Mission Models' Grabhandler First-Look

By Michael Benolkin

First-Look

Mission Models has an interesting tool line that turns out specialized items for the modeler. The Grabhandler is definitely another one of them!

This tool is a palm-sized fixture that at first glance looks like a Klingon close-in combat weapon. There are two plates that are clamped together with three guide pins and a spring-loaded knob that opens and closes the plates like jaws. Each plate has a series of steps precision-cut into the sides which graduate from 1/16" at the tip to 1.5" at the rear of the tool. The upper plate has stenciling etched into its surface to mark the widths of each step, and as you can see in the image, there are quite a few widths available to choose from.

I decided to give this unique tool a test flight. I inserted some stock brass rod that I keep on-hand for grab handles for my various armor projects. I cut three sections and clamped each one into the tool, one at a time. Simple loosen the knob and the jaws open alligator-style. Insert the wire at the desired width with equal lengths out either side. Simply bend the wire ends down with the tip of a screwdriver and loosen the jaws to release the part. Repeat as required. I banged out these three grab irons in VERY short order.

Just for fun, I used my micrometer to verify the indicated widths and the measurements are spot-on.

This tool makes the job of making consistent grab irons a snap. This is a no-brainer for the armor modeler and will make the model railroader's life much easier as well..

My sincere thanks to Mission Models for this review sample!