Tool Compatibility Guide

Which Cratex Products Fit Your Tools?

Every Cratex product is designed for a specific type of tool. Here's a quick reference so you can buy with confidence.

For Your Dremel or Rotary Tool

Works with any standard collet rotary tool (Dremel, generic rotary tools, etc.)

Compatible products:

  • Small Wheels (with wheel mandrel)
  • Points — bullet and cylinder shapes (with point mandrel)
  • Cones (with cone mandrel)
  • Brightboy Mounted Wheels (mandrel shank included)

Speed recommendation: 10,000–15,000 RPM for most finishing work.

You'll also need: Mandrels (sold separately for wheels, points, and cones)

For Your Foredom or Flex Shaft

Works with Foredom, Grobet, and other flex shaft handpieces. The flex shaft is the standard tool for bench jewelers — if you're a jeweler, this is your primary Cratex platform.

Compatible products:

  • Small Wheels (with wheel mandrel)
  • Points — bullet and cylinder shapes (with point mandrel)
  • Cones (with cone mandrel)
  • Brightboy Mounted Wheels (mandrel shank included)

Why makers prefer Foredom: The foot pedal speed control lets you adjust RPM in real time while both hands are on the work.

Mandrel sizes for flex shafts: Most flex shaft handpieces accept 3/32" and 1/8" shank mandrels. Cratex mandrels use a 1/8" (3.175mm) shank, which fits standard #30 handpieces directly. If you're using a smaller collet, a simple adapter works.

For jewelers: Mount Cratex points and small wheels on your Foredom for ring finishing, cast cleanup, solder joint smoothing, and bezel work. The foot pedal control is critical — precious metals need lower RPMs and lighter pressure than steel.

For Your Bench Grinder

Works with standard single or double bench grinders.

Compatible products:

Before buying: Check your grinder's arbor hole size and make sure it matches the large wheel you're ordering.

For Hand Use (No Power Tools)

No tools required — just your hands.

Compatible products:

  • Blocks (rectangular, flat abrasive surfaces)
  • Sticks (round or square cross-section, 6" length)

Best for: Controlled, slow-pace finishing. Restoration work. Handle finishing. Touch-up work on assembled knives.

Mandrel Quick Reference

Mandrel Type Used With Notes
Wheel Mandrel Small Wheels Screw clamps wheel between washers
Point Mandrel Bullet & Cylinder Points Point slides onto shaft
Cone Mandrel Cones Cone slides onto shaft

Recommendation: Buy at least 3-4 mandrels so you can keep different grits loaded and ready. Swapping abrasives mid-session breaks your flow.