I came across a new tool, which could prove useful for scale modellers: “duck-bill pliers”. These pliers have long, straight, flat jaws, with no serrations.
As soon as I saw these, I thought about using them to bend small pieces of photo etch. I got my pliers at Lee Valley Tools for about $10. They’re made by Chestnut Tools in Canada. Similar tools are made and sold by other companies, so they should be fairly easy to locate.
It’s the total absence of serrations, and the precise gap between the jaws that make these seem ideal for PE. It’s easy to get a secure hold, with no risk of marring the PE. I imagine there could be numerous other uses as well.
Looks like a very useful tool.gonna pick me up a pair
There is a similar type called flat-nose plier that has a broad flat end, but not as long a nose. I have long had one of those and use it a lot for bending wire and strips of metal.
I use it to hold PE when I file off the burrs.
Do the holes in the end serve a purpose?
That question deserves a humorous answer, but I can’t come up with one at the moment. Anyone else?
-from the website: The tips also have a 2mm (0.08") diameter through-hole to aid when pulling or twisting wire.
Neat tool.
Maybe one could file the ends square?
Hi .
I have a pair that have shorter jaws .They are used in stained glass work .They’re perfect for P.E. and there is also a flat nosed craft plier with absolutely square ends that works great .
Also there is the ubiquitis stamp tweezers that can be ground square . I use all three .
Might be time to visit the Hobby Lobby glass crafting isle [^o)]
[:$]
LOL…sure !
The Professor shops there all the time.[whstl]
I thought I saw him there last time I visited the store. He was looking at lead, mumbling about turning it into gold. He was always the smart guy on that isle![H]
Uh Oh !
My land-lady corrected me .The Duck- Bill pliers I have are from Hobby Lobby’s jewelry aisle ! they measure 1-1/4 " deep ( smooth throat , flat too ! ) and 16 - 32nds wide at the opening and 1/4 " wide at the back of the throat . They’re great for bending little parts and ladders , stairs of P.E. Plus they are stainless . Made in China though , and I’m surprised they haven’t rusted or tried to , in three years ! Padded handles too !