This series of posts will explore the inner world of the technician’s toolbox. All of our technicians are practicing artists as well as educators and have built their tool collection to suit their changing needs and interests over the years.

A tool collection can be very personal with each tool having its own story and emotional connection. Tools can also range from being an essential basic to a specialist bespoke item. It is always very important that when borrowing a tool from someone to remember to be respectful that there may be this personal attachment to the tool. A tool that may seem like a standard piece of junk may have particular significance to the owner.

Toolboxes store and protect your tools and can be as varied as the tools themselves. Everyone has their own preference from a hardware store style compartmentalised box to decorative biscuit tins to leather roll up bags.

We have asked some of our technicians to share their tool collections and asked them three questions about their tools. We hope that these will inspire you to start you own toolbox.

We begin our journey with Specialist Screen Print Technician, Lisa Chappell, and her current set of tools. Instead of using a toolbox, Lisa has a set of pencil cases, tins and boxes assigned for different items and processes. Her pencil case collection includes:

A small one for pencils, replacement leads and erasers.

A medium one for pens, including Sharpie markers, opaque pens, Staedler and Rotring fine liners.

A large one for tools such as spatulas, scissors, craft knives and scalpels.

A clean one for bookbinding tools

In addition to her pencil case set she also has a tin for relief print that contains rollers, a wooden spoon and a baren, as well as a small box of etching tools

We asked Lisa:

What is the one must-have basic essential (most used) tool in your toolbox?
A plastic spatula with flat edge for scraping up ink & mixing.

What is your favourite tool?
A retractable pencil for consistent line.

What is the weirdest/quirkiest/most specialist tool you have?
A loupe, for a halftone addict