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For People Who Love To Talk About Stamps



What we collect!
What we collect!


General Philatelic/Supplies, Literature & Software : Tongs

 

Author
Postings
Hunter58
Members Picture


04 Dec 2021
04:17:01am
Just wondering, what stamp tongs do you use? Showgard, modified, different lengths, different materials? When I first started back, I used showgard 6 in. Pretty soon I realized they were too short for me and ended up stabbing me in the center of my palm. Found some 8-9 in stainless tweezers with teeth, ground the teeth away, boom 8 in tongs. Then one night I discovered 9 1/2 copper pickling tongs. With a little modification they are now my tongs of choice.
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DaveSheridan
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04 Dec 2021
04:49:16am
re: Tongs

I prefer smaller tweezers. I tried long ones, spade ends, pointed ends, and all sorts. I ended with 4½ inch Prinz round ends

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angore
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Al
Collector, Moderator

04 Dec 2021
05:46:46am
re: Tongs

I have a 6-in Showgard with pointed tip and a shorter 4 1/2-inch with a spade tip. I use the spade one most of the time but I have no reason other than preference.

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"Stamp Collecting is a many splendored thing"
Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

04 Dec 2021
08:14:44am

Auctions - Approvals
re: Tongs

I have small hands and use Showguard 6 inch pointed tip.

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BrightonPete
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Praying for Ukraine

04 Dec 2021
08:34:31am
re: Tongs

I still have the 15cm "professional" tongs I bought when I was a kid back in the '70s! Nicely weighted at 21 grams. A new pair I bought a while ago is only 16.9 grams, but I definitely feel the difference. I like the heavier one much more and rarely use the lighter one.

"Professional" are the pointed tips. I never liked any of the others that most stamp dealers handed me to pick & choose way back when.


Peter

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BermudaSailor
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04 Dec 2021
09:05:45am
re: Tongs

I got my tongs about sixty years ago. I don't know the brand, but they were made in Germany and are 120mm long with rounded tips. They've gotten a lot of use over that time and are fairly beat up, but I wouldn't trade them.

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musicman
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APS #213005

04 Dec 2021
11:08:11am
re: Tongs

I use rounded tips as well.

I use 4.5" bent tip showgard's when working with Vario pages;

all other times I use my old trusty 4.5" Whitman's that I've had forever.

They are heavier than most - and that suits me fine.

Image Not Found

Happy

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DavidG
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APS member since 2004

07 Dec 2021
04:05:00pm
re: Tongs

I use the standard "Dealer Tongs" (as I manage a stamp shop). 15 cm "professional flat tip". I also have another pair that have the "suicide tip". I use those tongs to carefully remove layers of stamp hinges on mint stamps.

David
Ottawa, Canada

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"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
rrraphy
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Retired Consultant APS#186030

07 Dec 2021
04:11:32pm

Approvals
re: Tongs

The 6 inch standard pointed tip Showguard is my pick. Over time the alignment does tend to be a bit off, and no amount of twisting and bending manages to put it back in perfect alignment, so I am now on my second set. It does make a difference!
rrr...

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"E. Rutherford: All science is either physics or stamp collecting."
Hunter58
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08 Dec 2021
01:51:43am
re: Tongs

I suppose this explains why I can't find 8 in. stamp tongs, most people prefer 6 in. or shorter. Thanks everyone for the information.

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cdj1122
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..

25 May 2022
04:03:10pm
re: Tongs

" ... most people prefer 6 in. or shorter..."

Six inches or bigger, great. Four inches may
work for some folks, but are simply too short
for me. And the rounded tip just seem to push
the stamp around. I like my
lethal pointed tip.

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".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
philatelia
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25 May 2022
05:06:59pm
re: Tongs

Ever since you recommended these tongs, Charlie, I can’t imagine using anything else! Thanks!

Image Not Found






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"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

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cdj1122
Members Picture


Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..

27 May 2022
12:00:33am
re: Tongs

You should always be polite if you come upon Chinese tongs.

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".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
angore
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Al
Collector, Moderator

27 May 2022
06:03:06am
re: Tongs

I have never used the angled type tongs (tweezers).

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"Stamp Collecting is a many splendored thing"
rrraphy
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Retired Consultant APS#186030

27 May 2022
11:39:38pm

Approvals
re: Tongs

I could not find my Brazilian collection (better known as dental floss), so I have been experimenting with the much larger tongs.
rrr....Image Not Found

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"E. Rutherford: All science is either physics or stamp collecting."
joesm

28 May 2022
08:44:40am
re: Tongs

The angled ones with a spade tip make it very easy to pick stamps up.

