Modeling instruments and tools

Models, of course, need to be assembled. Therefor, in comes the question of which tools are best to use for model building. Keep in mind, there are thousand of choices out there when it comes to various modeling implements so I'm not going to be able to cover them all.

1) The Cuticle Trimmers:

What? Use an everyday household item for modeling? Preposterous! Actually, I have come to find that the cuticle trimmers are among the most useful pieces of equipment in my model kit arsenal. They are effective at getting pieces out of the plastic framework when starting model kits and have limited value as line trimmers. Though it does take a little practice to use them masterfully, I find them indispensable in my building.

2) The X-Acto-Knife:

By far one of the most important modeling tools is the x-acto-knife. With a razor sharp steel blade, the x-acto is perfect for smoothing edges, trimming excess, and fine detailing. The x-acto also has limited value as a cutting agent in instances where the cuticle clippers are too large or bulky to effectively use. I say limited as the x-acto does not possess a serrated edge meaning that it's over all cutting/ sawing abilities are fairly limited. BE WARNED: x-acto-knives are incredibly sharp. One must use the utmost caution and control in there use. One slip and you can get a nice little cut on any unfortunate finger that happened to get in the way.

3) The Tweezers:

I can't even begin to express how much of a useful pain in the butt these things are. They are essential for smaller part installation, however, are a pain in the rear to use. I have lost far too many small pieces to a slip by my tweezers. Despite my love hate relationship with them, you have to have them if you want to install small pieces.

4) The small pocket knife:

This is more an optional piece of equipment than a necessary one. The pocket knife serves as an intermediate between the cuticle clippers and the x-acto-knife, possessing qualities of both. It's biggest downside is it's large and bulky blade which makes it difficult for use with small parts and the ease to accidentally over apply force. However, the serrated edge that it possess makes it valuable for cutting/ sawing larger pieces. It's really more of a novelty item, but one that I enjoy using.