The connection between your rotary tool and a cleaner blade finish. Mandrels connect your Cratex wheels and points to your Dremel, flex shaft, or rotary tool. They're small, cheap, and absolutely critical — a worn mandrel means a slipping wheel, and a slipping wheel means gouges in your blade. Keep spares on hand. Shank Sizes for Knife Work 1/8" (3.2mm) — The standard for Dremels and most rotary tools. If you're unsure, this is probably what you need. 3/32" (2.4mm) — For smaller flex shafts and precision handpieces. Better for fine detail work on plunge lines and guards. 1/4" (6.4mm) — For die grinders and bench grinders. More rigid for aggressive work on blade flats. Which Mandrel for Which Job? Plunge lines & detail work — 3/32" or 1/8" with small points Blade flats & bevels — 1/8" or 1/4" with mounted wheels Guard & bolster work — 1/8" with your preferred point shape Pro Tips Screw-type mandrels grip better than friction-fit. When your wheel slips mid-stroke, that's when you gouge your blade. Snug it down before each session. Vibration loosens things over time. Replace worn mandrels. A $3 mandrel isn't worth risking a blade you've spent hours on. Sold individually. Match your mandrel shank to your tool's collet size.
