Sons of the Beach Sand Castle and Beach Stuff Shop

Sons of the Beach shop

Got questions? Here are some answers! If you don't find what you are looking for here, feel free to e-mail us!

Questions

Why are you replacing the aluminum handles with plastic?

Are there any steps I can take to increase the longevity of my tools?

Why don't you sell full sets of the aluminum tools?

Why are some tools more expensive than others?

Sons of the Beach Shop FAQ

Why are you replacing the aluminum-handled tools with a plastic-handled version?

The custom sand carving tools we sell have changed a lot over the years as part of an ongoing effort to improve upon some basic designs and offer carving tools that will last longer in adverse conditions and be just a little more difficult to lose than their forerunners. A radical change in the product line isn't a step you take lightly and we personally and exhaustively test every update ourselves before offering them for sale to the general public so that we can be fully certain that each new version is in fact an improvement upon one before it.

So let's talk a little bit about why we are phasing out the aluminum-handled tools to make way for the new plastic-handled models. (Note: the "business ends" of all our custom tools are exactly the same - created from stainless steel and made to last. The only change is in the handles.)

We admit that plastic has a bad name and is usually associated with a cheaper, shoddier version of multiple options. But we think in this case that conventional wisdom simply does not apply. Consider the environment most sand sculpting tools will be subjected to, which includes moisture and salt - a recipe for corrosion even in the best of circumstances.

Our old style aluminum tools compounded this problem by putting two unlike metals in contact with one another, a cause of "galvanic corrosion". You can clearly see the results in the photo showing the state of a tool (exhibit A) that has spent a season or two in my "lesson bag." On the old-style tools, the "less-noble" metal (the knurl connecting the business end to the handle) over time tends to split and separate, eventually rendering the tool useless.

extreme closeup... this tool is very close to the end of its usefulness

After a year's worth of abuse, this tool shows no signs of corrosion

We suspect that tools that are rinsed with fresh water and dried after every use might indeed last a lot longer - but we will cheerfully admit that we are simply not that conscientious so we go through these tools at a fairly alarming rate. Which is why we asked our "tool guy" Gary Cecil to come up with an alternative handle that would be more durable in the adverse conditions these tools will in all likelihood be exposed to.

The plastic handles are what he came up with and we are extremely pleased with them. We have been using the prototypes in our personal tool bags and in the backyard sandbox for over a year now (exhibit C is one such tool - exhibit D is a brand new tool) and can see no appreciable degradation in spite of constant exposure to the elements. The tools with the plastic handles are simply going to last longer, period.

That would be reason enough for the upgrade, but there are other reasons why we find the plastic handled tools preferable. First is the weight factor: The plastic is noticeably lighter. When you drop an old-style tool into the dry sand it can disappear very quickly, while the lighter tools tend to surf on the surface. Furthermore, we find the faceted plastic handle is easier to grip and hold steady. Finally, the color coded handles make it easier to find the exact tool you are looking for. After just a little bit of time with them, you will quickly begin associating the color with the tool and instead of having to pull out all of the custom tools to find that elusive tiny trowel, you will just reach for the bright yellow handle.

Other than rinsing and drying after each use, are there any other steps I can take to increase the longevity of my tools?

A piece of electrical tape wrapped around the knurl can't hurt, nor can a dab of paint. We have also used liquid nails to seal the connection (exhibit B). The results weren't "pretty" but we are pretty sure that tools treated thusly will truly outlast our frail, organic selves.

Why don't you sell full sets of the aluminum tools?

Because we want to encourage people to buy the new sets, silly! ;-) You may still purchase a full set of the aluminum handled tools a la cart from here.

And why are some tools more expensive than others (i.e. the diamond tools is $5 and the tiny trowel is only $3.50)?

Over the years, some of the custom tools have proven to be more popular than others with our buyers, so we have sold more of them as part of the starter plus set. Since these are close-out items, we are more interested in selling the models that we have more of, so they are less expensive. Let me just add here that as a professional sand sculptor I use every single one of these tools with great regularity. Each has its own purpose and it is my fondest hope that this pricing structure will encourage our site visitors to give these less-popular tools a try.

see photos of the SoB Tools in action - here!