So how do you handle teeny parts ?

[matrixone]

Chris,
I use a small blob of blue tack placed on the end of a toothpick and stick the small part(s) onto that, it makes it super easy for doing both detail painting and later gluing the parts in place.

I have several different types of tweezers but rarely use them for doing the jobs I mentioned above...dropping parts was a major P.I.T.A. and no telling how many hours of modeling time I have lost over the years searching for parts that were dropped while using tweezers. The blue tack method of holding small parts is fool proof.


Matrixone

[rickshaw]

If they're THAT small I throw them in the bin and forget them. No-one would be able to see them on the model anyway.

My thinking exactly.

[NARSES2]

I use blue tack and sticky pads on pegs for holding parts for painting but haven't tried it for glueing.

Anyway I got one of those tacky pencils at the Farnborough show yesterday for £1-50. I shall report back in a week or so

[matrixone]

When I use blue tack for holding the tiny parts for gluing I make sure its already been used and is not as sticky as the fresh stuff otherwise the part might not stick to the model as planned and remain stuck on the blue tack.


Matrixone

[NARSES2]

When I use blue tack for holding the tiny parts for gluing I make sure its already been used and is not as sticky as the fresh stuff otherwise the part might not stick to the model as planned and remain stuck on the blue tack.


Matrixone

That was my fear I must admit. I wasn't aware blue tack lost its stick. I have some used stuff around so I will compare with the tacky pencil over the next week or so

[ChernayaAkula]

I suppose the problem with tweezers is that small parts are easily launched into low earth orbits when just slightly too much pressure is exerted on them.
To prevent this, you could dip your tweezers in Maskol (or any other liquid masking medium) and coat just the pointy bits with a bit of the liquid. Once dry the rubbery surface will allow the tweezers to better grip small parts.
Instead of masking liquid, you could also attach small bits of foamed rubber to the ends of tweezers. I'm talking about the stuff that you find in arts and crafts stores, usually in rectangular sheets about a mm or two thick. That should also help to better control parts when using tweezers.

[Captain Canada]

Sometimes I drill small holes that won't be seen later and then stick toothpicks in to hold the part. I also drill small holes all over my model box/ trays etc to hold tooth picks.

[steelpillow]

Sometimes it is possible to lay the small part on the table or a damp finger, apply glue to the larger part and lower it onto the teeny one.

Another technique I use is to carve a copy of the teeny thing out of something larger but leave it attached to a small handling stub like a sprue. Glue the teeny thing in place then, when dry, cut the stub off.

One can also paint the teeny thing in where it would have gone, also a good way to avoid drilling tiny cut-outs.

[NARSES2]

Anyway I got one of those tacky pencils at the Farnborough show yesterday for £1-50. I shall report back in a week or so

Great for etch  Usable for some small plastic/resin parts. At £1.50 it's a good buy for those who use etch. For plastic it can prove useful but it's not a "cure" for the problem.

[ALF]

sometimes i use a wet brush, when the plastic parts is not to heavy

[Weaver]

I got a couple of "wax pencils" at telford for handling small stuff. I presume they're the same thing?

[NARSES2]

I got a couple of "wax pencils" at telford for handling small stuff. I presume they're the same thing?

Probably mate, possibly a different brand

[Hobbes]

Yes, they're the same.

[Joe C-P]

I have tried the sticky sticks, and they can work.

I've also simply dampened the end of a metal rod and used the temporary holding power to pick up a piece.

And I have a pair of fine-pointed tweezers I bought from Micro-Mark. The end is much smaller than a regular pair. (And also sharper, of course, so do be careful.   )

[Captain Canada]

The sticky/ wax tipped pencil sounds like a good idea.

I also use the pointy end of a fresh out of the box #11 blade, stab the wee piece gently to pick it up. Need room to maneuver I the issue with that method tho.