Crazy Snap Captain Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 (edited) It's happened to the best of us. We're holding a tiny piece of plastic, photo etch or resin in some tweezers ready to place it on our model and then... SNAP! Your little piece is airborne and flying straight into the carpet monster's gaping mouth. Then the long search begins...and almost always ends in failure. Does anyone know of a specialised tool that can prevent this or do I have to make my own (was thinking of bonding some rubber to the tips of some tweezers)? Edited August 23, 2013 by Crazy Snap Captain Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flying Pancake Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 http://www.radubstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=77_122&products_id=434 I've been wanting to get one or two. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a4s4eva Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I bought some of these from ebay recently. The ones I have are just Chinagragh pencils. I got 5 for $1.15 AUD inc delivery. First impressions are that they work well for little pieces, but don't expect to be able to force anything. They work for placing things only. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crazy Snap Captain Posted August 23, 2013 Author Share Posted August 23, 2013 Hmmm...this tool looks handy, but to your point Callum, the forcing bit is where it falls down. Some parts require that little bit of push to get in. I was thinking of melting some plastic and dipping the tips of some tweezers in. Has anyone else tried this? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SmashedGlass Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 (edited) For fine-point tweezers, cut some insulation off appropriately sized electrical wire, and slip it over the tips. Also good for holding painted parts without fear of marring their finish. I am also toying with the idea of dipping or spraying some of my tweezers with a product called 'Plasti-dip', available in hardware stores. It's a rubberized paint meant for tool handles and whatnot. Edited August 23, 2013 by SmashedGlass Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triarius Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I am also toying with the idea of dipping or spraying some of my tweezers with a product called 'Plasti-dip', available in hardware stores. It's a rubberized paint meant for tool handles and whatnot. Plasti-dip works very well. Seal the can with aluminum foil under the supplied cap after opening. VM & P naptha is a good solvent for thinning if needed (and it will be after awhile). Store in cool location to slow solvent loss. Also, John Plzak taught me a neat "tip" for handling photo-etch: gently stick it with the tip of a sharp No. 11 blade. You won't be able to see the tiny ding in the surface, especially after painting. I've even used this with pre-painted PE and you can't see any defect in the surface. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike C Posted August 24, 2013 Share Posted August 24, 2013 How about trying to stick a tiny bit of Blu Tack at the tip of your tweezers? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
toadwbg Posted August 24, 2013 Share Posted August 24, 2013 How about trying to stick a tiny bit of Blu Tack at the tip of your tweezers? I do this with a toothpick. When the superglue has a strong enough bond, the blue tack will let loose of the part. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
toadwbg Posted August 24, 2013 Share Posted August 24, 2013 How about trying to stick a tiny bit of Blu Tack at the tip of your tweezers? I do this with a toothpick. When the superglue has a strong enough bond, the blue tack will let loose of the part. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.