Griffon Model

Workable Hinges & Handles Folding Tool

Stock Number: GT001

Reviewed By  Kip Rudge, IPMS# 40597

MSRP: $5.50 Griffon Web Site: www.griffonmodel.com Set Supplied by Dragon Models USA: www.dragonmodelsusa.com There are many arcane rituals we modelers undertake that cry out for specialized tools. I can only hope each night when I say my prayers that someone out there is on the verge of perfecting a road-wheel cleaning tool, a road wheel alignment tool, a barrel alignment tool or even an auto weld seam replacer. Folding hinges wasn't high on my list of tools I needed, simply because getting in and out of my models wasn't a high priority. For those who like hinges, fortunately, the folks at Griffon Model have been thinking of ways to make our life easier. Unfortunately, I'm not sure they have. The Workable Hinges & Handles Folding Tool is pretty simple - which is always a plus for any tool (re: hammer). And while the concept may be a step in the right direction, the tool falls a might short on execution. The tool is actually two tools. Ostensibly the tool is designed to make the folding of photo-etch workable hinges easier. As an add-on, the tool has the capability of assisting the user in making grab handles to a uniform size. Presentation consists of two photo-etch pieces that require forming and two lengths of soft copper wire. The PE parts fold into a flat bottomed U shape. One of the PE parts is larger and one smaller. The metal used is silver colored, slightly thicker than regular PE. While somewhat stiffer the standard PE, the tools are still a little flimsy. The sides of the U-PE have a graduated set of small holes leading along each side. The holes are lined up so that the wire can be passed through each side. However the wire provided by Griffon is too soft and this makes them virtually useless as you can't get the kinks out.. Using the tool for hinges consists of passing the appropriate diameter wire through both sides. Slide each side of the hinge under the wire. Form the hinge-half around the wire. Withdraw the wire and then us another piece of wire or plastic rod to hinge pin the hinge - freehand. Ever try feeding a .2mm diameter wire through a flimsy Aber hinge without an electron microscope? It's as difficult as driving my car through a basketball hoop.

I had little more success feeding plastic rod through the tool, forming the hinge and then attempting the cut the hinge out. However the force of nipping the plastic rod distorted the hinges most of the time. In addition the light weight of the tool required I clamp it into my photo etch bending tool. And I had to search for steel wire to use for the hinge bending since the wire provided was too soft and distorted. The grab handle folding aspect was more useful, but once again the flimsiness of the metal doesn't provide the necessary resistance to bend stiffer wires. The length of the various handles is etched into the tool face but is extremely small and hard to read. A black wash into the recesses helps, but wears away with repeated use. While I've always questioned the need for working hinges in our hobby, as long as somebody makes them, a modeler will try to build them. This tool is a conceptual step in the right direction, but the execution is a little flimsy. The handle holder is a good idea that would work well in machined metal. Thanks to Dragon Models USA for this review sample.

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