_GOTOBOTTOM
Modeling in General
General discussions about modeling topics.
FEATURE
Making Grab Handles
slodder
Visit this Community
North Carolina, United States
Member Since: February 22, 2002
entire network: 11,718 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,584 Posts
Posted: Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 06:19 AM UTC
Mike shares his easy economical method for making grab handles.

This feature is one of the gems that can hit all modeling genres. I hope a lot of members who are new to detailing their kits see this, as it is an easy way to spruce up any kit.
It revolves around a Tank, but I know Sci-Fi, Ships, some autos, even a figure vignette can all benefit from this technique.


Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!
Tarok
Visit this Community
Victoria, Australia
Member Since: July 28, 2004
entire network: 10,889 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,373 Posts
Posted: Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 06:53 AM UTC
Nice SBS. You make it look easy
Thanks
Rudi
Grumpyoldman
Staff MemberConsigliere
KITMAKER NETWORK
Visit this Community
Florida, United States
Member Since: October 17, 2003
entire network: 15,338 Posts
KitMaker Network: 5,072 Posts
Posted: Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 12:37 PM UTC
Nice little write up Mike
Thanks for taking to time to share your techniques.
jimb
Visit this Community
New York, United States
Member Since: August 25, 2006
entire network: 2,539 Posts
KitMaker Network: 263 Posts
Posted: Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 02:12 PM UTC
Nice write-up. My question is, what type of wire do you use? Copper? Solder? Steel?

Jim
slodder
Visit this Community
North Carolina, United States
Member Since: February 22, 2002
entire network: 11,718 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,584 Posts
Posted: Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:31 PM UTC
From my experience: I've used steel and copper wire. Both are effective.
TacFireGuru
Visit this Community
Colorado, United States
Member Since: December 25, 2004
entire network: 3,770 Posts
KitMaker Network: 747 Posts
Posted: Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 11:43 PM UTC
Thanks Scott for putting this up; I hope it'll help some modeler's out there.

As far as the "types" of wire go, I use brass and copper mostly (and I've used .030 non-fluxed welding wire [steel?]). Right now I have wire in about five different diameters/thickness...one of which will get me real close to the size I need to do turret or hull lifting hooks, the "normal" grab handles, and smaller accessory handles.



I think a key aspect to doing your own grab handles is having a variety of different wire sizes. As far as what the wire is made of is up to you; what's readily available?

Mike
Spades
Visit this Community
California, United States
Member Since: February 08, 2003
entire network: 776 Posts
KitMaker Network: 190 Posts
Posted: Friday, October 26, 2007 - 02:09 AM UTC
ha ha ha, now I have 70 reasons WHY NOT to get the grabhandler. Thanks for the cost effective method, our wallets only know how much we fund our hobby as it is.
milvehfan
Visit this Community
North Carolina, United States
Member Since: June 26, 2007
entire network: 2,116 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,015 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 01:24 PM UTC
Thanks guys, this is good to know info.. I going to try it.
sgtreef
Visit this Community
Oklahoma, United States
Member Since: March 01, 2002
entire network: 6,043 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,603 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 10:21 PM UTC
This is a great article to have thanks Mike.

It is always a bear to make 15 grab handles all the same ,or on the T/34 the little ones on the lower hull.
SSGToms
Visit this Community
Connecticut, United States
Member Since: April 02, 2005
entire network: 3,608 Posts
KitMaker Network: 512 Posts
Posted: Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 03:03 PM UTC
Great article Mike, nice to see some good old fashioned hand made modeling!
Check out the Griffon Model Workable Hinges & Handles Folding Tool - http://www.luckymodel.com/scale.aspx?item_no=GRM-GT001 . I got one this week and its a work of genius! I crank out consistant and perfect handles and hinges with it and it's rediculously easy. The best thing - for $3.29, with free shipping to boot, it does everything the $70 Grabhandler does!!!!!!!! I swear!!!!!
 _GOTOTOP