Hildbrant Budget Grips
Durable Disposables
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
This review is for: Hildbrant's Disposable Tubes
This is what we th.ink.
I recently acquired some of their machines, and tools. I also use them solely as a supplier. As such a lot of my reviews will be for their products. However, this does not mean that we--on this site--fully support, are endorsed by, or by any means biased towards this company. If I acquire an inferior product from this supplier you will hear about it.
I have had problems before of ordering specific assorted grips, and receiving the wrong ones. I guess that is my fault for buying assorted. People package it quickly, and away it goes. However, I also received them in large zip-lock bags. I am not sure if that is the issue, or just how it was handled, but I have received—in the past—grips that are slightly open. This breaks the sterility of the item, and I was forced to throw the grip in the garbage. Mind you it would only be two, or three out of fifty, but that's another two, or three I need to either buy, or get replaced.
Hildbrant sells six different styles of disposable grips: FT, RT, VT in 1” grip, and FT, RT, VT in 1.25” grip. Personally I prefer the 1.25” as they fit my hand better. I use the VT for my lining needles: 3RL, and 5RL. I use RT for my RS. Their FT are nice as they fit M1, M2, and RM. I have had disposables before that would fit a 5M1, 5M2, but not a 5F, or 5RM which is odd. I have never had an issue with their grips for this issue. Their RT come in 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14. As do their VT. Their FT come in 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15.
These grips are EO2 Gas sterilized, and come with a lot number, grip size, sterilization date, and
expiration date. There isn't an indicator strip to show sterilization.
These are pretty durable tips. I have FORCED them into a vice that is too small for them and they simply get a few scratches as they slide in, and that's it. You have to force them back out, and they still are in tact. I have never had the back end of one of their disposables break on me. The grip part is also really soft, and squishy! They are very easy to handle. If you don't mind lighter grips—and are on a budget--I'd pick these up. I know some people swear by heavy steal, or brass grips. Personally I use disposable all the way. They are available in boxes of 10, and 20.
I don't mind either of the 1”, or the 1.25” grips. I do prefer the 1.25” grips as they are slightly larger, fit my hand better, and have a nicer shape to them. They are more oval, than a rounded rectangle sort of deal! Not sure how to explain it. These grips are a good buy! However, I have not used them since Hildbrant had released their new grip styles. They are nice inexpensive grips.
The plastic for these is pretty cheap, though. It may not break easily, but I notice it is not as smooth as it could be. I have also noticed—upon trying other grips—that the ink flow with these isn't the best. It will get the job done, but there are better grips out there for sure. These do pretty much what you'd expect from a cheaper grip. If you are used to this style of grip then they are alright. Personally, I have moved away from this style of grip as I find once you get a good grip on the soft part your 1” grip turns into a 0.75” grip which is an issue. Especially since I do squeeze quite a bit.
I give these a 3 out of 5 star rating. They are inexpensive, durable, come in two sizes, and fit your basic sizes for needles you may use. However, there are much better grips out there. I would only recommend these to early apprentices, or people on a budget. For only a few dollars more you could get better grips.
