Abstract: A lacing mandrel for use when lacing a stator has an elongate shaft with an enlarged head, or sizing plug, proximate an upper end. The sizing plug permits an operator to easily and readily determine whether the bore of the stator is obstructed, both before and after the lacing operation. The mandrel employs an annular slip ring, having a plurality of radially extending ribs, during the lacing operation. Each radially extending rib extends into a corresponding channel of the stator, which channel opens into a corresponding slot of the stator. The annular slip ring rotates with the stator during the lacing operation, such that each rib remains positioned in its corresponding channel. Thus, slot liners, or wedges, utilized on the stator are retained in their respective slots during the lacing operation, and are not forced out by the lacing needles so as to obstruct the stator bore.