Thread: What tools does every prop builder need?

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So, I made a FCG, my first ever Halloween prop this year! (I seriously am like overjoyed at that, you know no clue how happy that makes me...kinda sad actually, but anyways...)

So, what are some basic tools that you'll need for every prop (especially beginning prop building) .... of course I live in an 2 bed/2 bath apartment so like a tablesaw is not going to fit.

...also any recommendations on some other props good for beginners are much appreciated.

beer
beer
and more beer

-PB

Originally Posted by ChangedReality

So, what are some basic tools that you'll need for every prop (especially beginning prop building) .... of course I live in an 2 bed/2 bath apartment so like a tablesaw is not going to fit.

You'll need someone with a good workshop you can take over.
(only partially kidding)

Seriously though: a Dremel (or other good rotary tool). Small, lots of great bits and attachments for many uses and projects.
Hot glue gun is very helpful.


For a prop? Perhaps you can try working with paper mache - many possibilities on what you can make, doesn't take tools, and the result can be just so damn rewarding.

A good set of Tin Snips, from cutting steel to plastic they go through everything. Router for carving foam, decent soldiering set-up for repair and creation of simple circuits. And a friend with a real shop, like lathes, mills and welding capabilities. Since you don't have room, take over or use your buddies room.

Adding to the list of excellent items above -

PVC Cutter (about $20 at Home Depot)
Sand Paper
Trigger Grip for spray paint (Like this one)
Old dollar store wooden spoons (stirring paint, mache, etc)
And the mixer attachment for your drill - mixing monster mud. Couldnt live without it.

I grabbed the stuff in my workshop that I consider essential:



Workbench
Fan to dry stuff faster
Yard ruler
Paint brushes
Cups for mixing paint
Drylok (latex) for sealing outdoor tombstones
Box of twine rope
Jigsaw
Glue gun
Dremel with multi-purpose cutting attachment and all the other bits
12' ruler
Cordless drill with hole size finder
Hearing protection
Eye protection
Face mask
Paper towels
Caulking gun
Scissors
Steak knife (you wouldn't believe how useful that is!)
Zip ties (small, medium and large)
Wire cutters (GOOD ONE!)
Needle nose pliers
Stanley SureForm Shaver (for foam shaping)
Hammer
Wire
Hooks
Drywall screws (coarse thread, all sizes - these are great utility screws)
Quick Grip clamps (large and small)
Duck tape

Originally Posted by propboy

beer
beer
and more beer

-PB

Yeah that! LOL and...

brad nailer
glue gun
chop saw
galvanized wire
wire cutters
disposible flat stick thingy packages from HL "tounge depressors"
disposible cheap multi package art brushes from HL

...and band-aids.

I think terra's pic covers almost all of it.

I had to pick top 5 hand tools:

pvc cutters (up to 1.5")
cordless drill with drill bits
tin snips
needle nose pliers
dremel tool

Great suggestions! I've gotta admit, I feel kinda weird... I'm putting alot of this stuff down on my Christmas list...Christmas list stuff so that I can make Halloween stuff, that's perfectly normal, right? haha