Stamp Tong Questions

Mention of tongs in another article got me wondering whether and how people use them. I have some questions for those who would indulge me.

1. Do you use stamp tongs?
2. Are there stamps you would work with without stamp tongs?
3. What is your favorite style/size of stamp tong.
4. How many tongs to you own.

As for myself . . .

I do use stamp tongs.
I use them exclusively, and they often feel like an exention of my own hands.
My favorite are the long Showgard tongs with half-moon tips. They allow me to pick stamps up off a smooth surface easily without damaging the stamp. The large size also fits my large hands well. I find I tend to grip them as far back as possible for greatest possible control.
At this writing I own one pair of stamp tongs.

I have the same questions and might add...(not to highjack the thread - but to embellish it (!))....

- what extra precautions do you take if you are handling very expensive stamps (expensive to you)
and
- what extra precautions do you take if they are Mint/Never Hinged (maybe no extra precautions - just asking).

Sorry Smauggie, jumping all over you here. But Tongs have gotta be part of the responses.

1. Yes, use stamp tweezers / tongs
2. No, always employ them, it has become natural to do so.
only handle stamps in water when soaking, to remove gunk.
3. The large "pointy", good quality >$20 and they feel absolutely marvelous.
(b) in the following image, but longer.

Own just the one set.

I use a spoon type tong and a pointed one. I use it for any mint stamp or used stamp that has any value. The used stamps that are low value I sometimes use my hands. I do use the tongs when mounting with hinges even on the low value stamps.

I use the spoon type and the angle spade type.




Butch

My preference is for the spoon or spade tips, of which I have several pair (since one is always missing, not unlike wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.). I use them almost exclusively except during some steps in cleaning/soaking stamps. I own a pair of angled spade type that I really haven't grown accustomed to so they are not my 'go-to's". I do avoid the pointed tips because I have experienced some damage using them.
That being said, my favorite pair is a set of spoon tips that I "sharpened" the edges of and which got me a lot of ribbing at the stamp club when I maaged to cut myself reaching into my shirt pocket to retrieve them.

That is a badge of honor.

Does Stanley Gibbons still make the Edge-O-Matic whetstone that grinds a precise 13-degree edge on your tongs?

Nah, didn't think so.

I have a spade tip at the office that I use to inspect new arrivals, when I just can't wait to get them home. Hate 'em. I have a pair in the car that it so thick you couldn't use 'em to clean under your fingernails. I'd mention the brand but I don't want to offend...

My favorites are the German-made examples that seem to be sold under a few different brand names, including Lighthouse. I prefer the pointed-tips, and I prefer the long to the short. They can get under a stamp on a scanner glass, or any other trick you can cook up.

That being said, I handle lots of stamps without tongs...I apologize in advance, but if you're receiving a shipment from me, I may have handled the stamp(s) on the cover. Sorry.

C.

P.S. I bought gold-finished tongs for my daughter...she thought it was splashy...I can tell at a glance if she has lifted my tongs.

For some years I was a pointy tongs man. I liked their precision. Then one day I jabbed them through a quite valuable stamp. Have been a spoon tongs man ever since.

I am presently using a pair of Showgard 14 cm spoon tongs. Nicely balanced, well engineered, precise. I couldn't recommend them any higher.

That is exactly what I am using. They are a true pleasure to use.

1. Yes, always.
2. Yes, trash/bulk used stamps.
3. Point (sharp), about 6 inches. They compliment my Taser for self defense.
4. 3 at home and 1 at work for when I sneak my hobby into work hen I'm on the evening shift.

I always use them when handling stamps, no matter what the circumstance. I've even used them to throw stamps in the trash.
I probably have the most unique pair of tongs: an 8 inch surgical forceps, with bent tips. I discovered them about 20 years ago, and now the other 6 pair of tongs I have sit and collect dust.

So how do you get stuff off the scanner without scratching the glass plate? I've been kinda pushing things to the edge of the plate, but I'm still afraid I'll scratch the glass.

Perhaps use some different sized Vario plastic pages to hold the stamps or covers while scanning? Then you just lift the whole page back up off the glass.

Tried scanning thru the sheet protectors and was afraid there was too much glare and not getting quality scan.

plastic tongs..

some metal ones have rubber tips

Thanks, I'll look for some...but otherwise, yes, I use them.