Rose Brand T-Handle Allen Wrench

The 5/16th hex key, or Allen wrench, is com-monly used to lock decks or road cases with Coffin or Dual Lock latches tightly. We like the open end models (as pictured) because they double as a wing-nut wrench. Price: $8

More Info: plsn.me/T-Handle

Staging Dimensions Back Saver

The Backsaver is a 36-inch-tall, 3/4-inch steel construction device with a 5/16-inch Allen key. It allows you to lock or unlock stage decks while standing, eliminating the need to continuously bend down to lock decks. Price: $75

More Info: plsn.me/BackSaver

Stanley Wonder BarNot every tool box can fit a crowbar, but

everyone can fit a wonder bar. It can be used to pry most things apart, other than a stage deck. Price: $8.49

More Info: plsn.me/StanleyWB

Weller Pro Piezo Kit Cordless P2KC Soldering Kit

A cordless soldering iron with various tips and heat levels. Something one can use while up on a truss or in a tight hole in the stage. Best bang for the buck. MSRP: $79.40; Street: $50

More Info: plsn.me/Weller

Zukvye Super Bright 5 LED 8000 Lumen Headlamp

The ultimate in brightness, this zoomable waterproof CREE LED Head mounted flashlight blows the others away for sheer output. Re-chargeable or Battery operated. Price: $25.85

More Info: plsn.me/Zukvye

And, of course…Gold BondBest fast relief for gig butt. Old electrician’s

trick: If you’re looking at a big pile of spaghetti cables, sprinkle some of this all over the pile. The cables will disengage and separate with less re-sistance when pulled. Priceless (or $6.97 at any reputable pharmacy).

More Info: goldbond.com

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Hand Tools

52 MARCH 2018 • plsn.com plsn.com • MARCH 2018 53

BUYERSGUIDE

Having the ultimate set of hand tools can make you the most popular tech on a tour. It also means you will constantly be updating your kit with newer models as you replace the tools that were permanently borrowed, as well as all the expend-ables (screws, rivets, tape) exhausted. PLSN reached out to several online forums to ask what tool was their most indispensable. Number one by a mile was the crescent wrench. (Also known as the C-wrench, the spanner and the AJ). Second was gaff tape, because as we all know, 95 percent of all stage problems can be fixed with a roll of gaffa. Below is a list of the most popular tools mentioned, how much they cost, and where to order one.

By NookSchoenfeld

BTG is Lighting Done Right:

A Complete Line of Lamps & Production Expendables for: Film, Video, Television, Theatre, Concert, Nightclub,

Themed Entertainment at www.bulbtronics.com

LampsMoving Light Lamps, Theatrical

Lamps, LCD/DLP Projection, TV & Film Lamps

BatteriesAA, AAA, C, D, 9V, Alkaline, Lithium,

Rechargeable

ExpendablesGaffer Tape, Electrical Tape,

Sash Cord & Tie Line

GobosGlass, Metal, Custom, Holders,

Stock Gobos

Color FiltersGel / Diffusion, Sheets, Rolls,

Sleeves, Panels

Electrical SuppliesStage Pin, Twist Lock, Cam Type,

Edision Type, Multi-Pin, Powercon, Assemblies

Lighting FixturesLed Lighting, Work Lights,

Moving Lights, Followspots, LED Panels, Stage Lighting Fixtures

Distribution Centers in: NY, FL, NV, CAEmail us: sttv@bulbtronics.com

For more info call 1-800-227-2852 www.bulbtronics.com

Altman Stagehand/Star Wrench

Cutouts in the body fit all the bolts on the Al-tman C-clamp and lamp. The “star” fits the older version metal handles on lekos and par cans. Price: $15.20

More Info: plsn.me/AltmanWrench

Apollo Design Focus WrenchThis versatile focusing wrench is designed

specifically for the lighting professional. The wrench’s many openings help quickly tighten or loosen clamps and fixtures, lock the tilt, move lights, open road cases and many other tasks. Apollo offers several models. Shown here is the Little Focus 6 wrench Price: $33.95. Personalize your wrench for an extra $25.

