Hello everyone. I’ve seen the Ames segment pick (segment cleaning tool) often for sale on eBay for $$$. I’m sure folks who want an authentic and original tool for their typewriter ephemera collection will be delighted.
It is kinda funny that our shop, which has been around since 1947, had only ONE segment pick. Of course it is a No. 93 (Royal) Segment Pick from the 1940 Ames catalog. Sold in 1940 for 20 cents each. I kept it in the pocket of my work apron. If one of the other techs wanted to use it, they HAD to return it. It is VERY useful digging the crap from segments. Funny that we use it on the full sized Royal machines more than any other.
Recently, after watching Metal Creature on Instagram for the millionth time, an idea sparked. Would Bob make us a segment pick that worked as well as the original? I contacted Bob. After providing the details, Bob thought this artisan tool could be recreated using laser cut hardened steel with a quarter inch round tube as a handle. I then mailed Bob our ONLY tool to measure and create a prototype.
The sample arrived shortly after. The segment pick Metal Creature made was practically PERFECT IN EVERY WAY. After figuring out the cost, we agreed to make enough to share.
Well.
How would you like to buy a re-created segment pick for $20, plus US mailing and the tax has to be added, I’ve got to get money for the tax man.
Contact me if you are interested in buying the re-created tool. This video shows how the tool is used;