I posted this in the Game Room under the Frugal Tools challenge. I am posting it here because a few people seem to like the idea and I want to share it with those that might use it. I made this very cheap tool out of utter frustration with trying to make the exact length of bead I needed every time. I tried guessing, I tried marking my mandrels, I tried matching the bead to marks I made on my work surface and the results were hit and miss at best.
When I make beads that have to be a specific size to fit on beaded items etc. I like them to be an exact fit. I needed a way to measure the beads so I would be consistent and I would not have to "guesstimate" all the time. I cut out an aluminum strip from a used soda can and doubled it over for strength. I then cut a slot to use as a measurement device for the size of bead I need. I have a few of these in various sizes.
bead caliper