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

29 May 2022
11:20:34am
re: Tongs

I need tongs with an internet connection so I can use an app on my phone to find them! Just follow the beeping to find the tongs.

I have several sets that get lost regularly. Nothing like picking up an album and tongs fall out!

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"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
BermudaSailor
Members Picture


29 May 2022
12:07:40pm
re: Tongs

I've had the same pair of German manufactured five inch, round nosed tongs for the past 60 =/- years. Wouldn't part with them for love nor money.

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rrraphy
Members Picture


Retired Consultant APS#186030

29 May 2022
12:09:39pm

Approvals
re: Tongs

Finding your lost tongs in a stamp album, or a Scott catalog you recently used is a classic. One knows with experience to start the search there!

Let's hear it for stranger hiding tongs spots.

Found one set in my sneakers, which I routinely take out and tuck under my desk when working. You would think that was an easy one, as it is hard to miss them when putting your shoes back on, except that in the early days of Covid, I sometimes did not go out for several days in a row, so that search drove me crazy! The tongs must have made a perillous rebound double summersault to end up there!

rrr...

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"E. Rutherford: All science is either physics or stamp collecting."
philatelia
Members Picture


29 May 2022
12:22:10pm
re: Tongs

Stranger tong hiding spots - bet you fellas have never had THIS happen:

I often hook the tongs on the top of the neckline of whatever pocketless shirt I’m wearing. Once, I missed and the tongs slid into my bra - took me a minute to find them. Rolling On The Floor Laughing

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this post

"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/philatelia
BenFranklin1902
Members Picture


Tom in Exton, PA

29 May 2022
08:35:46pm
re: Tongs

I try to keep tongs in my pencil cup on my desk. I hook them on the edge so one side is outside, so I see them quick and can grab them. Since I'm mainly a cover guy, I don't use tongs daily and they can go astray!

Do you know how to find your tongs? Buy another pair! The old pair will spring out of hiding!

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"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
bigcreekdad
Members Picture


27 Jul 2022
02:33:11pm
re: Tongs

Anyone use silicone tipped tongs?

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joesm

27 Jul 2022
08:44:29pm
re: Tongs

What is the advantage to silicon tips? I have at least 4 pair. I need that many to have one handy to use.

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Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

27 Jul 2022
10:11:27pm

Auctions - Approvals
re: Tongs

I would think they would tend to "grab"the stamp (not good). Is there such a thing made for handling stamps We know that the ones sold for stamps do not damage them when used properly (not even the sharp pointed ones).

If you try a pair out I would use them on cheap, expendable stamps for awhile... and let us know.


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joesm

28 Jul 2022
07:32:13am
re: Tongs

I like the broad spaded ones with a slight bend at the tip. Using tongs is really easier than using your fingers. I would think that silicon covers would slow me down.

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philatelia
Members Picture


12 Sep 2022
06:06:08pm
re: Tongs

I’ve been trying to purchase some Showgard 902 tongs, but EVERYONE is out of stock. Well I finally found out WHY no one has any. I called Brooklyn Gallery to ask about my order status and a very helpful fellow told me that the factory that did the metal plating for the stamp tongs was located in the Ukraine and - you guessed it - the factory was bombed and destroyed.

Showgard is currently hunting for a new company here in the states that can do the plating and hope to have some manufactured soon. In the meantime, I’d better quit dropping my tongs on the tile floor and bending the tips!

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"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/philatelia
musicman
Members Picture


APS #213005

13 Sep 2022
12:27:40pm
re: Tongs

Amazon shows they have 14 of them in stock;

https://www.amazon.com/Showgard-901-Stam ...

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philatelia
Members Picture


13 Sep 2022
04:54:26pm
re: Tongs

I could find oodles of 901 tongs, but I use 902. But thanks, Randy.

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"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/philatelia
sheepshanks
Members Picture


13 Sep 2022
05:35:55pm
re: Tongs

presume you have tried Subway.
https://www.subwaystamp.com/SHOWGARD-STA ...

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philatelia
Members Picture


13 Sep 2022
06:33:06pm
re: Tongs

Thanks fellas, I tried Brooklyn, Subway, Potomac, Amos, IHobb, Ebay, Coin Supply express, Hobby lobby, and Amazon. No joy.

I still have a few with ok tips, but I have to be careful not to drop them on the unforgiving tile floor. I can usually straighten the tip and file off any burrs, but I don’t want to work with thinned tips and risk damaging something. What a klutzBlushing!

