FREQUENTLY  ASKED  QUESTIONS

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WHAT IS THE ATLAS HANDLE?

The Atlas Handle is a modular miniature painting handle designed to improve control, comfort, and precision. It combines the ergonomics of a traditional painting handle with pin-vice–style mechanics, making it ideal for both fully assembled models and sub-assembly painting.

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WHAT IS THE ATLAS HANDLE DESIGNED TO SOLVE?

Traditional painting handles limit access to small parts and awkward angles. The Atlas Handle:
• Reduces hand and wrist fatigue
• Allows controlled 360° rotation
• Enables secure sub-assembly painting
• Lets you drill and paint without switching tools

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WHAT COMES WITH THE ATLAS HANDLE?

Each Atlas Handle includes:
• Atlas Handle body (outer shell)
• Rotating grip assembly
• Internal shaft and chuck mechanism
• Bottom cap
• Removable magnetic top cap
• Drill Bit Attachment

Additional caps, drill bits, and accessories are available separately.

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WHAT ARE THE PARTS CALLED AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

Atlas Handle Outer Shell
The main outer shell you hold while painting. Ergonomically shaped for stability and long sessions.

Rotating Grip  
Allows smooth 360° rotation so you can turn the model without twisting your wrist.

Internal Shaft & Chuck  
A pin-vice–style tightening system that securely grips drill bits, pins, or wire.

Drill Bit Attachment  
Used to hold pinned model parts or drill bits for sub-assembly painting.

Removable Magnetic Top Cap  
A flat metallic surface for magnet-mounted models or temporary placement.

Bottom Cap  
Seals the handle and helps balance it comfortably in the hand.

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DOES THE ATLAS HANDLE REQUIRE ASSEMBLY?

No. The Atlas Handle ships fully assembled.

To swap components:

1. Unscrew the bottom cap
2. Remove The Inner Shaft
3. Unscrew and remove top cap
4. Unscrew and remove rotator grip

No tools required.

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HOW DOES THE ATLAS HANDLE WORK DURING PAINTING?

You hold the outer shell while turning the rotator grip which rotates the inner shaft allowing you to reposition the model smoothly without moving your hand, improving brush control and reducing fatigue.

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ATTACHING MODELS USING DRILL BITS?

1. Loosen Top Cap and insert 3mm drill bit
2. Push drill bit all the way down into chuck and tighten the top cap.
3. Grip the outer shell with your thumb and fore-finger on the rotator grip.
4. Press drill bit into model and turn the Rotator Grip clockwise. 

Ideal for heads, arms, weapons, banners, and other sub-assemblies.

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CAN I DRILL DIRECTLY INTO MY MODEL? 

Yes. The chuck mechanism allows you to drill directly into models like a traditional pin vice, without switching tools. Choose areas of your model that will be hidden when attached to drill.

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WHAT DRILL BITS ARE COMPATIBLE?

• 3mm shank
• Minimum 1mm drill bit size

Using incompatible drill bits may result in poor grip or damage.

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HOW DO I ATTACH DRILL BITS OR OTHER ADD-ONS?

1. Loosen the top cap
2. Insert the drill bit or attachment through the hole in the top cap. Push in all the way. 
3. Tighten top cap until drill bit/attachment is secure

IMPORTANT:
Do NOT leave drill bits installed when not in use. Drill bits are fragile and can break easily if dropped.

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HOW DO I USE THE MAGNETIC TOP CAP?

The removable top cap features a metallic surface designed for magnet mounting.

• Use 3mm × 6mm magnets or larger for 32mm-based models
• Smaller magnets may not provide sufficient holding strength
• Glue the magnet securely into the model base before mounting

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LEAVING MODELS ATTACHED WHEN I’M NOT PAINTING?

Always remove models from the handle when finished to avoid accidental drops, bumps, or damage.

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MODEL SIZES?

Optimized for:
• 25mm–60mm miniature bases
• Small to medium sub-assemblies

Larger or heavier models may require Drilling or stronger magnets.

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IS THE ATLAS HANDLE SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

Yes. The Atlas Handle is intuitive for beginners while enabling advanced techniques for experienced painters.

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STORING THE ATLAS HANDLE AND DRILL BITS?

Dedicated storage solutions are currently in development and will be released on the website over the coming weeks.

Until then:
• Store drill bits separately in Styrofoam or brush rack
• Do not leave drill bits installed in the handle

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WHERE CAN I BUY REPLACEMENT PARTS OR ACCESSORIES?

Additional caps, drill bits, and accessories will be available at in the upcoming weeks:
https://www.beaconhobbies.com

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HOW DO I CONTACT SUPPORT?

For questions or support:
contact@beaconhobbies.com

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UP-TO-DATE INSTRUCTIONS?

This FAQ is always kept current at:
https://www.beaconhobbies.com/faq

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