. If you keep a box of inexpensive masks, protective eye glasses, cotton gloves and rubber gloves should cover most bases. Another trick I used to teach my painting students was to scratch the surface of the bar of soap before they started painting, to avoid having paint (or powder or liquids) go under the nails.

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

ralph mccaskey - nightside studios — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:57:25 GMT

Two rather important safety considerations about the above:

Be aware that the dust created when sanding pearls or other nacreous (shell) items can be quite harmful to your lungs. Always be sure that the resulting dust is completely collected and removed before it can be stirred up and ingested; working them in front of a vacuum intake, for instance, can help prevent a fairly serious health hazard.

The other safety item is that, whenever using electrical equipment around water, it's a good idea to make absolutely certain to avoid any potential for shock. The Foredom (or other flexible shaft tools) is a good way to do this, as your tool is not actually conducting electricity. If you are using a Dremel, or other directly motorized tool, make sure that it is a cordless version, and not something plugged into the wall.

Bead working can be exciting enough on its own, without adding the unnecessary risk of electrocution.

( I just re-read this, and it sounds like something my mother would lecture me about......but she would be right this time. Does this mean that I've finally turned into my parents?Gaaaack!)

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

StephanieH@37 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:56:24 GMT

I agree totally with MicheleA.My jewelry has evolved into drilling through cabs and small semi and precious stones my husband and I collect and finish. I can't emphasize enough the need for water-for that matter I do a lot of my drilling completely under water with a variable speed dremel. I use 1.5mm-2mm diamond core drills or diamond twist drills from Rio Grande. They have a great selection of hand and power drill parts. I have still broken my fair share of drill bits even being as careful as I can. I did manage to find a bead vise that actually holds the bead you want to enlarge the hole on but again it takes water and a good drill. I wish I had access to dental drill equipment although I am finding the core diamond drills probably as effective. Core drills allow for water to flow through the drill as it gets heated up by the drilling process. It is very much a learning process for me but when I made that first perfect hole in a beautiful handmade cabochon it was worth every broken bit and tear!

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

ValerieD — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:35:52 GMT

Thank you. I didn't know about using water. This explains my unsuccessful efforts!

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

CoonCat — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:14:09 GMT

I am a dental assistant so I have witnessed first hand the effects of drilling on glass - porcelain crowns are essentially "glass" fired at 2000 degrees. The best method to drill into glass is slowly and with copious amounts of water to keep it cool. Even under the best treatment small defects in the glass will cause it to chip and fracture. Unless I really need the bead for that piece I'll save it for another project.

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

Janisjaske — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:07:03 GMT

Thanks so much for this instruction about bead reaming. I have been beading for a long time, and have always used the over-the-shoulder method. I recently bought a bead reamer, but haven't used it yet and didn' know you had to hold the bead under water! Thanks again

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

Lisa Arrow — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:38:07 GMT

I second (or is it third?) the briolette issue! I would not even dare to try enlarging a hole on one since I know I would break it. Sometimes when just wire wrapping, I find they can break or chip. If a briolette bead looks particularly pointy and fragile, I won't even attempt to wire wrap it. Instead, I'll use a jump ring and save the bead as well as my frustration!!! It works well and still looks great.

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

CharityS@3 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:35:41 GMT

I agree with Kelli on the briolettes,they are a big pain in the rear end.I do not kow how many I have ruined be it crystal,gemstone, or glass ones.

re: How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

Kelli@23 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:17:32 GMT

Stone beads can chip, crack, and even split wide open while enlarging holes if not careful. Briolettes are susceptible because of the way the hole is placed in the narrowest part of the stone. Go slow. Also, knowing that stone beads can be damaged by enlarging, have more that you think you'll need. I've tossed many a bead that is simply not enlargeable, or broke in pieces, or the drill bit got stuck, etc. Better safe than sorry.--Kelli P.