19 Essential Tools for Every Film Set Grip
Posted on: Oct 02, 2025
Photo Credit: Poweroffforever | iStockPhotosIf you want to know who the unsung problem-solvers on a film set are, look to the grips. They’re always moving lights around, quietly lurking, ready to leap with a single word from the director of photography when a change is needed. They safely rig lights, secure gear and yell “Points” as they’re moving through set. So, what empowers these superheroes?
Key Insights
- A well-stocked tool kit is what empowers a grip to be an effective problem-solver on a film set.
- The tools in a grip’s kit are not just for basic tasks but are crucial for safety and efficiency on set.
- A grip’s toolkit is a personalized and evolving collection that reflects their experience and specialty.
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1. Adjustable Wrench (C-Wrench)
This is the one tool you must have. It’s an adjustable wrench that can be used for tightening and loosening bolts, baby pins and rigging gear. You may even see it worn on a lanyard or belt, so it’s always close. A comfortable grip will make a huge difference, and somewhere in the 8-10 inch range is probably what you want. You might want to put some glow tape on it, so you can always find it in the dark shadows.
2. Multi-Tool
A decent multi-tool is great for anyone to have on set. They’re useful for production assistants, the art department, camera and grips. It can be really handy, and brand name favorites are really durable.
3. Tape Measure
When you’re rigging and positioning, precise measurements can be really important. A standard 25-foot tape with strong standout is best to keep it from collapsing mid-air.
4. Flashlight or Headlamp
Film sets can be pretty dark, or grips are often sent into the night to set up lights. A powerful flashlight can be really useful, but headlamps leave your hands free. Think compact, rechargeable and bright enough to cut through blackout curtains or night exteriors.
5. Gloves
Get yourself a good pair of heat-resistant gloves. They help you handle hot lights and protect you from rough metal or blisters, since you’re always moving heavy stands. Leather-palmed gloves with breathable backs are common on set.
6. Ratchet and Socket Set
If you can spare the time and space, a full ratchet set gets the job done faster and with more torque than your wrench. A compact set with standard film-industry sizes (⅜”, ½”) will do.
7. Allen Key/Hex Key Set
Hex and allen screws are pretty common on gear. From securing camera rigs to tightening specialty clamps, hex keys come in handy all the time. You’ll want a set on a ring, or folding set so they don’t scatter across your bag.
8. Safety Cables
Every grip kit should include multiple safety cables for securing lights, stands or anything rigged overhead. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and could prevent a serious accident.
9. Gaffer Tape
Gaffer tape is almost like a fabric tape. It is strong, but usually leaves no residue. It can wrap or tape down cables, create marks on a floor, be used to fix a tear, or even go over lights to create slits. Keep at least one black roll in your kit, and consider adding white or colored rolls for labeling and visibility. It can be expensive, so hold it tight.
10. Paper Tape
Unlike gaffer’s tape, paper tape is low-tack and perfect for marking talent positions (spikes) or labeling gear. A few rolls in bright colors are common. You can put all your rolls of tape on a circle of rope you can sling over your shoulder or a cart handle.
11. Spring Clamps (A-Clamps)
Spring clamps are the grip department’s version of duct tape: endlessly useful. Use them to secure gels, hold bounce cards, or rig quick fixes. Having a handful of 1″, 2″, and 3″ clamps in your kit is standard.
12. C-47s (a.k.a. Clothespins)
These are used to attach gels to barn doors or to flag off small areas of light. They’re basic wooden clothespins, but every grip and electric carries them in a pouch. They’re used more than you would think.
13. Utility Knife
Make sure you have a utility knife with retractable blade for cutting tape, zip ties, gels or opening boxes.
14. First Aid Basics
It’s smart to carry a few personal basics like Band-Aids, ibuprofen and electrolyte packets to avoid having to dash to craft services.
15. Tool Belt or Pouch
Having a tool belt, pouch or fanny pack lets you keep your most used items nearby.
16. Water Bottle
It may not be a tool, but staying hydrated when on the move so much will help on those long shoot days, and when dashing in and out of the elements.
17. Zip Ties
These tiny warriors can be useful in many applications. Keep a bundle of different sizes in your pouch for emergencies.
18. Level
For dolly track, rigging or any setup that requires precision, a small torpedo level can make a big difference.
19. Carabiners
High-weight capacity (150 pounds) are for securing tools, tape rolls and gear to your belt or cart. They can also be used to raise chandeliers or hold other heavy items.
This list might seem overwhelming, but you can build your kit over time by starting with the basics — a wrench, gloves, flashlight, tape and a multi-tool. As you gain experience, you’ll figure out what tools you use most often and gradually expand your kit.
Many grips also customize their kits to their specialties. A dolly grip may prioritize levels and track maintenance tools, while a rigging grip may carry more heavy-duty wrenches and safety gear. Over time, your kit becomes a reflection of your style, preferences and role on set.
Key Takeaways
- Every grip must start with a few essential tools: a C-wrench, gloves, flashlight, tape, and a multi-tool.
- Grips should always carry safety cables to prevent accidents with overhead rigging.
- Grips should customize their kits over time based on their specific roles and on-set needs.