Top 7 Essential Modelling Tools Every Modeller Should Have

Is your kit looking a little empty? Maybe it’s missing something essential. Well, then, let’s go back to the basics and try to find the missing piece, shall we? Here are seven basic modeling tools that every modeler should have in their kit. So what are we waiting for? Let's get right into it!

Summary

  • Top 7 Essential Modeling Tools
  • In Conclusion

Top 7 Essential Modelling Tools

1. NINESTEPS Hobby Knife

NINESTEPS Premium Hobby Knife

NINESTEPS Premium Hobby Knife

This set features a fine, sharp edge perfect for cutting, carving, and slicing odd bits and ends in your model or its parts. The blade is detachable, and each set comes with five spare blades, so you don’t have to worry about running out anytime soon.

Shop NINESTEPS Premium Hobby Knife here

2. NINESTEPS Cutters/Nippers

NINESTEPS Essential Side Cutter

NINESTEPS Essential Side Cutter

Want a cutter that will seal the deal? The NINESTEPS Essential Side Cutter is a versatile tool that is suitable for both novice and advanced modelers. These trusty nippers have double-sided blades that are made of high-quality carbon alloy steel with excellent toughness, coupled with a handle you can comfortably hold and grip in your hand.

Shop NINESTEPS Essential Side Cutter here

NINESTEPS Classic Side Cutter (Slim Jaw)

NINESTEPS Classic Side Cutter (Slim Jaw)

This Classic Side Cutter from NINESTEPS is a go-to when cutting up ABS and rigid polystyrene. Its double-sided blades will ensure that every cut is a clean one, and its long, narrow tip can remove small parts that your average nipper won’t be able to handle. True to NINESTEPS’ high quality, it is made of carbon alloy steel that is forged to give you a sharp edge perfect for your hobby needs.

Shop NINESTEPS Classic Side Cutter here

NINESTEPS Premium Side Cutter

NINESTEPS Premium Side Cutter

This Premium Side Cutter takes the Classic Cutter’s slim jaw to a whole other level. Its super slim jaw is sure to fulfill your precise cutting needs! The cutter's incredibly fine tip has a single blade edge that will cut even the teeniest bit that you want removed cleanly and efficiently.

Shop NINESTEPS Premium Side Cutter here

3. NINESTEPS Paint Brush Set

NINESTEPS Essential Paint Brush Set

NINESTEPS Essential Paint Brush Set

The NINESTEPS Essential Paint Brush Set contains three basic brushes: a Size 1-Round for fine details, a Size 1-Flat, and a Size 3-Flat for covering large areas. Each set of three contains pony hair-bristle paint brushes that are made in Germany, so you know that they are not skimping on quality. 

Shop NINESTEPS Essential Paint Brush Set here

4. NINESTEPS Sanding Block

NINESTEPS Essential Sanding Block Set

NINESTEPS Essential Sanding Block Set

The pack includes the basic grits in two sanding blocks; each block has a mark indicating what grit pair it is. The set has grits of 120, 240, 600, and 800 and can easily be shaped in order to fit even the oddest sanding surfaces.

Shop NINESTEPS Essential Sanding Block Set here

NINESTEPS Sanding Blocks Firm Type

NINESTEPS Sanding Blocks Firm Type

These sanding blocks are stiffer than the Essential Sanding Block Set and include sanding grits of 240, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200. The firm sponge makes them easy to use and allows them to be easily cut down when sanding curves. 

Shop NINESTEPS Sanding Blocks Firm Type here

5. NINESTEPS Paint Clips

NINESTEPS Essential Paint Clips

NINESTEPS Essential Paint Clips

The NINESTEPS Essential Paint Clips are ideal for holding model parts in place while you work on them. The clips are small enough to not be an obstruction when you’re painting and can even be inserted in styrofoam, cardboard, or plastic surfaces. You can avoid using tape and save time cleaning up by keeping paint off surfaces it shouldn't be on with this method.

Shop NINESTEPS Essential Paint Clips here

NINESTEPS Premium Soft Grip Painting Clips

NINESTEPS Premium Soft Grip Painting Clips

Keep things in place while painting with the NINESTEPS Essential Paint Clip! These helpful clips are perfect for holding objects in place while you’re working on a project. The rubber-coated tip will make it easier to grip the material you're working on while ensuring that it won't be damaged in any way. These handy tools can help keep things tidy during any job, big or small!

Shop NINESTEPS Premium Soft Grip Painting Clips here

6. NINESTEPS Tweezers

NINESTEPS Fine Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer

NINESTEPS Fine Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer

NINESTEPS Fine Tip Tweezers are perfect for handling small and delicate pieces you do not want to roll off and never find again. It can also be used for getting into the tiniest spaces and retrieving pieces you normally wouldn’t be able to with a typical tweezer. Its non-slip matte finish makes it easier to grip and will let you work on your project hassle-free.

Shop NINESTEPS Fine Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer here

NINESTEPS XL Flat Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer

NINESTEPS XL Flat Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer

NINESTEPS XL Flat Tip Tweezers are perfect for handling flat parts without fear of losing them to the carpet monster. The flat and shovel-like tip provides good ergonomics for hours of use at the bench, and its non-slip matte finish makes it easier to grip and will let you work on your project hassle-free.

Shop NINESTEPS XL Flat Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer here

NINESTEPS Angled Fine Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer

NINESTEPS Angled Fine Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer

NINESTEPS Angled Tip Tweezers are perfect for getting parts into and out of hard-to-reach places. The curved tip and matte finish supply good ergonomics for hours of use at the bench, and its non-slip matte finish makes it easier to grip and will let you work on your project hassle-free.

Shop NINESTEPS Angled Fine Tip Stainless Steel Tweezer here

7. NINESTEPS Gizmo Tool Set

NINESTEPS Gizmo Tool Set

The NINESTEPS Gizmo Tool Set is a must-have in any tool box, especially in moments that make you wish for a specific type of tool you just can’t put a finger on. The odd shapes of each tool let them work in a multitude of situations. The green tools are firm while the black tools have a flexible, vinyl feel. You can use them for applying glue or putty, for sculpting or stirring, and for a hundred other uses.

Shop NINESTEPS Gizmo Tool Set here

In Conclusion

Having the right tools will make it easier to accomplish your vision, especially when it comes to model-making. These basic tools are a must-have in every modeler's kit, so if you still don’t have them, maybe it's time to shop for some new ones. Who knows, maybe it’s just the thing you need to level up your model-making skills.

Which one’s your favourite? Let us know at hh@hearnshobbies.com.

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GizmoHobby knifeNipperNipper & side cutterPaintPaintingSanding blockSide cutterTweezer