The Model Makers Arsenal: Tools That Bring Scale Models to Life - Part 1

A Sample of the many tools used by scale model makers

Tools are essential for scale modelers because they enable precision, efficiency, and quality in every build. From hobby knives and tweezers to airbrushes and sanding sticks, each tool serves a specific purpose, ensuring components are cut, shaped, and assembled accurately. Tools help reduce errors, save time, and improve the final appearance of models. They also allow for delicate detailing, essential in replicating real-world objects in miniature form. Without the right tools, even the most skilled modeler can struggle to achieve professional results. Ultimately, the right tools transform ideas into finely crafted, realistic looking subjects.

With that being said, I thought the topic of tools was a great place to transition into. Obviously, you need tools for the hobby, but what tools? How do you know if you need that special, shiny and new tool just begging to be pulled from behind your LHS (local hobby shop) glass case. In the next few posts Ill be describing the tools I use at my bench, and some I dont. Yet! But let us first start what I believe to be the basics.

Aoshima Snap Kit

Technically, for young hobbiest starting out, you dont need tools. With well made snap kits like those coming from Aoshima, you can build a pretty decent model car without using any tools. They dont even use decals, they use stickers.

But the minute you step away from something that basic, you need at least a basic set of tools to get the job done. And thats where the first post in this series starts.

The Basics:

If a snap kit is skill level 1, then the list of tools below would be for skill level 2. I'm sure the list of necessary tools will vary with every builder, and change as the skill level increases, but the list below is what I feel is the required standard tools for any scale model builder looking to build your typical model kit out of the box. Once we get through our series on tools, we can move to supplies like glues, paints, tape etc.

Our first tool is Side cutters, also called nippers, or sprue cutters. Usually the first tool I grab when starting a new kit. Unlike when we were kids, and we just twisted off parts from the parts trees, serious builders want the parts removed from their trees as clean as possible. Using a nice set of side cutters allows builders to get a more precise cut, which results in a better looking final product.

The Tamiya cutters I have run about $28 brand new, however are not necessary when starting out. My first pair of side cutters was a $5 tool I bought back in like 2003 and they saw plenty of use. It will get the job done, but will require more clean up after. The opposite end of that scale is probably the set from a company called God Hand, and those can run upwards of $60. For me, the Tamiya falls into that sweet spot in the middle of reasonable price, and works great. Ive had this set for for about 5 years and they are still very sharp.

The next tool on my list is the Hobby Knife. Some refer to any of these as Xacto knives, but Xacto is a brand not the actual name of a tool. There are several different types of hobby knives used when assembling a kit. The photo below shows the three most used knives in my kit. However, you can get away with just one when starting out.

Hobby Knives

The standard #11 (center knife in photo above) blade in any handle will get you very far. Having different types of knives just depends on the user. Im sure a highly skilled builder can produce contest winning builds with just a #11. For me the #11 is the general use blade. Scraping flash off parts, opening the bags when you first crack open a new kit, cutting masking tape stuff like that. The Tamiya knife in the center will run you about $16 on Amazon. I prefer its larger diameter, and rubber grip to the standard Xacto. On a budget, or just starting out you can grab a Xacto or Fiskars for $6-8. Fiskars actually makes a nice blade holder similar to the Tamiya for $8 Im just a Tamiya fan boy so I use that. The surgical blade you see on the right is strictly reserved for decals, metal foil or anything needing precise cut lines. These you can find in packs of 10 and they come out to like $1 each. I have a Brother & Sister who work in the medical field so they bring these home for me. You dont use these a lot, but having a super sharp blade is important. The blade on the far left is Mr Hobby 30 degree blade. I use this for cleanup of parts once removed from the parts tree. Anything the side cutters didnt remove. Not mandatory, but I think an important tool regardless. At $9 it wont break your bank. Also, you can always purchse one knife handle, and swap blades saving you money. However, at a certain point you will want to be able to just swap tools, instead of removing and reinstalling blades to save you time. Do whatever works best for your situation.

The last tool on my basic tools is a paint brush. Now obviously these come in all types of shapes sizes and quality. Ill be the first to admit, I am not very knowledgable on the different materials and what makes a brush high quality or low. Obviously the white handled plastic bristle testors brushes we all used as kids is low quality, but where do you go from there? I used to lean towards the natural hair brushes vs synthetic. The synthetic never seemed to do well for me, but that could be beause of a lack of experience or skill on my part. However, after trying the sysnthetic brushes by Tamiya I may be changing my opinion. They work well with their acrylic line of paints, which is what I use them for like 95% of the time.

I will include an Amazon affilaite link below with all of these products, including the Tamiya HF 3 brush set I use all the time. I did add one additional brush to the set which is actually pictured above. Its a fine point brush for smaller detail painting. It is not required but comes in handy. If you had to choose just one brush to save money, I would go with a 0 or 1 size round or a 0 sized flat. That being said, Im pretty impressed with the Tamiya's 3 brush set and as of this blog post you can get it for $9. I dont even use the larger brush for painting, but its super handy for dry brushing and applying weathering. A Topic we will get into at a later date.

The last thing I will mention is glue. Its part tool, part supplies. But you cant build skill level 2 kits or higher without it so I am including it in my basic tools kit. There are also several different types of glues. However, for the sake of building a small tool box to build I would consider CA Glue the go to if you could only choose one. Specificaly in the medium format. I also always try and find the smaller sizes if possible. the 1/2 oz is what I choose. CA Glue (and we will cover this in more detail later) has a shelf life. I dont build enough to buy large bottles. Even though the smaller bottles is not as cost effective, I dont throw them out with glue left in the bottle because I didnt use it quick enough. If you have to purchase the 1 oz or larger bottles, jsut keep it in a cool dry place to help extend the life. Plus CA is a well rounded glue you can use all over the house.

BSi's Super-Gold+ is my got to for Ca Glue

So there you have it. The bare minimum. All that I think you need to create some very nice, display case worthy model kits.

A pair of sprue cutters, a hobby knife, a paint brush and a bottle of glue. In my next post we will expand on these 4 items, showing more options. We will also dive into painting tools.

I have also listed Amazon affilaite links to the tools mentioned above. If you purchase through these links, I do get a small commission, but I would not, and never will advertise for a tool or product I do not use myself. All of the photos depicting the tools advertised, are my own photos because I own all those tools and like them very much.

Happy building!

Amazon affiliate links:

GSI Creos – MT701 Mr. Craft Knife https://amzn.to/43Ox4AQ 

Tamiya Sharp Pointed Side Cutter No. 123 https://amzn.to/4kyFvYg 

Tamiya Series No.98 Modeler's Knife PRO Model https://amzn.to/43SRY1P

Tamiya Modeling Brush Set Hi Finish https://amzn.to/4l5hVCu 

BSi Super-Gold+ Ca glue https://amzn.to/4jTnaEj

ZERRO Cutting Mat Self Healing Pro Dbl Side https://amzn.to/4kKI3Ts