# Jeweler's tools: ring mandrel, third hand, graver and flex shaft

> Lesser-known jeweler's tools: ring mandrel, third hand, graver, flex shaft, drill bits, polishing motor and soldering block, and what each is for.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/lesser-known-jeweler-tools/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-16
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/herramientas-poco-conocidas-del-joyero/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Besides the ones that already have their own entry, these tools turn up in every workshop. Here is what each one is for. The general list is in [jewelry making tools](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-making-tools/).

## For holding and measuring

- **Ring mandrel (tribulet):** a tapered, graduated steel bar on which a ring is shaped, measured and enlarged. See [mandrels and sizers](https://www.711grados.com/en/mandrels-and-ring-sizers/).
- **Third hand (tercera mano, helping hands):** a stand with reverse-action tweezers that holds the piece while soldering.
- **Bench vise (tornillo de banco):** holds pieces for filing or engraving. See [jeweler's bench](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-bench/).

## For drilling, carving and engraving

- **Flex shaft and micromotor (motor colgante, micromotor):** a motor with a handpiece that spins burs, bits and discs at high speed. A micromotor has the handpiece built in.
- **Burs (fresas):** spinning tips of many shapes for carving and roughing.
- **Drill bits (brocas):** make holes of an exact diameter. See [drills and burs](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-drills-and-burs/).
- **Gravers (buriles):** steel rods with a sharpened tip and a handle for engraving, raising grains and cleaning up. They come in several shapes: flat, round, knife. See [engraving](https://www.711grados.com/en/engraving-in-jewelry/).

## For heating

- **Torch (soplete):** the heat source. See [torches](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-torches/).
- **Refractory brick or soldering block (ladrillo refractario):** a heat-resistant surface on which the piece rests for soldering or annealing.

## For polishing

- **Polishing machine (pulidora, buffing motor):** a bench motor with spindles to mount brushes and cloth wheels. It is one of the most dangerous tools in the workshop: tie hair back, no gloves or loose clothing. See [polishing](https://www.711grados.com/en/polishing-and-buffing-metal/).

## For striking and shaping

- **Stakes and steel blocks (tases, bloques de acero):** steel surfaces to hammer on. See [anvil, steel block and stakes](https://www.711grados.com/en/anvil-steel-block-and-stakes/).
- **Hammers and mallets:** see [hammers and mallets](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-hammers-and-mallets/).