Monday Matters: What's your favorite tool when your making?

[Former_Member]

Whether you're working on items for your shop or just for fun, do you have a favorite tool that you use or a tool that you've been using consistently for years?

Several years ago, I picked up a small 6-inch metal ruler from Muji. It's the simplest of tools, but I find that I use it all the time for a variety of paper crafts. It's the perfect size to carry around and since it's metal, it stands up to just about anything... except losing it, which recently happened while hosting an Etsy craft night. I'll definitely be making a pitstop at Muji soon.

What's your favorite tool for making?

[Former_Member]

My father passed away recently and being a former woodworker, he loved his tools, a love that he passed down to me.

While going through his things, I came across a foldable wooden ruler. Even though its ancient, it still unfolds to create a perfect straight line. I also have one of his small ball pein hammers that I use almost daily to work on my jewelry, and a small folding knife that he used to carry with him.

Its so nice to have tools that remind me of my father every day. Looking forward to hearing what tools the rest of you use and love. Robert, I love that you're a ruler carrying kind of guy!

[Former_Member]

I absolutely love my collection of Soft Touch crochet hooks from Clover. I make very, very tight stitches when I crochet, which puts a lot of stress on my hands. These hooks provide some much-needed comfort, and they withstand a lot of pressure. I've had the same ones for years and they've never broken!

I also love the needle book that I got from Jessy of the Etsy shop makingjiggy. I was always losing my sewing and embroidery needles before I got it. Now, I don't lose a single one! :)

[laurastark]

I have a pair of Japanese scissors I picked up in an asian market. They were super cheap and super sharp! I use them for all my snips and small cuts.

[Anee]

Of the tools I use more frequently, currently my favorites are a Japanese calligraphy nib holder made of wood with a silicone grip, a set of diamond bits to drill glass, and a 20mm bamboo crochet hook.

With that said, I am a fan of super-specific tools, those you buy knowing that they will only serve a single function. You may not use them that often, but when you do need them... such joy!

My two favorites are a steel erasing shield, and a jig/vise miter cutter.

[JBDRusticOrganic]

I love my 'dremel' (cheaper knock off, but it's great) with flexi shaft and buffing wheel. Just so easy to reach for and polish up whatever beads I'm working on.

[Former_Member]

My Namaste knitting bag. I can fit so much stuff in there, I can actually have three different projects on the go and it looks like a purse. It's great for traveling.

[Former_Member]

This might sound funny but my favorite tool to work with is a good ,old fashioned wooden toothpick. I have tried buying lots of different tools but always go back to my toothpick.

[thatregina]

I have a set of interchangeable circular knitting needles that have carried me through almost every knitting project since they were first given to me. They're beautifully made for the job but I also remember all of my various triumphs and disasters every time I use them!

[Former_Member]

I absolutely adore my Rotring pens for drawing. Their line is 'organic' enough that it looks like a nib pen but without the waiting for it to dry bit!

[AntiqueMee]

I like to use stainless steel dental tools-picks, for many things, repairs, cleaning, crafts and glue :)

[HoneyThistle]

I love my exacto knife :) I don't do a lot of paper crafts, but I use it for a lot of the packaging part of my shop.

I also love one of my paintbrushes with this teeny tiny brush tip that allows me a lot of control and lets me really get into the details when I'm painting.

[LeedsRadio]

I have a Ryobi cordless, key-less drill. The grip on it fits my hand as if it were custom made for me. It's quiet and the speed can easily be throttled from a crawl to full speed.
I love it that there's no chuck key to lose.

[UrbanCoutureJewelry]

I use my dremel more than any other tool I have. Very handy and versatile.

[TheFamilyJewelsWI]

I don't know if you would consider this a tool, but I am a huge lover of sunshine cloths. It is a jewelry polishing cloth. Even on some of my pieces that are not sterling, it does a superior job. I love to sit and polish my jewelry.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

One look at my shop will make it clear: my crochet hook!

Although I use lots of different tools, techniques and materials for the things I create besides my shop inventory.

[StuckOnSilver]

Cold mold to make molds of things I come across! And Precious Metal Clay to put in the mold once it's cured!

[HollyODesigns]

My jewelry tumbler has saved me hours of polishing time! For that reason it's number one. My dremel is a close second.

[miloglass]

I love my glass cutter. I purchased an inexpensive pencil style cutter when I first started stained glass cutters about 15 years ago, I since then purchased a better cutter but I love the way my old one feels in my hand. So I just replace the tip when I need to.

[TwistedKnickersInc]

My Henckels scissors. I have had them for 28 years and have them listed as a member of my shop, as they are so important to me :)

[Former_Member]

My Bethlehem Bravo torch, named Smaug :) Beautiful bushy flame for general work and can really sing when we are pushing it!

got a pic here http://www.untamedrose.com/gallery/image/smaug-bravo-torch