THE SMALL SHOP [ MORE REVIEWS ] [ WEBSITE ] [ NEW STORIES ]

Tool Review
The Wrangler
  • move

by: James Bella [ C5FLIES ]

introduction

The Small Shop is well known for their Hold and Fold photoetch workstations, but their catalog includes other specialty tools for the modeler such as the one reviewed here. The Wrangler is designed to assist in the fabrication of grab handles, D-rings, loops and springs.

contents

The Wrangler arrives in a sturdy cardboard box further packed in a zip lock style bag. The tool comes fully assembled and includes a single sided sheet of instructions, text only, outlining the basic use of the tool. The instruction sheet also includes The Small Shop’s contact information and credit to the designer of the tool, John Geigle Masterpiece Models.

the tool

Using the tool is pretty much self-explanatory, though an important part of the instructions state not to use hard wire. Use only soft to semi-hard copper or brass wire and this tool should perform well for a very long time.

Grab Handles:
Including the base, the Wrangler provides 18 pre-set sizes of grab handles ranging from approximately 2.5mm to 24mm. Simply insert some wire between the jaws at the desired size, snug down the knob, bend the legs and trim the ends to the appropriate length. Using the original kit part as a guide makes it easy to find the proper ‘step’ to use on the Wrangler, and the length of the legs.

The 12 smaller sizes can be slid off the top, but due to an alignment pin the lower ones will need to be turned vertically to remove. This alignment pin is positioned between two of the steps, with just enough room to still be able to use each of the sizes.

Loops, Springs and D Rings:
17 circular/semi-circular sizes are provided for. To form these shapes, insert one end of your wire stock between the jaws and tighten the knob to hold it in place. For loops and springs, wrap the wire around a smaller diameter than needed as the wire will have a bit of ‘spring back’, and cut where needed. A little different approach is needed to form D rings, as the tool needs to be split to finish forming the ‘D’.

conclusion

All these shapes are easier done than said, and only take a few seconds to accomplish. Fabricating multiple pieces of the same, or different, sizes is a simple process which yields great results. For the armor builder, the grab handle function will most likely be used more often, as I find the smallest diameter of the tool to still be too large for forming rings and springs. In my case, doing away with styrene grab handles and not having to form ten handles to get two the proper size makes this tool worth owning. Of course, this tool is designed for all modelers, and each genre will find their own preferences and uses.

On a side note, I use copper stranded electrical wire, which is nowhere near straight when I unravel the separate wires. I use the Wrangler to ‘draw’ the wire through by snugging the knob to obtain just a bit of tension and pulling through with pliers, as shown in the photos. This works for me, although it’s probably not recommended by the manufacturer, and I can see Sam and Julie of The Small Shop cringing already!
SUMMARY
Highs: High quality machining, built for a lifetime of use. Does away with styrene grab handles along with the trial and error process of 'freehanding' them.
Lows: Could use a couple of smaller diameters, or maybe offer a ‘micro’ Wrangler.
Verdict: Makes forming these various shapes a simple process with professional results.
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: Wrangler
  Suggested Retail: $49.99 USD
  Related Link: Wrangler Web Page
  PUBLISHED: Nov 09, 2009
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 86.44%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 91.00%

Our Thanks to The Small Shop!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

View Vendor Homepage  |  More Reviews  

About James Bella (c5flies)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

My main interest is 1/35 scale WWII armor, Axis and Allied, and will occasionally branch out into other areas. The builds I have done so far have been pretty much OOB, and considering what most newer kits include, that is usually more than enough for me. Even though my projects do not always end up ...

Copyright ©2021 text by James Bella [ C5FLIES ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Really interesting approach. It combines two shapes with one tool. 'just wish it weren't so expensive.
NOV 09, 2009 - 03:12 AM
I agree. $50 + postage. Pass on that.
NOV 09, 2009 - 08:20 AM
Nice review, James. Other than the price, it really looks great. I have the Griffon grab handle device and it's so-so. This looks like quite an improvment.
NOV 09, 2009 - 11:52 AM
That much for $5 maybe $10 worth of aluminium is crazy, but at least it does what it says on the box.
NOV 09, 2009 - 02:23 PM
great review. I do like the small shop tools (have the rolling set and 5 speed). it reminds me of mission model multi-tool
NOV 10, 2009 - 07:03 AM
   
ADVERTISEMENT


Photos
Click image to enlarge
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
ADVERTISEMENT