I have seen many stamps that were handled with pointed tongs to have "pin holes" in them. If you use pointed tongs, be very careful how you pick up the stamps.
Here is a pic of the tongs I use. They have a slightly rounded tip, so pinholes are not likely. I think Michael is referring to those really pointed tongs which are very sharp.
Aside from the noted issue with pointed tip types, picking the item up is a complaint.
The curved spade types (5-6") remedy both problems.
I found my local stamp club here! A few years ago Vinman (Vince) invited me to attend his stamp club. I joined and have been a member ever since!
We also joined a second group "The Philatelic Gathering" that meets at the Chester County Historical Society. Pigdoc (Paul) also comes to those meetings!
i just ordered a pair of spade tipped angled tongs yesterday. I mislaid my tongs while stamping and had to do without for several hours until I found them. I vowed to get another pair in case it happened again and decided to try the angled ones.
I have a pointed one and a spade one. I like the pointer more since it is longer to reach in Vario page pockets.
I have large hands so I have to get the longest tongs I can get my hands on.
One item that I learned that I value is David teaching me about US rates.
Started with small "kid" spade tongs in the mid 60's and never thought anything more about it for years. Then someone mentioned "dealer tongs," and my life changed for the better.
Now I have at least ten pairs of tongs, some with specific uses. Short ones for travel, stamp store and stamp shows. Small magnifying glass too.
Longer pointed ones for fine work. Long rounded end ("paddle"?) and long angled spade for general use and sorting.
And a couple spares, just in case...
-Steve
" ... The curved spade types (5-6") remedy both problems. ..."
Very handy although I mostly use them to count out the weekly medications. They are available at Hobby Lobby in the aisle devoted to creative beadwork. About $6.00.
"Here is a pic of the tongs I use. They have a slightly rounded tip, so pinholes are not likely. I think Michael is referring to those really pointed tongs which are very sharp."
" ....I like the pointer more since it is longer
to reach in Vario page pockets....."
I do as well and I seldom find the points damaging stamps. Occasionally if I am soaking a small tray of used, (of course), and get distracted so that a stamp is soaking overlong there might be some damage, but considering the thousands of stamps I soak and sort the percentage of damaged stamps is minuscule, probably less than a hundredth ( ‹O.0001 ) of one percent. And that is more likely due to my inattention than the tip of a tong being sharp.The best rule in the situation is "Whatever floats your boat."
There is so much philatelic wit and wisdom to be found in an online stamp club. Sometimes someone shares a little bit of advice that really increases your enjoyment of our hobby.
Here is an example: For 50 years I used spade tongs. I never really gave it much thought. The first pair my dad gave me were spades so I always bought those. But then I read a post by our favorite old salt, Charlie Jensen, who talked about his fine point tongs. I bought a pair and OMG I will never go back to spades! They are so much more precise! It is a small change, but it made a big difference to me.
So, do you have a similar story? Has a comment here helped you or changed how you collect?
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
I have seen many stamps that were handled with pointed tongs to have "pin holes" in them. If you use pointed tongs, be very careful how you pick up the stamps.
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
Here is a pic of the tongs I use. They have a slightly rounded tip, so pinholes are not likely. I think Michael is referring to those really pointed tongs which are very sharp.
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
Aside from the noted issue with pointed tip types, picking the item up is a complaint.
The curved spade types (5-6") remedy both problems.
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
I found my local stamp club here! A few years ago Vinman (Vince) invited me to attend his stamp club. I joined and have been a member ever since!
We also joined a second group "The Philatelic Gathering" that meets at the Chester County Historical Society. Pigdoc (Paul) also comes to those meetings!
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
i just ordered a pair of spade tipped angled tongs yesterday. I mislaid my tongs while stamping and had to do without for several hours until I found them. I vowed to get another pair in case it happened again and decided to try the angled ones.
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
I have a pointed one and a spade one. I like the pointer more since it is longer to reach in Vario page pockets.
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
I have large hands so I have to get the longest tongs I can get my hands on.
One item that I learned that I value is David teaching me about US rates.
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
Started with small "kid" spade tongs in the mid 60's and never thought anything more about it for years. Then someone mentioned "dealer tongs," and my life changed for the better.
Now I have at least ten pairs of tongs, some with specific uses. Short ones for travel, stamp store and stamp shows. Small magnifying glass too.
Longer pointed ones for fine work. Long rounded end ("paddle"?) and long angled spade for general use and sorting.
And a couple spares, just in case...
-Steve
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
" ... The curved spade types (5-6") remedy both problems. ..."
Very handy although I mostly use them to count out the weekly medications. They are available at Hobby Lobby in the aisle devoted to creative beadwork. About $6.00.
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
"Here is a pic of the tongs I use. They have a slightly rounded tip, so pinholes are not likely. I think Michael is referring to those really pointed tongs which are very sharp."
re: Share your favorite Stamporama info “find” & stamp tong discussion
" ....I like the pointer more since it is longer
to reach in Vario page pockets....."
I do as well and I seldom find the points damaging stamps. Occasionally if I am soaking a small tray of used, (of course), and get distracted so that a stamp is soaking overlong there might be some damage, but considering the thousands of stamps I soak and sort the percentage of damaged stamps is minuscule, probably less than a hundredth ( ‹O.0001 ) of one percent. And that is more likely due to my inattention than the tip of a tong being sharp.The best rule in the situation is "Whatever floats your boat."