Pliers

We carry several models of pliers which collectively have a wide variety of uses for mount making and beyond.

• Lineman's style pliers (PL-11-L-P) are large pliers that include a serrated jaw and wire cutters. These pliers are suitable for bending armatures with more control than smaller models and are especially useful for bending armature posts, which are made of thicker metal. The built-in wire cutters are convenient for cutting and shaping the smaller wires at the top armature displays. These pliers tend to be used in pairs, although one may be substituted with another type of pliers or a vice depending on application.

• Large Snippers (PL-10-L-S) are purely designed for cutting wires. They are perfect for trimming a display armature to size.

• Small Duck Bill and Small Needle Nose Pliers (PL-02-S-D and PL-01-S-N) both have a smooth jaw and are used for bending smaller wires (such as the thinner portion of armature displays). The smooth jaw serves to limit marking of the metal and painted surfaces while being used for bending, but it also still maintains a firm hold on the armature. The Duck Bill Pliers have a wide jaw while the Needle Nose Pliers have a narrow jaw, respectively. The different shapes and sizes of the jaws allow for varied applications and greater flexibility. These types of pliers are also sometimes called Jeweler’s Pliers.
  
  

*Note: We strongly recommend using tape (electrical, painters, or scotch) to pad out the tips of the pliers to help avoid scratching or marking armature displays, especially if Lineman’s pliers are being used for bending.

Shrink Tube

After a display armature is shaped, shrink tube may be added as needed in order to provide padding for delicate objects on display. Shrink tube comes in 1/8” and 3/16” sizes (pre-shrink size) in semi-flat black and clear colors.

Application is simple; cut the shrink tube to desired length and slip over the end of the armature. Then, carefully heat shrink tubing with a heat gun, stove top, or open flame and it will shrink to half its original diameter and grip the armature tightly. After application, it may also further elevate a display to paint the exposed shrink tube to the color of the art it is holding.

Felt

Another solution for padding delicate artwork is Self Adhesive Felt. It is 100% acrylic felt that is designed to provide padding for delicate artwork. The adhesive is designed to stick to display stands, risers, pedestals, etc. It is not, however, designed to be stuck on to artwork. It also has a variety of other non-artwork uses, such as for protecting tables and floors. Felt comes in a variety of colors, is 35" wide, and is sold by the foot.

Use is straightforward: simply cut the felt with scissors, expose the adhesive, and apply to the desired surface.

Rubber Bumper Feet

We also carry self-adhesive clear rubber bumper feet. These are domed rubber feet with adhesive on the flat side that are designed to limit lateral movement of objects resting on them. They are perfect for undersides of Risers, Blocks, and Bases.

*Note: Feet are especially important for clear bases as scratches on clear bases ae much more visible. Feet serve to prevent lateral movement that may result in the underside of the base being scratched.