How do you ream a bead

A bead reamer is an excellent tool to add to your arsenal. The tip is usually coated with diamond dust providing a hard durable surface perfect for this use. This post contains affiliate links. Read my full Disclosure Policy here. Master basic Peyote Stitch with this FREE beginner bracelet pattern complete with detailed instructions, full materials list and a bonus video so you can see every step. Our Vertical stripes Bracelet pattern will walk you through how to complete Flat Even Count Peyote Stitch from start to finish with step-by-step photos, detailed instructions and a bonus video tutorial.

Simply opt in below to have it sent straight to your email inbox. As you ream your beads, remember to keep the bead and reamer tip wet. Water is your best friend throughout the entire process.

You can turn on a tap and hold your bead under a steady trickle of water. This way, you flush the hole out as you work. My preferred method however, is to fill a bowl with water and submerge the bead and reamer tip in that.

The second method saves water and still gets the job done. You hold the pearl in one hand and place the tip into the pearl hole with the other hand. The action will produce a fine pearl dust. For polymer clay, acrylic, and wood beads, a needle file can do the trick to enlarge and smooth holes. Use it the same way as you would the pearl reamer. These electric drills have tiny bits that are perfect not only for making new bead holes, but enlarging them. Use the same technique as with the bead reamer, keeping the bead not the drill, of course!

Jean Campbell writes about beading and life every Wednesday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Jean, please post them on the website. You must be logged in to post a comment. Stay up to date with the latest content, educational resources, promotions and special news from our partners.

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete. A customer had trouble with one of our tiny bean products not having large enough holes, I wish I had thought of this as a suggestion for her. I might just link anyone else who buys them to this post from now on! I never would have thought of trying that!

Great in a pinch, thanks Pearl! Great idea I've also had problems with pearls on occasion!!! Great idea! I use a reamer but will definatley give this a try next time. Thanks for the tip! Thanks for the comment and feedback. You do make a difference on my blog! Always ensure you take your time and do not apply any force to the stone.

For any further advice regarding the contents on this page or for any other general jewellery making enquires, please feel free to get in touch , we would love to hear from you. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to give you advice over email or on the phone.

We noticed you left some items in your basket on your last visit. Would you like to continue with this order? Note Before You Start It is important not to apply any force when using the bead reamer as this puts you in risk of cracking the stone - gentle, rotating movements will enlarge the holes. Watch our video tutorial below of using a bead reamer to enlarge bead holes.