Bead Reamer Set

Nothing can be more frustrating when beading than to have a bead with "hole" issues. This could involve holes that are too small (pearls are notorious for this problem), holes that are not evenly cut through the bead, or holes that are jagged around the ends of the hole. For the holes that are too small, one option is to go with a smaller piece of wire or stringing medium, but sometimes that just isn't possible, and dang it, you want to use that bead!

What's the solution? A bead reamer is your best bet, and Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has a handy bead reamer set that includes four diamond-coated tips as well as the aluminum ream handle that you attach the tips to ($6.71). The tips are different shapes and sizes. There are two tapered pointed tips, one very long and one shorter, to use for resizing bead holes. Then there is a flatter shaped tip that is handy for smoothing out rough areas. Finally, there is a tip that has a triangular-shaped end similar to a drill bit, that is good for cleaning out old bead release from lampwork beads (just run under some water as you clean to keep the dust down).