When people start their first costume project, a common question we are asked is “what tools do I need?”.
Consider the following list a guide only, not a shopping list! The tools required will vary from project-to-project and it’s likely that you’ll have many of the essential tools sitting in the garage or work shed already.
Also, you’re unlikely to need all of these tools immediately. Building up your toolbox as your needs dictate is significantly friendlier on the bank balance.
General
- Permanent marker - label your tools and the parts of your armour (great for those that have difficulty telling their left from their right)
- Pencil
Cutting and trimming
- Retractable utility knife/plastic scribe - great for score-and-snapping ABS plastic
- Metal rule - not just for measuring, but useful as a guide when you're scoring and snapping plastic
- Tin snips and/or Lexan scissors
- Rotary tool - make sure you get one with a flexible shaft as this offers great control when you're working on fiddly pieces
- Drill
- Sanding blocks
- Sand paper (various grades)
- Files (various)
- Measuring tape
Joining/assembly
- Glue: E6000 and/or CA Glue
- Masking tape – perfect for temporarily strapping pieces of armour together
- Clamps - a good mixture of large/small clamps plus a few with jaws that can span longer distances and work with odd shaped parts
- Rare earth magnets - you can never have enough! Wrap them in masking tape helps prevent them from scratching your plastic, but also keeps them together should they split.
- Duct tape
- Blue tape
- Sew-on or adhesive Velcro (hook-and-loop fastener)
- Needle and thread
Strapping
- Snap Fasteners and punch tool - marine grade snaps work great!
- Hammer – for assembling snaps
- Velcro (heavy duty) - comes on roles with both hook and loop pieces
- Elastic webbing
- Heavy duty polyester cord straps - the kind used for backpacks and camping gear
Safety
- Dust mask
- Respirator
- Gloves
Portability
- Extension cord
- Power board
While strictly not a part of your toolbox, it’s a great idea to print out the Costume Reference Library (CRL) for the costume you’re building along with plenty of high-resolution photos for reference during the build. This will save you having to constantly search on your tablet or phone.
For further advice on the right tools for the job, including brand and supplier recommendations, our members have assembled further information on the Supply Depot - Resources for Building Detachment Costumes thread on the forums.