More Info: plsn.me/ApolloWrench

Aurosports 30x60 Folding Binoculars Telescope with Low Light Night Vision

Looking for an error message on a light or checking to see if it has power? Checking for twisted shackles and bumping rigging points an inch. Or just for people watching. These come in handy. Price: $24.95

More Info: plsn.me/AurosportsBinoculars

Clearwing Source Four Par Lens Removal Tool

If you’ve ever struggled changing a lens in a par fixture, this tool can make your job a whole lot easier Price: $5

More Info: plsn.me/ClearwingS4

Dirty Rigger Multi ToolThis multi-tool from Dirty Rigger is simple, yet

extremely effective and indispensable. 14 sepa-rate tools are instantly available with this one tool, each of which have been designed around some of the most common needs in the profes-sional rigging industry. Price: $17.95

More Info: plsn.me/DirtyRiggerMultiTool

Estwing LatthammerThe single-claw head design along with its bal-

ance and durability has made it the preferred tool for erecting scaffolding. The Estwing Latthammer is forged out of a single piece of steel, giving it unparalleled strength and durability while also making it perfectly balanced. Price: $40.95

More Info: plsn.me/Estwing

GaffGunThe GaffGun makes easy work of taping down

trip hazards. It is by far the most ergonomic way to lay tape. Get your employees off their knees and reduce back strain. Price: $269

More Info: plsn.me/GaffGun

Gerber Center Drive Multi ToolThe innovative center-axis driver opens to

align like a real screw driver, yielding maximum torque and rotation. One-thumb opening slid-ing jaws. Many techs love their Leatherman. But I have never met one, who when shown the Ger-ber model, would prefer the Wave. Price: $104

More Info: plsn.me/GerberGear

Greenlee Tick TracerSafely detects AC voltage without touching

the bare conductor. Use to detect voltage in outlets, lighting fixtures, wires and cables.

More Info: plsn.me/Greenlee

Klein 11-in-1 Screwdriver/Nutdriver

Looking for that one screwdriver that will take care of 80% of your needs without going back to your tool box? Precision machined tip designed for combination head screws, in-cludes three nut driver sizes (1/4-inch, 5/16-inch and 3/8-inch) and #1 and #2 slotted, square and Phillips tips. Price: $19.43

More Info: plsn.me/KleinTools

Klein Ratcheting Cable Cutter

For cutting copper wire up to 600 MCM and aluminum wire up to 750 MCM. This cutter fea-tures a hold-open spring that allows for rapid cutting while the quick-release lever permits the blade to open as the tool is being used. Need to trim your 4/0 tails? Price: $201

More Info: plsn.me/KleinRCC

Komelon Metric/Imperial Open Reel Engineers Long Tape Measures

100-foot reel that can read both imperial and metric settings. Quick winding, fiberglass coated line. Price: 14.95

More Info: plsn.me/Komelon

KRE Camlok WrenchKRE Cam Wrench is made of durable high-

strength cast aluminum so it’s lightweight, allowing individuals working with cam type connectors to avoid repetitive stress and apply leverage when rotating cam connectors. Price: $59

More Info: plsn.me/KRE-Cam

Leica DistoTruss tapes are old school. Any serious

lampie owns a Disto for figuring out distanc-es between two points and trimming trusses. They make an affordable model that sells at any Home Depot. $80 for 130-foot model

More Info: plsn.me/Leica-Disto

The Light Source Mongo Wrench

The Mongo Wrench is a massive wrench, machined out of solid aircraft aluminum bil-let. The Mongo-Combo wrench will fasten ev-erything a Mega-Combo Wrench can plus the Mega-Coupler Nut, other coupler wing nuts (and a bottle opener!) Size: 1 by 9 inches. Price: $30-45

More Info: plsn.me/Mongo

Marlin SpikeOften referred to as a Knotter’s tool or drift

pin. Good for lining up truss bolt holes, braid-ing rope, untying knots and prying. Price: Any-where from $20- 100 for a good one.

More Info: marlinspike.com

Mountain Productions 4-in-1 Podger Ratchet

Podgers are used for erecting scaffolding and steel scenery. Dirty Rigger has created a multi-functional Podger Ratchet, featuring 4 tools in one. This tool has 4 socket sizes - 15/16-inch hex, 3/4-inch hex, 7/8-inch hex, and 1/2-inch square. Price: $48

More Info: plsn.me/Podger

Pocket PickleNeed a handy pickle? Single piece, milled

ABS back shell. Recessed up/down switch. Carabiner belt clip included. Fits into the palm of your hand. The perfect tool for any rigger. Price: $70

More Info: plsn.me/PocketPickle

Lights made for use in film and TV production

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