How To Work A Bead Roller

When it comes to bead rollers, you have different options such as variable speed motors or cranks but they all pretty much do the same thing. So Tommy runs through the basics for you.

To get started you simply take a piece of sheet metal and slide it through the dies. Then you crank down on the handle which will squeeze the rod together and puts pressure on the metal. Depending on what dies you have will determine the shape it makes. The die shown in the video is a 5/16 round bead which is pretty standard but again you have options for this.

Next up is a transition die. When you use this you’ll notice the metal will have a nice smooth edge. If you use a step die, you’ll get a “stair-step” effect on the metal. We chose to show you just a few of the available options but there are several others you can choose from and even mix and match to get different effects.

The machine Tommy is using has a crank that lowers and raises the two shafts which gives you the option to increase or decrease the amount of pressure on the metal. It also allows more freedom on where you place the sheet metal. To set the pressure you want to make sure there’s enough space for the sheet metal to slide all the way through. Then give it a couple of turns and you’re ready to get started. Run the metal through once and then crank it down again. Keep repeating this process until you get the desired look you’re going for.

There’s a lot more you can do with a bead roller so for more tech stay tuned to PowerNation Garage!