It's best to use a hinge -- a small strip of thin plastic with gum on one side. Unlike tape or glue, hinges let you peel the stamp off the page without damaging it. Hinges come either folded or unfolded. Here's how to use a folded hinge:

1. Moisten the short end of the hinge lightly. Press it to the back of the stamp, placing the fold about 1/8 inch from the top of the stamp.

2. Place the stamp in the album and press down to secure it.

3. Using your tongs, gently lift the corners of the stamp to make sure it's not stuck to the page.

Instead of a hinge, you can insert the entire stamp into a mount - a small, clear plastic sleeve. Mounts are more expensive than hinges, but they protect stamps from air, dirt and moisture.