I'm working on Dragon's King Tiger (#6312) and bought the Hold and Fold and a pair of Xuron shears in order to give the kit PE a shot. Getting the parts off the sheet, cleaning them up, and bending them hasn't been a problem. However, the three-part tool clamps have me completely baffled. How do folks assemble them? Any advice would be appreciated - especially on tools that might make the job easier.

Use a small pair of pliers(needlenose should work well) and your thumb.

Bill,
I have never had any luck with DML's tool holders. A couple of talented modelers recommended these to me, and I don't give the Dragon ones a second look anymore

Griffon Tool Holders

This gizmo from Griffon may also help:
Workable Hinges & Handles Folding Tool

Since you are right down the road apiece, PM me your address, and I'll send out this tool to you as I have a spare.

Thanks all around for the input.

James - Good to know I'm not the only one who has difficulty with them. Going forward, I'll give the Griffon set a shot ... might also be time to invest in better tweezers.

Dave - Thank you very much for the offer! If it costs you more than a stamp, let me know and I'll reimburse you.

they are a pain to assemble, but cam be made workable. the secret is to have a large area of the table open and try to get a firm rubber pad. a table light with a magnifier built in will make your life easier. the trick is to catch the little pins in the body and the top piece of the tool clasp with holes in the handle . you need patience and a lot of it . also a very light hand and you can only bend the handle so many times that it breaks.