precision pliers?

[ATSF_Ron]

I have an Atlas GP-7 that I'm detailing.  One of the items is the winterized windows as shown in the pic.  In the directions it says to use "precision pliers" to bend the tiny folds of the windows.  I'm thinking I should get something from Micro Mark or similar vendor.  The width of the fold in question is close to 0.60", according to my digital calipers.  Can anyone give me a recommendation of what to buy?  I have several standard needle nose pliers and a couple flat nosed, but I don't see these doing the job.  Also, I don't see myself using them very often, so I'd rather not spend a fortune on a tool I'll use three or four times.  Some of the pliers I see on the Micro Mark web site are pushing $100!  That's more than what I paid for the entire loco by a large margin.  Shopping for "precision pliers" is very similar to shopping for Harley tools.  I can't tell you how many one-use tools I've bought for the bike!  LOL!  Fellow riders know what  mean...

[ridinshotgun]

You can take two approaches.  One being a photoetch bender or photoetch bending pliers.

This is the bender and what I prefer since once you clamp it where you want it the part will not move unlike the pliers:

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Tools/photo-etched-parts-bender-small/TRP00009933/product.php?s=4&t=0&u=8&micr=3391&pg=1&ppp=48&sb=stocknumber&so=a

These are the pliers which I do not like:

https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Tools/photo-etched-bending-pliers-mini/TAM00074084/product.php?s=4&t=0&u=8&micr=3391&pg=1&ppp=48&sb=stocknumber&so=a

[sp org div]

I had great success on many a Traincat and other brass etched kits with these:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-hand-seamer-66654.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12169518939&campaignid=12169518939&utm_content=114845764937&adsetid=114845764937&product=66654&store=459&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4ehX3cFWlzsTUOcQ-0ZcXLsv&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_9Dy4tH3hQMV_YDCCB2PWgneEAQYASABEgKobPD_BwE

[robert3985]

I use an etch-bending tool exclusively for bending up my etched kits and my own brass scratch-built models.

The one I have that I am extremely happy with is the "Bug" from The Small Shop...who, unfortunately has retired and is no longer in business.

HOWEVER, you can still find the "Bug" out there, and they are excellent for all sorts of small bending jobs, and mine has been invaluable for my Traincat & GMM etched kits...and my many other brass fabrication projects.

Go to The Small Shop website at www.TheSmallShop.com and go through the list of their authorized dealers and you might find one.  It'll be worth the effort believe me!

Here's a review for you to read...https://www.raildig.com/useful-tools/the-bug/

Photo (1) - The Small Shop's small photo-etch bender the "Bug" which is one of my essential tools:


Photo (2) - And here's a Traincat UP Cantilever Signal Bridge that I superdetailed and modified for a customer several years ago, using the "Bug" to bend it up:


Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[peteski]

I also have that "bug". I purchased mine from Micron Art when they were still in the photoetched brass  kit business.

[ATSF_Ron]

Thanks for all the replies, guys!  Bob & Peteski, the "bug" looks to be just the thing.  Found one and just ordered it.