I now insulate all of the handles that hold my woodburning tips. This allows me to burn for a
long time, at high temperatures. The handles DO NOT get to hot to hold.
I have found that the best insulation solution is one layer of "Amazon 4 inch Self Adhesive
Bandage Wrap" over one layer of "McMaster Blue Mesh Sleeve".
I really go at it, when I woodburn. I tend, to do it all, in one session. I will burn for an
hour or more.
I like to burn hot. I like to see FLAME every time I touch the woodburning tip to the wood.
Thus, the handle holding the woodburning tip, heats up fast.
The old "Detail Master" handles (the silver one in above photos) gets to hot to hold in
roughly 20 minutes. If no insulation.
The newer "Burnmaster" handle (the maroon one in above photos) is a lot better. It gets to
hot after roughly 1 hour. If no insulation.
With insulation, I can burn forever. Or, until it is time for dinner!
Note: I also have some "Colwood" handles, etc. I rarely use them. When, I get around to
it, I will probably insulate them. The "Burnmaster" handle is my current favorite.
Raw Handles
Here is what the handles looked like before I covered them.
The silver is an old "Detail Master" handle. The maroon one is a "Burnmaster" handle.
Add McMaster Blue Mesh Sleeve
The first layer of covering is "McMaster Blue Mesh Sleeve".
I purchase a roll of it from McMaster. Cut off a piece with some scissors and then slip it
on.
Note: The spaces in the mesh creates trapped air spaces after the next layer is added.
Trapped air is a good insulator when compared to steel, or water that are easy to heat up. It is
not easy to heat trapped air. Wool shirts and fleece jackets trap air to keep sheep and people
warm.
Add Self Adhesive Bandage Wrap
The second layer of covering is "Amazon 4 inch Self Adhesive Bandage Wrap".
I purchase a roll from Amazon and wrap it over the blue mesh. I wrap it around several times,
until, it is roughly 3/16" thick.
Note: I use to use just the blue mesh. It is good enough for medium heat. Adding a layer
of self adhesive bandage works better with high heat.
Insulated Handles
Here is what the handles look like after I add insulation.
They are nice and soft. They feel great in my hand and don't get to hot.
Materials
Amazon 4 inch Self Adhesive Bandage Wrap
$10 for 9 rolls on 5/25/2026. Same as the more expensive "3M Vetrap" stuff below. Made in the
same Chinese factory?
Better colors! Works good!
Google Amazon Self Adhesive Bandage Wrap 4 Inch X 4 Yards
Self-Adherent Elastic Cohesive Wrap
4″ 3M Vetrap
I purchased a roll of "3M Vetrap" from one of the carving tool suppliers a long time ago. I
like it. It works good. However, $10 per roll was to much, when I needed more.
The above "Amazon 4 inch Self Adhesive Bandage Wrap" is a lot cheaper. Looks, feels and works
like the expensive "3M Vetrap".
McMaster Mesh Sleeves
I like the Blue Mesh Sleeve sold by McMaster.com. McMaster Product # 5969K22 is blue and good for 1/2" to 1" OD
things. $4.00 plus shipping for 10 ft of it, on 3/23/2026.
I can't find anything similar on Amazon with free shipping.
The McMaster stuff is thicker than the "Wire Mesh for Cord Management" stuff they sell on
Amazon and all over the web. Thus it traps more air for more insulating effect.
You can easily cut the McMaster stuff with any scissors or knife. You DO NOT need a hot
knife. i.e. the ends on the Amazon stuff DO NOT fray when you cut it.
Google McMaster 5969K22 Mesh Sleeve 1/2" To 1" OD
Amazon Wire Mesh for Cord Management
Costs less than above "McMaster Mesh Sleeves" with shipping. However, I don't like this
stuff.
It is half the thickness of McMaster mesh. Thus it traps less air. Less insulation?
The ends fray BAD if you cut it with scissors or knife! See next photo. It is OK if you cut
it with a hot
knife. However, most people don't have a hot knife.
Mesh Comparison
You can eaily cut the "McMaster Mesh Sleeve" with any scissors or knife. The ends DO NOT
fray.
You need to cut the "Amazon Wire Mesh for Cord Management" with a hot knife to
avoid the bad fraying of the ends. See photo on right. The left end of the piece in the photo was
cut with scissors. The right end was cut with a hot knife.
The strands in the McMaster mesh are sort of glued together. The strands in the Amazon mesh
are just woven together. They easily come apart, if not melted together by a hot knife.
Great idea Carl! I like to have a hot tip too and it does get uncomfortable after a while. I’ve found the elastic vet wrap at farm supply stores for a lot less than the “human” wrap and you can get it in single rolls.
Excellent solution!!
Thanks Carl.
Excellent solution to a common problem.
Thanks Carl.