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I thought it would be interesting to talk about tools used for paracord crafts. Surely each person has distinct preferences connected with experience, lifestyle and preference. Just like knives, discussions on “best” tools are often heated debates.
Not trying to start a war, I just want to share my top 5 must-have tools used for paracord crafts.
Paracord craft style
As stated before, I am sure each person has his own style of crafting. Some, especially those that sell items want consistent results and have a workshop that is fairly stationary. For others the craft is a hobby, so they have little equipment.
Personally I am on the road quite a bit. I am also a big fan of rope craft.
But even though I travel, time spent waiting would be time wasted if I did not have the chance to experiment with cord and practice my weaving. As such I have a mobile kit that includes the following five tools.
Nose pliers
Nose pliers are a common tool that really is versatile. I can not tell you how many tasks I have done with the simple nose pliers. When working with paracord you are often trying out new techniques and the humble nose pliers helped me with many a problem.
Paracord lacing needle
The lacing needle is, in my opinion, a tool that any self respecting paracord enthusiast owns. It can be made for about a dollar, or bought. In any case, many fun and advanced techniques, from making turk head knots to to doing work that involves rough lacing, the lacing needle is king. My primary lacing needle is very durable and often doubles as a marlin spike.
Small lacing needle
Finer work can be done with a smaller lacing needle. The .9mm, 1.2 and 2 mm paracord is best handled using a smaller needle (I use smaller cords for lacing and stitching). The trick to this needle is that it fits where the larger lacing needle can not. It has to be strong, pointed, but not too pointed so it would damage your cord.
Lighter
Personally I use a regular lighter. Nothing special about it at all.
Scissors
A pair of scissors have served me well so far.
From left to right: Lighter, scissors, nose pliers, a lacing needle and a thinner lacing needle. Along with a paracord bundle and some lacing cord, these are just what the doctor ordered.
Honorable mentions
If I could include two further tools I find really useful, I would choose the marlin spike and a monkey fist jig. Both of these make your life a lot easier!
What about you?
So, what is your essential paracord kit? What can you live without and what is your favorite tool?
My top five tools are: a tape measure, lighter, lacing needle, scissors and needle nose craft pliers.
My top five knotwork tools are a tape measure, lighter, lacing needle, hemostats, and a old Tandy leather working double-ended tool that acts as a fid.
I’d have to add one to the group. A cloth or plastic flexible measuring tape has come in quite handy too. I “borrowed” mine from wife’s sewing supplies. 🙂
I too must add a tool. I use my Dremel high temp wood burning tool with a flat spade shading bit to heat my cord ends and lock knots. High heat with pin point accuracy. My other 5 are a zippo, bent needle nose with no inside the jaw ridges, Gingher scissors, 12ft tape and my lil pokey I call it, (wood carving knife I modified.
Because I plan on doing a lot of top/deco stitching on my bracelets, my list of favorites has to include a metal needle used for stitching on plastic canvas. It works extremely well when using micro and gutted 95 cord. The only downside is the chance of piercing cords due to the sharpness of the needle; however, practice and patience will help lessen the chance of that happening.