Bead Release Won't Come off Skeleton Key
 

Hi everyone - I have been lurking on this site for a long time, but this is my first post.
I made my first lampwork bead on a skeleton key a few days ago. I did use bead release on the key (dipped about 80% of the key in the bead release). Even with the bead release, I can't get the bead to move to remove the bead release from under the bead. Any suggestions? Is there any harm if I can't remove it?

Why would there be any harm? The bead just won't spin. My guess is that the release failed and the glass is fused to the key. Clean off what you can and enjoy it the way it is.

You could try putting it in a tumbler with stainless steel shot... It cleans the key up and may help loosen the release.

I had trouble recently as well, but I had dipped x 2 so it would slide loosely :) it was the devil removing it! I tried putting it in the freezer etc but finally let it sit in water with vinegar for a few days. At last it came loose and cleaned up well. I put a sealant on the key (due to the acidity of the vinegar to the stainless steel key) after a light scrub of steel wool.

Good luck, and have fun! I
I was not giving up, so don't you!

I had one that wouldn't come off no matter what tricks I tried. A dental pick worked but it was tedious.

Thanks for the responses. I might try the vinegar and water, Ali Oops.
Three Muses - I'm a dental assistant, so I can always get a dental pick!!!

Soak in cold water. Use pliers on the key, and some kind of nonslip material to grab the bead. Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.

It doesn't always work :) I've had to take the hammer to one beautiful one once