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 Replies: 12 / Views: 2,373 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
849 Posts |
I've bought mine from Lighthouse at coin shows when they come to my city. They are silver with red plasticky covering the tips. I am on my third pair in 5 years. Is that normal? What happens is the red plastic peels off and I am just left with bare metal. I am not dipping them in chemicals.
Are there better brands? Higher end models? Or devices that are not specific to coins that do the same job?
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
849 Posts |
After almost two weeks and almost 100 views, I am surprised that no one has responded. Am I the only one using coin tongs anymore?
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12281 Posts |
I've never used tongs - using my fingers to hold raw coins/medals by the edge has always worked for me!
When you first posted this, I did spend some time searching for alternatives but forgot to post about what I found. I noticed that Lighthouse offers a more premium version of coin tongs vs. the ones you have used. Maybe they will be what you want?
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3733 Posts |
i also have never used tongs, ever..
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Moderator
United States
188727 Posts |
I remember getting a "coin collecting kit" as a present when I was a kid. It came with tongs and I recall I did not like using them; it felt like I was doing less with more. Just my opinion.  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
849 Posts |
I appreciate the feedback. I might try a set from Canada Post. They sell a few stamp and coin supplies.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I can't even think of what I'd use them for beyond removing them from a tub of acetone they might be soaking in, usually I just our it out into another tub and use either nitrile gloves or wait until the acetone is evaporated to remove them. I do have some plastic/rubber tipped tweezers but I was always afraid they would melt in contact with acetone. I've only seen European collectors use coin tongs, and I still don't even understand why. I can barely even use gloves nitrile or cotton to pick up a coin, so I don't 99.999% of the time, just use clean washed hands and only by the edge (rim). I suppose if you really wanted them cheap then make your own out of some paint stir sticks about .25 cents at a paint store, then a small tube of junk (whatever not critical and a rubber band) make it like a practice chopstick set. You can even buy them cheap at some food shops or online. Look up "Practice Chopsticks"  "Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440Edited by westcoin
11/11/2020 9:34 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
For pristine proof coins, rubber gloves are OK.
Probably a little more secure, so as to lessen the possibility of accidently dropping them, and bruising the rims.
So long as your fingers are clean, you can gently handle ancient coins any way you like - the patina will protect them.
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
I have a pair I use for retrieving coins from an acetone bath on occasion. I don't know if these ever made it to the public but a friend of mine who owned a tool shop built a mold and molded a few of these from talc filled polypropylene for the living hinge. I've had them for about 25 years now...  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
I use my fingers and lintless cotton gloves.
Lintless cotton gloves can be washed and reused.
I don't like latex gloves because my hands sweat.
But if you DO use latex gloves, make sure they are powder-free.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I too never used them. However if it's the tip that wears of just comes off, why not go to a hobby type place and see if they have liquid plastic. Then just add your own plastic to the tips. Some electrical pliers come with rubbery material all over them. You might try an electrical supply place too.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
For larger size coins I like a little extra holding power .  |
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Moderator
United States
188727 Posts |
Quote:
a friend of mine who owned a tool shop built a mold and molded a few of these from talc filled polypropylene for the living hinge. That is really cool! I am fascinated by the design.  |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 2,373 |
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Posted 11/10/2020 10:25 am
