Everyone knows it’s the finer details that make a model
impressive.
But for fine detail, you need the right tools.
In this post, we’ll go over our favourite model making tools
for your next creative project.
Best Model Making Tools
Here are the essential tools you need for model making, all
made in the UK:
Best Smooth Jaw Pliers for Holding & Gripping Delicate Pieces
Winner: Smooth
Jaw Parallel Pliers
Pros:
- Ideal for holding, gripping and manipulating model
pieces without damage.
- Parallel jaws grip securely along their whole
length.
- Wire can be threaded down throat of plier.
- Jaws case hardened to HRC 57 for durability.
- Available with or without a return spring.
- Zinc-plated handles with detailing for added
grip (also available in comfort grips).
- UK made.
Click
here to check the price
.
| Key Features | Usefulness in Model Making |
|---|---|
| Smooth Jaws | Precise Gripping |
| Flat Nose | Versatility |
| Parallel Jaws | Secure Hold |
| Various Lengths | Adaptability |
| Return Spring | Quick Tasks |
| Comfort Grips | User Comfort |
| Leather Plier Holder | Easy Access |
Best Serrated Jaw Pliers for Extra Grip
Winner: Serrated
Jaw Parallel Pliers
Pros:
- Serrated jaws for improved grip.
- Multi-purpose tool, perfect for holding,
gripping and manipulating.
- Built to last, with a robust construction and
rust-proof finish.
- V-slot to feed and hold wire and rod securely
along jaw length.
- Jaws case hardened to HRC 57 for durability.
- Available with or without a return spring.
- Zinc-plated handles with detailing for added
grip (also available in comfort grips).
Click
here to check the price
.
Best Modelling Side Cutters for Cutting Wire & Plastic
Winner: Diagonal
Cutting Pliers for Hard Wire
Pros:
- HRC 64 induction hardened cutting edges for
exceptional durability and a long service life.
- High leverage – they come with a compound-lever
action that multiplies your hand force by either 18x or 22x, depending on the
size of tool you choose.
- They have a robust, long lasting return spring.
- You can choose between zinc-plated handles for
grip, or softer grips for comfort.
- Ideal for making accurate cuts.
- UK made.
Click
here to check the price
.
Best Modelling End Cutters for Clean Cuts
Winner: End Cutting Pliers for Hard Wire
Pros:
- 14x hand force multiplier – using a
compound-lever action mechanism, they multiply your hand force by 14, creating
a compact, but very powerful cutting tool with minimal hand effort.
- HRC 64 hardened cutting edges for durability and
longevity.
- Long lasting return spring.
- Available in zinc plated handles for better
grip, or soft plastic for comfort.
- The smaller size fits nicely in your hand and
avoids excess weight.
- Ideal for creating clean cuts onto model pieces.
- UK made.
Click
here to check the price
.
Best Safety Ruler
Winner: Metal
Safety Rule
Pros:
- M-shaped profile to protect fingers in the
recessed area.
- High quality stainless steel.
- Easy-to-read scale graduations.
- Available in metric or imperial measurements.
- Ideal for measuring and marking model pieces for
accuracy.
- Use them to accurately measure rigging for scale
model planes.
- UK Made.
Click
here to check the price
.
Other Essential Tools
Here are some other essential tools for model making:
1. Cutting mat – go for a strong cutting pad
to protect your workbench. A dark pad makes it easier to see model pieces on
it.
2. A good knife/blade – a sharp blade can be
really handy for quickly removing nubs or making small adjustments to wooden
models.
3. Tweezers – you should invest in at least
two sizes of tweezers. You will use them on every model project, exceptional
for holding small pieces.
4. Glue – a strong glue is essential for
putting your model together. You will need three types: plastic cement, super
glue and PVA glue (clear drying).
5. Clamps – robust clamps are useful to keep
things together. You can also use bluetac for lighter pieces.
6. Filler – water soluble filler is great
for filling gaps, simply sand it down after it has dried.
7. Scissors – choose a good pair of decal
scissors for cutting our more intricate decals for your models.
8. Tape – masking tape is great for when
you’re painting certain model areas, to prevent any spillage or mistakes
ruining other areas of the model. When painting curved surfaces, choose an elastic
tape that can be stretched across the curve, as it’s more effective.
9. Mixing Pucks – mixing pucks are useful
for pouring your paint out for painting by hand or mixing. Opt for one with a pour
spout, and pair them with a metal stirrer for easy blending.
10. Small Bottles for Custom Blending Paints
– once you’ve got a custom paint blend, you need to keep it in a sealed
container like a bottle. Opt for one with an easy to open screw top for simple
application.
11. Pointed Tip Applicators – small pointed
tip applicators can be used to clean and remove paint from small areas of the
model; great for fine detailing.
12. Brushes – you will need brushes of
multiple sizes for painting your models. Make sure they can be used on all
types of paint, including oil based paints.
13. Files & Sandpaper – you should invest
in several different types of sandpaper, as they’re good for smoothing down
model edges.
What Tools Do You Need for a Scale Model Ship?
The best tools for making a scale model ship are:
1. A knife (with spare blades)
2. Files (multiple sizes)
3. Tweezers (multiple sizes)
4. Small hammer
5. Mini drill
6. Small try square
7. Clamps and pegs
8. Helping Hand
9. White glue
10. Super glue
11. Pencil
12. Cotton buds
13. Files
14. Safety rule
15. Razor tool
What Tools Are Best for Airfix?
The best tools for completing an Airfix set are:
1. Side cutters
2. Tweezers
3. Knife
4. Pin Vice
5. 2mm Drill Bit
6. Finger sander
7. Mini clamp
8. End cutters
Should You Paint a Model Before Assembling?
Whether you should paint a model before or after assembling
depends on the model. If the model contains areas which will be hard to reach
with a paintbrush once assembled, then you should look to paint those areas
first.
Should You Prime Plastic Models?
Yes, you should always prime your plastic models, as it
helps the paint stick and makes the paint job last longer.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best model making
tools.
Feel free to leave a question in the comments, or read some
of our similar articles below:
- What
are the best Wire Cutters?
- Best
Side Cutters
- Best
End Cutting Pliers
- What
are the best Combination Pliers?
- How to cut
hard wire?
- What
are diagonal cutting pliers and what are they used for?