Was wondering if anyone has a set of these? Ive finally had enough of using a ruler and knife to fold etched metal into place. Although this method works i normally end up with the knife balde in my finger :-) (im a bit clumsy at times) and ive been looking at getting a pair.
Thanks

I don't have any experience with that particular tool, but depending on how much PE you deal with, you might want to consider an Etchmate or Hold n Fold. They're expensive, but provide a nice solid base and tools for bending.

I personally have the Etchmate and it works as advertised. The HnF has some interesting features that I think are worth considering as well. Take a look at some recent threads as there's been lots of discussion on them.

- Frank

Absolutely - no pliers are going to be a good substitute. Incidentally, and slightly , but the best tools that Tamiya do are their plastic sprue cutters...Jim

I too would seriously consider an Etch-mate or a Hold-n-Fold. I have the Etch-mate, and it is sooo much easier to work with photoetch than the old ruler-knife method. Granted, it is a bit more expensive option, but if you are going to use photoetch even fairly often, it will be worth it in the long run.

Mike

I got a pair of the Tamiya etch plier, IMO they are pretty much useless . Should have gone for the etch-mate.

Yep...have to agree. Bought a pair for testing...the test did not last long !!

OK for VERY limmited work, if thats what you do they might be OK..OK Im being very fair here:).

I see they "nicked" my design of the "over-fold" "spring-back" edge as well !!!...not even the big T thinks of it all , cheeky!!

Alasdair

I try to avoid any tools that are made by Tamiya, the seem overpriced, look for non-hobby tools as cheaper alternative.

Hi Samantha:

From reading the other threadposters . . . ah . . .
eh. . . . "threads", it sounds like Tamiya should stick
to producing plastic kits. I don't have that item. I would
suggest before you buy something on line — meaning
you can NOT pick it up and hold it or examine it be-
fore you purchase it — that you stroll by your local
hardware store (well, here in the colonies we call
them hardware stores) and check out their tools made
of forged steel. Prices shouldn't be much different and
they will last you a life time. For a modeler, good tools
are very important. What is the saying?

You get what you pay for!! Good luck.

Actually, I have a pair of Tamiya photoetch pliers, as well as a FenderBender (awesome tool) and a Hold 'n Fold "Bug". I use the pliers to fold and manipulate some very small parts or things that don't fit well into the other devices (because of previous folds, etc.), and the FenderBender for everything else. The pliers work fine for some applications, and I think are worth getting if you do a lot of photoetch--but definitely consider the FenderBender--it is a great tool. The "Bug" I use mainly for building the little Aber 1/35 tool clamps, and the like.

I also have a fender bender and the tamiya pe pliers.
both work well with no problems so far

Hi Sam:-H ,
I would check out Maplins electrical stores as I got a set of smooth jaw pliers in 4 different profiles. (round. pointed, square & half round). These are sring loaded & cheap. I use these along side my hold & fold 'Bug'.
mark