Handle Dip

[ste6168]

A few weeks back, I posted in the new tools thread, about picking up a new set of Klein crimpers and cable cutters to replace my old ones. Old ones still work great, so will just put them in the backup box/bag in the event I lose mine, or I plan to eventually have a shop (rather than being fully mobile).

Anyway, the grips on the Matco cutters where in bad shape, decided to try and plasti-dip them. Having never used this stuff, so far, the results seem quite good. Interested to see how it actually holds up over time, thats the real test. If this doesn't work, next step is just a couple layers of red shrink wrap.

My process was 3 coats, about an hour in between each (directions say 30 min). Hung on the bottom of my scrollsaw (closest machine) using a magnet, while drying. Will let dry overnight until I even touch the stuff, though it already "feels" dry.

At any rate, anyone ever use the stuff for handles? Heres some pics:

 

[foghorn1966]

Looks OK! Not clear in your post, did you just clean & re-dip over the original coating? Or is that the result of 3 coats on the bare handles?

 

[Davefr]

My experience with Plasti- Dip is that it's ****. It does not hold up and isn't even close to the stuff that tool manufacturers use. It might be better then nothing just barely.

 

[ste6168]

My experience with Plasti- Dip is that it's ****. It does not hold up and isn't even close to the stuff that tool manufacturers use. It might be better then nothing just barely.

I kind of feared that, but for $10 figured it was worth a shot. We shall see!

 

[ste6168]

Looks OK! Not clear in your post, did you just clean & re-dip over the original coating? Or is that the result of 3 coats on the bare handles?

I cut the old grip off with a razor, 3 layers of dip on the bare handles.

 

[four.cycle]

I tried it when I was in high school with a product manufactured by Duro-Woodhill Corporation called "Dip-N-Grip".
Looked beautiful when I first put it on, until I actually used the tools with greasy hands. The plastic absorbed all the grease and grime and there was no way to clean it.
Over the course of the last 50 years, I believe I've removed it from most of my tools with the exception of an old linoleum knife I bought at Vaughn Lumber Company when I was 12, and that's because it has sentimental value - I almost cut my left thumb off with it.
I think the last "removal" job was a 12-inch Diamond Calk & Horseshoe adjustable that I gave to the boy last Christmas.
Horrid stuff. Hopefully the chemical manufacturers have improved the "formula" and come with a better product!

 

[ste6168]

I tried it when I was in high school with a product manufactured by Duro-Woodhill Corporation called "Dip-N-Grip".
Looked beautiful when I first put it on, until I actually used the tools with greasy hands. The plastic absorbed all the grease and grime and there was no way to clean it.
Over the course of the last 50 years, I believe I've removed it from most of my tools with the exception of an old linoleum knife I bought at Vaughn Lumber Company when I was 12, and that's because it has sentimental value - I almost cut my left thumb off with it.
I think the last "removal" job was a 12-inch Diamond Calk & Horseshoe adjustable that I gave to the boy last Christmas.
Horrid stuff. Hopefully the chemical manufacturers have improved the "formula" and come with a better product!

Yeah, unfortunately, should have done some basic research here first. Seems like overall, folks say it doesn't hold up great. Oh well, fun test and I know that if I should need this type of coating on anything in the future (that maybe doesn't need to be durable), it exists.

 

[77thor]

Yeah, I've used that on handles, too.... but it doesn't hold up very well.

 

[tarmy]

Plastidip is ****. If someone has something better I would love to hear about it.

 

[txvwnut]

I used plastic-dip way back when it was a mail order or speciality order and it was ****. Fast forward to when you could buy it in stores and figured I’d give a second go thinking maybe it was me and the application process. Nope still ******. I gave it one more chance a few years ago with the black plastic-dip and got the clear coat for it too. That actually turned out pretty good and has been holding up rather well for many years now.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I re-did the handles on some cheap pliers a while back. I did about three or four coats, on most, but the side cutting pliers got six coats. I don't know how long the handles will last, but it was a fun project.

As for alternative, Rustoleum has a product called Grip that's similar, but I've never used it.

Also check this out:

Alternative To Plasti Dip?

Are there any good alternatives to Plasti Dip for tool handles and such? I like the rubberized texture and the tacky feel but the product is just not as durable as I'd like. I'm wondering if there is something on the market that is more permanent and durable. Below is what I've been using (in...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I tried it when I was in high school with a product manufactured by Duro-Woodhill Corporation called "Dip-N-Grip"....
Over the course of the last 50 years, I believe I've removed it from most of my tools with the exception of an old linoleum knife I bought at Vaughn Lumber Company when I was 12, and that's because it has sentimental value - I almost cut my left thumb off with it.

One more trick in the hoarder's bag of excuses. Wifey asks, "Why don't you throw out that crusty old piece of junk?"
'Well, ya see, it has exceeding sentimental value; like my left thumb here. How could I part with it?"

 

[no704]

I used it on a handle for a shop made ball peen some 15 years ago, still good, think about 5 coats. If you have any other tools that need it do it sooner than later, stuff goes south fast after the can is cracked.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I used it on a handle for a shop made ball peen some 15 years ago, still good, think about 5 coats. If you have any other tools that need it do it sooner than later, stuff goes south fast after the can is cracked.

Yeah, It's best to plan ahead and do several tools at a time. Start with longer-handled tools first, since each dipping lowers the level.

 

[ste6168]

Yeah, It's best to plan ahead and do several tools at a time. Start with longer-handled tools first, since each dipping lowers the level.

Bubba Fett - What part of eastern NC are you in? I learned that fast today, on the first (and only) one. My 2nd/3rd dips didn't get quite as high as the first!

 

[KnurledNut]

Ive used this with good success. The pliers pictured have about a years worth of use since dipped.

 

[engineer2]

The problem with Plasti-Dip and similar is the container. It's kind of a one-shot deal. Dip what you need and the rest goes bad because the container won't seal. I used some for a battery hold-down last month. It started to dry up so I put some acetone in the leftovers and will put it in a paint can to save it for future use.

 

[Bennylava]

I used it to fix the last eye on a fishing pole about 15 years ago, and it's still holding up quite well. It broke loose at the base and I just tied it back down real tight with fishing line and dipped it. It's probably better used on things like that than handles.

Although knurlednut showed the pliers after 1 year of use... so depending on how often he actually used them during that year, maybe it's good stuff. The loctite brand anyway.