Stamp Handles

[Sluggo001]

I'm a NOOB with large paws and I'm having a hard time keeping my stamps square with those tiny handles.

Does anyone build up their handles for more control? If you do what are you using?

[Bob Blea]

Welcome to the forum! You're not the only one to have this sort of problem. Usually I hear about people with very dry hands having the tools slip away from them and go flying across the room when struck. You can wrap some electrical tape around the handle, giving you a stickier surface to grip. Also, I've heard of people putting silicone pencil grips on their tools to get a firmer grip.

Hope this helps,

Bob

[raysouth]

Hello Sluggo,

Are you talking about the 1" square stamps or the one piece stamp used for backgrounds, etc?

The slim stamping tool handles have been modified by crafters, to allow a better grip. One that I had read about mentioned dipping the handle in the liquid rubber material made for tools and available at hardware stores.

I tried it and it does allow a better grip of the tool but you have to trim off the cap over the end before striking with mallet.

I'm sure there are other ways to do it but that is what came to mind at the moment. Perhaps other will jump in and give some advice.

God Bless.

Ray

[TXAG]

You could always tie some long turkshead knots on them to make them wider and give a better grip...

[Sluggo001]

I'm having the most trouble with basket weave stamps.

[WinterBear]

You might look for a product called Jett Sett fixturing compound--It can be found at jewelry suppliers, like Rio Grande, Cool Tools, Contendi, and so on. There are several different types, so you can tailor it a bit for your needs. Basically it's a reusable thermoplastic/ceramic putty that softens in hot water and hardens when cool. A lot of people (mostly jewelers and stained glass artists) that I know use it to build up the handles of needle files and other slim tools, and to make custom grips on tools they use a lot to help prevent fatigue. It runs around $30 for a pound, plus shipping, and a pound will make a lot of grips. Contendi shows a picture of various jigs, dies, grips, and a custom "hammer" made with Jett Sett Basic, and also covered the tips of pliers and a vise--all were made with a pound of Basic. http://www.contenti.com/products/stone-setting/510-620.html

[Sluggo001]

Awesome,thanks. This stuff could come in handy for a lot of things.

[electrathon]

I think the spongy pencil grips will be your best option.

[Fonzarellis]

I have big meaty paws myself and looked for a solution early on in my foray into the leather world. what I did was go to a local pharmacy and purchase a few pieces of different diameter surgical tubing sold by the foot. I bought enough to cut it up in about 2 1/2" to 3" pieces to slip over each tool. Works for me....

[Eccho]

Contenti short shipped my last two orders, and it has been back ordered for over a month.

[Redrum]

I use electrical heat shrink tubing and it works pretty good.

[n5a]

Vacuum hose from the automotive store. Wet the inside with hairspray before sliding it on.