Getting a Handle on Your Tools

Are the grips on your beading/wire working tools worn, loose or just plain uncomfortable? Here are a few answers to these problems.

1. Grip tape. Yes, that's right these tapes are made to be used on tennis rackets, hockey stick handles or bicycle handlebars. Google it and you'll find prices ranging from $2.99 for basic hockey stick handle grip tape to over $20.00 per roll for Italian-made gel padded handlebar grip tape. It's soft, provides a good grip and with proper application will provide a very comfortable grip. The less expensive grip tapes will have to be reapplied from time to time. Shop carefully, some of these tapes have a sticky gripping surface or become sticky when damp. The most usable I've found is tennis racket re-grip tape. It's padded, has a good grip, and is reasonably priced. You'll get enough to re-grip several tools and there are instructions all over the internet, which are easily adaptable to covering tools. You will need to get some glue to secure it, so look for something that is flexible and glues vinyls and plastics.

2. Pipe insulation. Call the local home improvement or hardware store and ask about pipe insulation that is 3/8 in. and smaller. A 'yes' could make it worth your while to take a few of your tools there and see if their insulation fits your tools. Expect to pay around $2.00 for about 4 ft. While you're there get some specialty double stick tape (another $3.00-4.00) to adhere the insulation to your tools if the fit isn't tight. The drawback to pipe insulation is that it's usually coated with a fire retardant. Try to find some that isn't.

An alternative to pipe insulation is foam tubing. Look for it at places that specialize in mobility/independent living for the elderly or online. You should be able to get a package of six 12 in. pieces for under $15.00 online. Try here:

http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/colored-foam-tubing-p-420.html

http://www.allegromedical.com//daily-living-aids-c519/cylindrical-foam-tubing-1-yard-p217016.html?engine=nextag&utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=feed&CS_003=9076073&CS_010=8ab281020bb66dff010bb6a2acad3952

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ANOYZS/ref=asc_df_B001ANOYZS835574?smid=A3FTKNZ9RHYKG2&tag=nextag-hpc-mp-delta-20&linkCode=asn

If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve damage foam insulation and/or these foam tubes can be hand-saving products.

3. This is my usual answer to to the need for new and/or more comfortable tool grips for anyone not needing very soft and/or extra padding:

There are several products available like Dip and Grip, Plasti Dip and Truck Bed Coating that will all put a coat of plastic on the handles of your tools. For added comfort make sure you can dip the handles several times to build up more and softer insulation. Expect to pay around $8.00 to $15.00 for these products and for sizes to range from 8 ozs. to 1 qt, depending on the product. If you decide to use truck bed coating get the softest one and make sure it doesn't have the non-slip surface, otherwise you won't get a smooth finish. Note that this product only comes in black and is a harder plastic that will not give the softer, rubbery grip of the products made especially for the task of dipping tool handles, which come in several colors. Call your local auto parts store, or home improvement store for these products before you resort to the internet.

* Using more than one color of tool dip can id your tools easily at the next workshop.

* The softer coating products can also be put on the jaws of your pliers to eliminate scratches and teeth marks on soft or color coated wires and cured polymer clay. There's no need to buy special plastic fittings for pliers jaws or a specialty jewelry tool dip. When it wears, just remove the old coating and redip for more non-marred beading and wire-wrapping.

*These softer coating products can also be put on mandrels, to secure a polymer clay bead for turning on a lathe.


Happy claying,

Ardie