The invention relates to a reel mandrel (1) for winding sheet metal, in particular rolled hot strip, comprising a mandrel body (2) preferably configured as hollow-cylindrical, a spreading bar (3) which can be adjusted relative to the mandrel body (2) in the axial direction (A) and a number of segments (4) which are radially adjustable by axial movement of the spreading bar (3) relative to the mandrel body (2), wherein a number of links (5) pivoted on the spreading bar (3) and the segments (4) are arranged between the spreading bar (3) and the segments (4). In order to make such a reel mandrel suitable for winding high-strength and super high-strength materials, the invention provides that in the mounted state of the reel mandrel (1), at least a number of links (5) pass through recesses (6) in the mandrel body (2) which are inserted in the mandrel body (2) such that this is at least free from recesses (6) at its axial ends (7).