Stamp Collecting Tools To Have On Hand

Even novice stamp collectors should use good stamp handling practices. Here are a few that you may want to consider incorporating into your routine when you work with your stamps.

Stamp Tongs. These special stamp tools look similar to tweezers but don't have any sharp edges and are created to be able to handle stamps without damaging them. The reason we recommend stamp tongs is that you will not transfer body oil or chemicals from your hands to your stamps. Using tongs keeps your stamps clean, keeps them from being creased or additionally damaged by rough handling. Stamp tongs should be thin enough to pick up a stamp from a flat surface yet large enough for your hand to operate properly. Stamp tongs come in many sizes. Please don't use tweezers to fulfil this function as stamp tongs will have a rounded edge and will keep stamps from becoming scratched by a tweeser's possibly sharp edge.

Stamp Catalogs. Consider purchasing one to be able to easily identify your stamps. There are several great catalogs in the market. We like the Scott catalogue for its in-depth review. Many stamp stores and dealers will list stamps by their Scott catalogue number.

Magnifying Glass. To really be able to see the detail of any stamp you need a quality magnifying glass. Many types of magnifying glasses are available. You can sometimes even find them at eyeglass stores. Pocket folding varieties are easy to store with your collection.

Perforataion Gauge. This is a large plastic piece that allows you the ability to line up your stamp and measure the perforations. Often the only way to tell the difference between two seemingly identical issues is with a perforation gauge in hand.

Watermark Detection Fluid. You may want to consider purchasing a bottle of this special chemical to reveal hidden watermarks to identify a stamp's real value. A watermarked stamp should become visible once it has come into contact with watermark fluid. If you are still unable to see the watermark, try holding the stamp up to the light using your tongs of course.

A Drying Book. This is an excellent item to have. It allows you to layout your stamps flat after you have soaked them to remove them from an envelope or other item.

Stamp Stock Book. Consider investing a few dollars in a stock book that provides a temporary storage place for your stamps until you move them into a catalog or collection. This is great if you are not exactly sure what you want to collect yet or have a very wide variety of interests.

Glassine Envelopes. Use these special somewhat clear envelopes for stamp storage. These evelopes are made of a special paper that keeps stamps from sticking to them. It feels almost like waxed paper, but is not the same thing. You will usually want a separate envelope for each stamp as humidity can cause stamps to stick together.

Stamp Hinges. You may want to use stamp hinges, small adhesive corners to use to apply your stamps into catalogs or albums.

Stamp Mounts. Are the preferred way to install stamps into albums and preferred over hinges. Mounts are adhesive free and a great way to protect valuable stamps.