Cratex Mandrels

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.