Dip, Babby Dip!

[Fireman]

Plasti-Dip seems to offer some good and cheap benefits for mule handle needs. This is after 5 dips. Gives lots of grip.

[legOFwhat?]

I've never used the stuff, does it hold up for very long?

[Manixguy@1994]

I've never used the stuff, does it hold up for very long?

I have never heard of it but sounds interesting. I could see using it on other things ,but handle idea is very cool . Dan

[Michael Janich]

Twenty-lus years ago, custom knifemaker James Piorek, aka Blade Rigger, used to do artistic applications of tool dip. In some cases, he'd use different colors, painted on with a brush to create patterns. He would also embed heavy twine into it and then dip over it to create grip patterns, like this:



I have a couple of original Mike Snody custom Ronins that he treated that way in my collection. The color choice wasn't as "bold" as this one, but the same concept:



They're still looking good after 20 years, but, in all fairness, they haven't been carried much.

The great thing about tool dip is that if it starts to peel, you cut it off and do it again. I've also used it to make training knives, dipping or spraying the handles red.

Stay safe,

Mike

[270ultimate]

Blade Rigger once did a Szabo UUK in an American flag motif that I thought looked amazing.

[RustyIron]

Back in the mid-80's I applied orange Plasti-Dip to some tool handles. My intention was to get better handling and visibility. After using the tools for several months, my final conclusion was that Plasti-Dip just isn't suitable for doing real work, and I peeled it all off.

Initially, the Plasti-Dip looked fine. But after handling the tools with dirty hands, the orange handles became black and filthy. Dirt would get embedded in the plastic. Soap would clean them up to some degree. If I just wiped the tools off with a rag, the next time I picked them up with clean hands, I'd be instantly dirty.

Hopefully the recipe for Plasti-Dip has improved over the past several decades. Let us know how the 21st century version holds up.

[Fireman]

So far it’s working pretty well. You can also mix in sand for added texture

[RustyIron]

Cool! I might have to give it another go one of these days.

[270ultimate]

I’ve got a buddy who Plasti-Dipped the bottom of his disc golf bag in an attempt to waterproof it, back when I was rocking a Phenix Core bag with a Line-X bottom.

Line-X advertises using it on tool handles, makes me wonder how well it could be applied to a knife handle. It might take a few passes to get to the thickness you have on your Mule, though.

[270ultimate]

*Great job, btw.

[im25feetup]

I typically put 5 or so thin coats of Plasti-Dip on my trucks Chrome badges and grill. It lasts at least 3 years sitting outside all the time.

[Fireman]

Has anyone tried soaking paracord or string in Plasti-dip and wrapping a mule? Would add a lot of grip.

[jmj3esq]

Has anyone tried soaking paracord or string in Plasti-dip and wrapping a mule? Would add a lot of grip.

I doubt the cord would fit thru the holes after coated with plastic. It's a tough enough task with straight cord.