Budget source for micro glue applicators

[OldNYJim]

I really like these micro glue applicators that Hobby Lobby sells…

…but at $3.99 + tax they’re kinda spendy, especially for a single use item.

Did some hunting on Amazon and found these…

…for $7 shipped for FIGE HUNDRED!  They’re used in the make-up industry, and it seems like there’s not much difference between these cheaper ones and the packaged-for-modellers ones.

Just a heads up in case anyone likes and uses these things!

I got these ones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KVWRVL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5MNS7XS05B8KVMWX75VJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

But there’s some other varieties with different sized heads that you might find useful too!

 

Edited September 27, 2021 by CabDriver

[Khils]

  On 9/27/2021 at 2:56 AM, CabDriver said:

Just a heads up in case anyone likes and uses these things!

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That's a significant savings! THX for sharing!!

[Nacho Z]

Just a heads up. I read about these some time ago and ordered some from Amazon. I will say that I don’t remember the exact brand. Mine “dissolved” in some of my airbrush thinner and cleaners. I have not had that problem with the Microbrush ones posted in the first picture. They are good for other applications but be aware when using harsher solvents.

[OldNYJim]

  On 9/27/2021 at 3:09 AM, Nacho Z said:

Just a heads up. I read about these some time ago and ordered some from Amazon. I will say that I don’t remember the exact brand. Mine “dissolved” in some of my airbrush thinner and cleaners. I have not had that problem with the Microbrush ones posted in the first picture. They are good for other applications but be aware when using harsher solvents.

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Interesting, thank you!  I hadn’t actually tried them with any kind of solvents - Q-tips often don’t like that stuff either so it doesn’t surprise me.  

[Nacho Z]

  On 9/27/2021 at 3:22 AM, CabDriver said:

Interesting, thank you!  I hadn’t actually tried them with any kind of solvents - Q-tips often don’t like that stuff either so it doesn’t surprise me.  

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One of the things I use them for is cleaning the business end of my airbrush. I found that all the fuzzies were gone when doing this…lol. Lacquer thinners for sure seem to dissolve them. They are fine for other things.

[peteski]

These are called MicroBrush and they originally came from dental trade.  https://microbrush.com/

You might find some bargains with a Google search, but as others said, beware of the imitations.

Depending on what you use them for, they will last multiple applications.  I even strap the one I use for the CA accelerator to the bottle. They can be cleaned with lacquer thinner or milder solvents.

 

[peteski]

  On 9/27/2021 at 3:22 AM, CabDriver said:

Q-tips often don’t like that stuff either so it doesn’t surprise me.

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Those are also available as the "real thing" and imitation.  Real Q-Tips have cotton swabs, and the handle is made from rolled up paper.  Totally unaffected by paint solvents.  The imitation cotton swabs often have thin hollow plastic handles which solvents will melt.

Edited September 27, 2021 by peteski

[OldNYJim]

Figures - I always pickup the imitation q-tips too ??

[R. Thorne]

I like using them instead of brushes to paint small parts and touch ups.  Easier and no brush clean up.  I have 3 different sizes.  I also use them to apply Bondene to hold windshields in, but they do have a tendency to dissolve after repeated use.

[OldNYJim]

I’ve been saving the used-up ones…there’s no way the plastic handle won’t be useful for scratchbuilding SOMETHING! 

[SfanGoch]

After the fuzz disintegrates, you're left with a pointy tip which can be used to apply small amounts of CA.

[Dpate]

I use these for CA glue, and i get mine from micro mark 100 for like $12.  This is a good find.  Like $8 for 500pcs can't hurt to try.