@Seatux, thanks so much for the tip.
I had a few bands I had to prepare today for an on-going polespear project. For the Primeline Small ID bands, I used some 1.6mm SS rod I had around. I cut off a short length of it and sanded down the pointy ends. It inserts easily with a bit of spit or silicone spray. I was worried that it would be hard to get out but you can massage it out and grab it with a pair of pliers without any trouble.
It definitely does add heaps more control and makes the shaving/sanding of the band a lot easier and safer - especially with the thinner 12mm and 13mm bands I am using.
(I am using a #180 grit sanding disk on a power drill in a desk top vice)