Small Parts Holders

Fed up with holding tiny parts in what seem like Elaphantine fingers??

Here's my solution. They are called Hackle Pliers and can be bought at fishing tackle stores that sell fly tying supplies.
They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

They are great for holding tiny parts while cleaning up and can be used for holding same when painting.

When they get too much paint on them, just dunk them in your favourite paint stipper for 24 hours.

I have a few of those, they're a godsend for holding bits.... Not just for painting, but using them as tiny vice grips too.

I'm a little leery about using devices when I'm filing or sanding. A bit of pressure in the right direction makes them go PTOING!! Under the pressure of the clamp, they really take a cross-country tour. LOL Nothing like stubby ole finger pressure getting the feel of when too much is too much.

I do use similar clamps for painting though. Great tools.

They look good Al    I still use the good old wooden clothes pins for both cleaning and painting and also for holding parts together when gluing   

Have found some.
Really inexpensive..

I saw some small ones in the local fishing tackle shop for 50p each just before Xmas, they weren't fantastic quality but good enough for modeling, I should have grabbed another couple or three really..... Hindsight eh?

The way to stop small parts 'pinging' out of them is simple. Just place a layer of double sided tape on each inner side of the jaws. When not in use, open them up like this for storage:

Found some here, also check out the tying wire for detailing etc.

http://www.troutcatchers.co.uk/acatalog/Wire.html