How to Make a Mandrel for Chainmail

Making chainmail is an art that is done only rarely today. One important tool for making chainmail is a mandrel. This tool spins the wire, making it possible for you to make links for the chainmail.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Wire
• 2x4s
• Framing nails
• Hammer
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Drill

1. Lay one 2x4 on the ground as you make a mandrel for chainmail, then nail two additional 2x4s to the board so that they stand upright, about one foot apart.
2. Drill holes in each of the upright 2x4s with the 3/8-inch drill bit.
3. Insert the dowel in the holes you drilled in the upright 2x4s. The dowel should fit pretty easily.
4. Make a hole in the dowel. Fit one end of the wire into the hole. Wrap a wire around the dowel once.
5. Fit one end of the dowel of the mandrel into the drill, and turn it on. The dowel will revolve, spinning the metal so you can create chain mail. Control the speed of the drill so that it doesn't spin too quickly.
6. Snip the wire with wire cutters, and continue making links for the chainmail. The mandrel, though inexpensive to make, is a necessary tool when making chainmail.