Handy Tools

As a theatre technician, there are some tools that I carry around my waist most of the time. Pictured above is my standard rig. I used to have a bum bag with me all the time, but since a couple of years ago, I've favoured using a military type utility belt. This type of belt allows me to configure my kit to suit different situations and jobs. For example, in the picture above, I've got a Domke pouch attached to the belt in the picture above. That's my flying and rigging kit inside. Sometimes, it can be a RJ Espion DMX512 tester or a Leica DistoLite laser meter. It really depends on what I'm doing. The other great thing about using a utility belt such as this is the ability to put it on and remove it quickly and because it's not part of your pants, it doesn't cause your pants to fall down!

There are two tools that I find indispensable in the technical industry. It's my utility tool and my flashlight. I will always have these two items on me all the time during work and I strongly encourage everyone in this industry to get both of these items.

I started with the Leatherman MiniTool, Super Tool, PST, Wave and Charge XTi. There are many other brands out there - Gerber, Victorinox, Buck, etc. The thing that I really like about the latest Leatherman tools are their positive grip. There's no play at all when you're using the pliers. I currrently carry a Wave and Charge XTi. Features that are used most often are the pliers, scissors, mini and Phillips head screwdrivers.

With flashlights, I started with the Mini Maglite in 1990. I currently carry a Pelican M6 LED as my main light and a Streamlight TwinTask 1L as a backup. In this industry, you're usually working either in the dark or low light conditions so a light is absolutely crucial especially if you've got to fix something backstage in the middle of a show. The TwinTask has both LED and a Xenon bulb inside. The LED is great for showtime when you just want a good even wash without a distracting beam. I use rechargeable CR123s with these lights.

In my Domke pouch are a variety of tools - I got my trusty electrical screwdriver, a mini screwdriver kit with both straight edged and Phillips heads, one small Bahco adjustable wrench, one extra wide Bahco adjustable wrench, one Bahco ratchet wrench fitted with a M8 socket and a Visegrip tool. This particular kit is heavy; I only carry this when I'm doing flying and rigging work and assembling sets. Because they're all in a pouch, it's easy to just put it on in a jiffy when I need these set of tools.

Different people will have different preferences and opinions on various tools mentioned here; I'm just stating what works for me and hopefully, that will give an insight into some of the toys that is commonly used in this industry.