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"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/philatelia
        

 

Author/Postings
Members Picture
Hunter58

04 Dec 2021
04:17:01am

Just wondering, what stamp tongs do you use? Showgard, modified, different lengths, different materials? When I first started back, I used showgard 6 in. Pretty soon I realized they were too short for me and ended up stabbing me in the center of my palm. Found some 8-9 in stainless tweezers with teeth, ground the teeth away, boom 8 in tongs. Then one night I discovered 9 1/2 copper pickling tongs. With a little modification they are now my tongs of choice.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
DaveSheridan

04 Dec 2021
04:49:16am

re: Tongs

I prefer smaller tweezers. I tried long ones, spade ends, pointed ends, and all sorts. I ended with 4½ inch Prinz round ends

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Login to Like
this post

www.b1d.com/store/gl ...
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angore

Al
Collector, Moderator
04 Dec 2021
05:46:46am

re: Tongs

I have a 6-in Showgard with pointed tip and a shorter 4 1/2-inch with a spade tip. I use the spade one most of the time but I have no reason other than preference.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Stamp Collecting is a many splendored thing"
Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

04 Dec 2021
08:14:44am

Auctions - Approvals

re: Tongs

I have small hands and use Showguard 6 inch pointed tip.

Like
Login to Like
this post

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
Members Picture
BrightonPete

Praying for Ukraine
04 Dec 2021
08:34:31am

re: Tongs

I still have the 15cm "professional" tongs I bought when I was a kid back in the '70s! Nicely weighted at 21 grams. A new pair I bought a while ago is only 16.9 grams, but I definitely feel the difference. I like the heavier one much more and rarely use the lighter one.

"Professional" are the pointed tips. I never liked any of the others that most stamp dealers handed me to pick & choose way back when.


Peter

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BermudaSailor

04 Dec 2021
09:05:45am

re: Tongs

I got my tongs about sixty years ago. I don't know the brand, but they were made in Germany and are 120mm long with rounded tips. They've gotten a lot of use over that time and are fairly beat up, but I wouldn't trade them.

Like 
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like this post.
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Members Picture
musicman

APS #213005
04 Dec 2021
11:08:11am

re: Tongs

I use rounded tips as well.

I use 4.5" bent tip showgard's when working with Vario pages;

all other times I use my old trusty 4.5" Whitman's that I've had forever.

They are heavier than most - and that suits me fine.

Image Not Found

Happy

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1 Member
likes this post.
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Members Picture
DavidG

APS member since 2004
07 Dec 2021
04:05:00pm

re: Tongs

I use the standard "Dealer Tongs" (as I manage a stamp shop). 15 cm "professional flat tip". I also have another pair that have the "suicide tip". I use those tongs to carefully remove layers of stamp hinges on mint stamps.

David
Ottawa, Canada

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3 Members
like this post.
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"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
Members Picture
rrraphy

Retired Consultant APS#186030
07 Dec 2021
04:11:32pm

Approvals

re: Tongs

The 6 inch standard pointed tip Showguard is my pick. Over time the alignment does tend to be a bit off, and no amount of twisting and bending manages to put it back in perfect alignment, so I am now on my second set. It does make a difference!
rrr...

Like
Login to Like
this post

"E. Rutherford: All science is either physics or stamp collecting."
Members Picture
Hunter58

08 Dec 2021
01:51:43am

re: Tongs

I suppose this explains why I can't find 8 in. stamp tongs, most people prefer 6 in. or shorter. Thanks everyone for the information.

Like
Login to Like
this post

Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
25 May 2022
04:03:10pm

re: Tongs

" ... most people prefer 6 in. or shorter..."

Six inches or bigger, great. Four inches may
work for some folks, but are simply too short
for me. And the rounded tip just seem to push
the stamp around. I like my
lethal pointed tip.

Like 
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.

".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Members Picture
philatelia

25 May 2022
05:06:59pm

re: Tongs

Ever since you recommended these tongs, Charlie, I can’t imagine using anything else! Thanks!

Image Not Found






Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
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"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/phi ...

Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
27 May 2022
12:00:33am

re: Tongs

You should always be polite if you come upon Chinese tongs.

Like 
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.

".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Members Picture
angore

Al
Collector, Moderator
27 May 2022
06:03:06am

re: Tongs

I have never used the angled type tongs (tweezers).

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Stamp Collecting is a many splendored thing"
Members Picture
rrraphy

Retired Consultant APS#186030
27 May 2022
11:39:38pm

Approvals

re: Tongs

I could not find my Brazilian collection (better known as dental floss), so I have been experimenting with the much larger tongs.
rrr....Image Not Found

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.

