Handles For My Hand Held Stamps?

[pnj]

I find that holding onto the small tools (like an A104, etc) hurts my hands. I have some hand/health issues and holding things that are small gets very painful after a short time.

Is there anything I can add to the handles to increase the size? I may end up just wrapping tape or something around them.

Thanks

[veedub3]

Someone posted on here pictures of exactly what you are thinking of doing. If I remember correctly this person has an issue with his hands and using the small stamps. He put something around the stamp to give it more girth. I will see if I can dig that post up for you.

Karina

[Itch]

I would look into something like surgical tubing if it would fit the tool.

[dirtclod]

Go a hardware store or a auto parts store take your tool with you and look at the rubber line at the part store and the rubber line at the hardware store. Slip it down onto the tool and it makes it eaiser to hold. I've done it on a few of my stamps.

[camano ridge]

These work well you get 25 per package http://www.arthritissupplies.com/the-gripper.html around 70 cents a piece.

[Dwight]

Take the offending stamps to your local NAPA store, . . . they have rubber hose that will do the trick really well. I have several with it on them, . . . the ones I use the most, . . . and at a buck or so a foot, . . . it's about a quarter for each one done.

Be sure to get hose that fits tight, though, . . . if it fits loose, . . . you'll hammer the tool down through it, . . .

Different colors can "color code" them, . . . making the one you are looking for easier to spot, . . . especially background stamps, . . . basket weave, . . . etc.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Grey Drakkon]

Another option would be to buy some polymer clay and form it around your tool. Put a decent layer around it then hold onto it like you would when using it, cook it per the instructions, then voila you have tool handles shaped exactly to your hands. https://www.google.com/search?q=polymer+clay+tool+handle&es_sm=122&tbm=isch&imgil=WOZixYK1TMr1XM%253A%253BUauKNYl0FqNFSM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fthebluebottletree.com%25252Fhand-drill-tools%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=WOZixYK1TMr1XM%253A%252CUauKNYl0FqNFSM%252C_&usg=__fyhYBj67kgucTa8VgsxNFPlSwqA%3D&biw=1024&bih=677&ved=0CCsQyjc&ei=BWtqVPSIFIOjyATym4GwCA#imgdii=_ gives you an idea of some of the things you can do. If we're talking stamping tools though, you'll want to have the end of the tool be raw metal else you'll just pound the polymer off.

[25b]

http://sugru.com/blog/20-ways-sugru-can-improve-your-crafting-kit

[WinterBear]

You can also use vet wrap (the stuff the sell at feed stores and ranch supply for wrapping horse's legs) on your hammer handle. Helps with the impact shock in your hammer hand. Split the vet wrap in half lengthwise to use on stamps, and wrap very tightly on the stamp handles or it comes off. It can be removed, won't damage your tools, and comes in a variety of colors.

There is also a product called Jett Sett. It's mostly used by jewelers, engravers, and repousse artists, and is sold by jewelry supply places. It's a thermoplastic that softens in hot water and then hardens. It's more expensive than polymer clay, but its advantage is that it is reusable just by reheating the Jett Sett in hot water, and it won't leave a residue on your tools if you take it off.

[oltoot]

Another, more complicated approach. I have some original Hackbarth stamps. They have short handles. I also have big hands and use heavy mauls which resulted in a few whacked knuckles. I went to a local gunsmith/machinist and he turned and drilled some oversize handles with full top surfaces on them. He then used heat shrinking/epoxy gunsmith magic to secure them and no more busted knuckles