My Tools for Straight Building and Pre Building Preparations

If you notice, the title is "My Tools for Straight Building and Pre Building Preparations" instead of being "Tools for Straight Building etc." The reason for this is because I believe that each builder has their own distinct set of tools. So instead of saying "these are the tools you should have", I'd rather say that "these are the tools that I have". It's up to you whether you would like to imitate my tools setup or would like to have your own. But don't worry, I'll be labeling which tools are essential. 

--TOOLS--

Yeah, I know, it looks like all hell broke loose in this photo. Let's just list out the tools one by one.

(Essential) Side Cutters

Also known as Cutter Pliers, Diagonal Cutters or Snippers. This tool is basically used for cutting out parts from the runners. It can also be used for cutting other stuff such as wires, plastic plates, etc. This is very essential for any builder. It's ok to have a pair, but the more the merrier. This is in case you break one pair, you would still have a replacement. It is best you buy a sharp and thin pair of cutters.

(Essential) Metal File Set

Also known as Diamond File Set or Jeweler's File Set. This is basically used for sanding down nub marks or sprue marks. It is also used for sanding down pla plates or parts for modification. It is best to purchase a set rather than only relying on one file because the different shapes can be useful for any situation. There are smaller files for fitting into tight spaces, and even round files for fitting into round spaces.

(Essential) Hobby Knife / Cutter

This is used for cutting out parts where the sprue length is too short for the side cutters to bite into and might cause stress marks. It can also be used for cutting excess nubs or sprues as well as other things such as pla plates, wires, etc. 

(Essential) Sand Paper

This is used for sanding down nubs as well as finishing. Some builders usually ask which ones are the best to buy. I mainly use 600 grit, 1000 grit and 2000 grit. You can glue these to popsicle sticks or some old nail filing foams. I used the foam I found from the boxes of my PC components. 

Paint Brush

I use this for brushing the residue left from sanding. I don't suggest blowing the part you've sanded to get rid of the residue because there's a huge chance that small parts you've placed on the table or somewhere may be blown away as well. 

Pin Vise

I use this to drill out the female holes where the pegs insert in when they are too tight to fit in. I also use this for other modifications.

Guitar Picks
I use this for disassembling parts when I've accidentally assembled them wrong. I'm sure you're bound to disassemble some parts for certain reasons. I prefer the thin metal ones because they're sturdy and can get in gaps easier due to it being really thin.

A Marker, Scissors and Masking Tape

I use these to label the runners. It makes it easier to find runners when you can immediately see the labels instead of having to look at the embossed labels at the runners.

Cloth

I place this on my lap when building to catch falling parts as well as for wiping my metal files and sandpaper when there is residue buildup.

Pointed Tweezers

I seldom use these but I use these for handling very small parts when my fingers just can't hold these parts anymore.

And I keep them all in my trusty, magic toolbox. It's just magic for some reason :v

--PRE BUILDING PREPARATIONS--

These are some of the things I do in preparation before I start building.

- First, I make sure that I'm in the mood to build Gunpla. If I'm not, I wouldn't even bother trying to start building because I wouldn't want to do things half-heartedly.

- Second, I make sure that I'm calm. I wouldn't want to start building if I was angry or frustrated because that would only reflect during when I'm building and that wouldn't be productive at all.

- Third, I listen to music before and during when build. It helps me get in the mood and calm me down.

- Fourth, I label the runners like so. It just makes it easier for me to see which runners I need since I can see the letters alot easier and quicker.

- Fifth, I alphabetize all the runners in the box. Again, it just makes looking for the runners alot easier.

- Sixth, I always place a cloth on my lap during building so when a part falls, it falls on my lap. I also do this so I can wipe my tools there when I need to.

-Seventh, I clip the manual open using a paper clip so I can see the manual better

So these are my tools that I use as well as preparations that I do before I start building. You don't have to follow exactly what I do but this is just a reference of what you can do. It's up to you to use the tools that you want as well as prepare the things how you want to just as long as it makes you feel comfortable during building.

Once again, as always, thank you for reading and stay tuned for more tutorials!