Foam rubber sleeves for the perfect grip

Not all adjusting screws on a telescope are easy to operate when wearing gloves. But we have a tip from a heating engineer.

We all know the problems caused by freezing temperatures combined with relatively small-sized buttons and knobs on our telescopes. Especially on cold winter nights or when dew causes damp conditions. Add the need to wear gloves into the mix, and the handling of adjustment elements can become very difficult and be something of a lottery. The knobs are small, cold, or slippery. So, what can we do? Replacing them with suitable and more grippy components from third-party manufacturers is only possible in exceptional cases. If you’re lucky maybe you have access to a 3D printer and can create something.

My solution: a plumber can provide foam rubber sleeves, which are usually found wrapped around heating pipes for insulation. They are available in many sizes and cost next to nothing. You can cut them to the appropriate length and slip them over the telescope knobs, thereby providing a perfect grip. You do not even need to glue them. They are never freezing cold, can be removed quickly and without a trace, and do not fluff.

And most importantly: you do not need to carry out any complicated modifications to your expensive and loyal device. I see this as a quick, simple, and cheap solution.

Author: Wolfgang R. Wiesinger / License: Oculum Verlag GmbH

Alternatively, you can find a large selection of adjusting screws and knobs in our shop