Abstract: A device and method for eliminating the problem of head or lead end creasing in coiled materials. The method comprises fitting a coiling mandrel with a mandrel sleeve adaptor that includes a narrow soft zone which is more compressible than the remainder of the outer surface of the adaptor. When the adaptor is incorporated into a coiling apparatus that includes sensors for sensing the rotational position of the soft zone, and the head end of the material to be coiled, the head end of the material to be coiled can be accurately nested in the narrow soft zone during coiling to eliminate the problem of creasing.