Building a Model Handle

Intro
One of my constant worries has been how to handle a model when I am painting it without touching areas already painted.

After trying different methods, I have finally found an easy and convenient way using magnets.
Materials
  • A couple of strong magnets with a hole. You can get them on ebay quite cheap, just look for Neodymium N50 (or higher) grade.
    The bigger, the better. Mine are 10*20*5 mm and are strong enough to hold safely a T-34 at 1/35 with its turret (no metal tracks though) .

  • A file handle, available at hardware stores. A simple stick can work as well if you can not get the handle.

  • A screw!
Procedure
Not too much to say here. Screw the magnet to the handle. Then put the other magnet inside the model and stick them together.

In case of closed vehicles you will have to glue it to the hull bottom and leave it there forever.

While you are not using it, you can either remove the handle or place it inside a jar as shown.

A note of warning. These magnets are really strong, specially the bigger ones so DO TAKE CARE WITH YOUR FINGERS. They can jump considerable distances to stick together.

I hope you find it useful.
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About the Author

About Carlos Martin (varanusk)
FROM: SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, SPAIN / ESPAņA

My main interest is German vehicles and guns, and I like spending time researching the vehicle and the options for the camo once I have chosen a subject. Sometimes I go for specific and rare vehicles, of which only two or three photos are known so it takes me a lot of time to figure how everything w...


Comments

Great tip! Going to have to try this myself now.
SEP 02, 2015 - 11:44 AM
That is a nice non-destructive solution. I've seen a variant where they actually screw the handle fitted with a screw into the base of the model. Differenet stroke for different folks.
SEP 02, 2015 - 02:04 PM
Now fhat is nifty! Thanks, Christophe
SEP 03, 2015 - 03:17 AM
Clever idea Carlos! Thanks for sharing it with us.
SEP 03, 2015 - 04:38 PM
That really is slick...and simple. Many thanks for coming up with this and sharing.
SEP 03, 2015 - 06:41 PM
Thanks a lot! Very useful
SEP 05, 2015 - 04:04 AM
Brilliant idea, I wish I would have thought of it myself.
SEP 06, 2015 - 11:30 PM