Zippi Posted November 20, 2023 Share Posted November 20, 2023 I'm heading to Hobby Lobby later and I'd like to pick up a tube of these beads for my 41 Chevy pickup build. I remember reading somewhere that Hobby Lobby had something close to what I'm looking for. Can someone that has bought these hexagon shaped beads at Hobby Lobby tell me what size I might be looks for? Thanks fellows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted November 20, 2023 Share Posted November 20, 2023 (edited) "Hexagonal beads" or "hex cut seed beads". The size will, of course, depend on the size of AN fitting you're trying to model. Edited November 20, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiml0001 Posted November 20, 2023 Share Posted November 20, 2023 The smallest hex beads I have found are the #15 size. They are 1.3 mm (or a little less that 1 1/2 inches in 1:1). The next smallest is #10. Those are 1.9 mm or almost 2 inches in 1:1 scale. I found these at Fire Mountain beads on line. I've never seen these sizes at Hobby Lobby, at least around here. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted November 20, 2023 Share Posted November 20, 2023 Just FYI: Many modelers have used short lengths of styrene hex stock to simulate fittings and bolt heads or nuts. https://plastruct.myshopify.com/products/90873-mrx-40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiml0001 Posted November 20, 2023 Share Posted November 20, 2023 (edited) Here are some other fun stuff I found looking around the jewelry making section: Edited November 20, 2023 by Jiml0001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espo Posted November 20, 2023 Share Posted November 20, 2023 The Jewelry Section is a great place to find different shapes. I would also check any JoAnn's Fabrics stores or any other store that caters to Jewelry making. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 14 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said: Just FYI: Many modelers have used short lengths of styrene hex stock to simulate fittings and bolt heads or nuts. https://plastruct.myshopify.com/products/90873-mrx-40 That's how I make all of my fittings. I'm not sure I'd want to do it without a lathe, though. Not saying it can't be done, without, just that it makes it a ton easier! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobss396 Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 Most stores carry as small as #12 beads. I ordered some on eBay, but they sent me round instead of the hex shape I wanted, they were #15. I'll find a use for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zippi Posted November 21, 2023 Author Share Posted November 21, 2023 Thanks Everyone for all the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 The beads that look like metal fittings won't be at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Michael's used to carry plastic #11 (11/0 in jewelry parlance) beads that had a .030" hole. That particular brand seems to be unavailable now, though you might turn up something similar (or old stock) online. The metallic looking beads I have found online (check eBay) are: 8/0; 1/10" (10 per inch for the jewelry folks), .050" hole. 10/0; 15 per inch, .036" hole which corresponds to Beadalon .036" braided wire. 11/0; 19 per inch, .030" hole which corresponds to Beadalon .030" braided wire. 15/0; 22 per inch, .024" hole which corresponds to Beadalon .024" braided wire. The Beadalon brand braided wire is commonly available at craft stores, the beads will be found online. Do a good search, as they are available in a variety of colors. You'll find something you like that won't have to be painted, or that you can tint with colors to get an anodized look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zippi Posted November 22, 2023 Author Share Posted November 22, 2023 22 hours ago, Mark said: The beads that look like metal fittings won't be at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Michael's used to carry plastic #11 (11/0 in jewelry parlance) beads that had a .030" hole. That particular brand seems to be unavailable now, though you might turn up something similar (or old stock) online. The metallic looking beads I have found online (check eBay) are: 8/0; 1/10" (10 per inch for the jewelry folks), .050" hole. 10/0; 15 per inch, .036" hole which corresponds to Beadalon .036" braided wire. 11/0; 19 per inch, .030" hole which corresponds to Beadalon .030" braided wire. 15/0; 22 per inch, .024" hole which corresponds to Beadalon .024" braided wire. The Beadalon brand braided wire is commonly available at craft stores, the beads will be found online. Do a good search, as they are available in a variety of colors. You'll find something you like that won't have to be painted, or that you can tint with colors to get an anodized look. Thanks for all the info Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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