"E. Rutherford: All science is either physics or stamp collecting."
joesm

28 May 2022
08:44:40am

re: Tongs

The angled ones with a spade tip make it very easy to pick stamps up.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
29 May 2022
11:20:34am

re: Tongs

I need tongs with an internet connection so I can use an app on my phone to find them! Just follow the beeping to find the tongs.

I have several sets that get lost regularly. Nothing like picking up an album and tongs fall out!

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
Members Picture
BermudaSailor

29 May 2022
12:07:40pm

re: Tongs

I've had the same pair of German manufactured five inch, round nosed tongs for the past 60 =/- years. Wouldn't part with them for love nor money.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
rrraphy

Retired Consultant APS#186030
29 May 2022
12:09:39pm

Approvals

re: Tongs

Finding your lost tongs in a stamp album, or a Scott catalog you recently used is a classic. One knows with experience to start the search there!

Let's hear it for stranger hiding tongs spots.

Found one set in my sneakers, which I routinely take out and tuck under my desk when working. You would think that was an easy one, as it is hard to miss them when putting your shoes back on, except that in the early days of Covid, I sometimes did not go out for several days in a row, so that search drove me crazy! The tongs must have made a perillous rebound double summersault to end up there!

rrr...

Like 
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.

"E. Rutherford: All science is either physics or stamp collecting."
Members Picture
philatelia

29 May 2022
12:22:10pm

re: Tongs

Stranger tong hiding spots - bet you fellas have never had THIS happen:

I often hook the tongs on the top of the neckline of whatever pocketless shirt I’m wearing. Once, I missed and the tongs slid into my bra - took me a minute to find them. Rolling On The Floor Laughing

Like
Login to Like
this post

"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/phi ...
Members Picture
BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
29 May 2022
08:35:46pm

re: Tongs

I try to keep tongs in my pencil cup on my desk. I hook them on the edge so one side is outside, so I see them quick and can grab them. Since I'm mainly a cover guy, I don't use tongs daily and they can go astray!

Do you know how to find your tongs? Buy another pair! The old pair will spring out of hiding!

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
Members Picture
bigcreekdad

27 Jul 2022
02:33:11pm

re: Tongs

Anyone use silicone tipped tongs?

Like
Login to Like
this post

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
joesm

27 Jul 2022
08:44:29pm

re: Tongs

What is the advantage to silicon tips? I have at least 4 pair. I need that many to have one handy to use.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

27 Jul 2022
10:11:27pm

Auctions - Approvals

re: Tongs

I would think they would tend to "grab"the stamp (not good). Is there such a thing made for handling stamps We know that the ones sold for stamps do not damage them when used properly (not even the sharp pointed ones).

If you try a pair out I would use them on cheap, expendable stamps for awhile... and let us know.


Like
Login to Like
this post

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
joesm

28 Jul 2022
07:32:13am

re: Tongs

I like the broad spaded ones with a slight bend at the tip. Using tongs is really easier than using your fingers. I would think that silicon covers would slow me down.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
philatelia

12 Sep 2022
06:06:08pm

re: Tongs

I’ve been trying to purchase some Showgard 902 tongs, but EVERYONE is out of stock. Well I finally found out WHY no one has any. I called Brooklyn Gallery to ask about my order status and a very helpful fellow told me that the factory that did the metal plating for the stamp tongs was located in the Ukraine and - you guessed it - the factory was bombed and destroyed.

Showgard is currently hunting for a new company here in the states that can do the plating and hope to have some manufactured soon. In the meantime, I’d better quit dropping my tongs on the tile floor and bending the tips!

Like 
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.

"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/phi ...
Members Picture
musicman

APS #213005
13 Sep 2022
12:27:40pm

re: Tongs

Amazon shows they have 14 of them in stock;

https://www.amazon.com/Showgard-901-Stam ...

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Members Picture
philatelia

13 Sep 2022
04:54:26pm

re: Tongs

I could find oodles of 901 tongs, but I use 902. But thanks, Randy.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/phi ...
Members Picture
sheepshanks

13 Sep 2022
05:35:55pm

re: Tongs

presume you have tried Subway.
https://www.subwaystamp.com/SHOWGARD-STA ...

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Members Picture
philatelia

13 Sep 2022
06:33:06pm

re: Tongs

Thanks fellas, I tried Brooklyn, Subway, Potomac, Amos, IHobb, Ebay, Coin Supply express, Hobby lobby, and Amazon. No joy.

I still have a few with ok tips, but I have to be careful not to drop them on the unforgiving tile floor. I can usually straighten the tip and file off any burrs, but I don’t want to work with thinned tips and risk damaging something. What a klutzBlushing!

Like
Login to Like
this post

"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/phi ...
        

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