tags:
Gear Review
Grip Equipment
Expert Tips To Organize Your Grip Kit and Maximize Efficiency On The Film Set
Grips are the backbone of any and every film set. Whether setting flags, pushing dollies, operating cranes or constructing rigging, it is a role that requires skills and equipment.
So you need the right tools and have to know how to manage them efficiently.
Landing your first grip job is an exciting milestone and before you step on set, it’s essential you equip yourself with the tools to succeed and have an effective way of storing and transporting them.
This guide gives you the best grip tool storage and organization solutions, trusted by professional grips to maximize efficiency on the film set.
Storage Systems - Keep your grip gear safe and accessible
Film sets run on efficiency. If you’re spending time trying to find specific tools, you’re slowing things down for production!
So storing your tools in one place will save you valuable time on set.
Storage systems come in all shapes and sizes. For the film set, grips need one that’s easy to move, protects their equipment and gives quick access to their tools.
Wheeled cases like those below are a popular choice among professionals.
Pelican Cases - Easy to Roll Around
For ultimate protection and organization, a Pelican 1510 case is a grip's best friend.
It’s the size of a carry-on case and can be rolled around, thrown around, bumped and bashed from set to stage!
Pelican 1510
If you want to take that Pelican case to the next level, try the Trek Pak organization system.
Easy-to-cut foam components that you can tailor to protect your specific grip tools in your case.
One of my early Trek Pak organization systems in a pelican 1510
Another Trek Pak organization system in the works
Alternative Grip Rolling Case Storage Systems
Pelican is the tried and true brand that's repped all across the industry. But there are plenty of other options.
Budget-conscious folks may think that spending all that money on a Pelican case doesn't sound all that sweet. Here are some alternative tool storage systems.
Backpacks - A Mobile Grip Toolkit
Backpacks offer a hands-free and versatile solution for transporting grip tools between sets.
Since it’s housing your valuable tools, you should invest in something specifically designed for storing tools.
While they’re more expensive, these backpacks are built for construction workers and contractors, they’re made to store tools, to keep them safe and are perfect for grips on a film set.
Veto Tech Pac backpack tool bag is a prime example of a versatile option.
Its sturdy construction and multiple compartments make it a great choice for carrying a variety of grip tools.
Veto Tech Pac backpack tool bag
Backpack being used for grip tool storage
Tool Rolls - Organization for Essential Gear
Tool rolls are an excellent addition to any of the above storage solutions and help grips to save time. By keeping things compact in your pack or case and separating smaller tools from bulkier items like drills or chargers, you eliminate the time spent searching for them.
Here are some of our favorites:
Tool Bag - Carry Your Essentials
We’d recommend a tool bag over a tool roll and backpack combo.
Carhartt makes a few nice ones in different sizes.
Carhartt 16" molded base tool bag
Something more expensive that you’ll see being used by the camera teams across film sets are these CineBags.
CineBags CB01 Production Bag
Tool Boxes - Bring An Old Classic to the Film Set
While not as common on modern film sets, wooden toolboxes have been seen behind-the-scenes for decades and still offer a durable storage option for contemporary grips.
While they’re not as lightweight or portable as other options, they are usually home made and built to withstand the rigors of the industry while providing sturdy (and we’d call it stylish) storage for your tools.
A homemade wooden toolbox
Tool Belts and Pouches - Your On-Set Companion
On set efficiency for any grip starts with the tool belt.
Having quick access to your essential tools is key and that means hanging them off you in whatever fashion you desire!
Some grips prefer to go with multiple smaller pouches on an external belt whereas others prefer to go with one or two larger pouches. You can mix and match based on the gig. Sometimes your first unit work could vary from your day-playing rigging grip work, so you could carry a different tool pouch for the different tools for each gig.
Remember: Avoid pouches made from low-quality materials for general construction. Your Grip tool belt should be built to withstand the demands of the Film Set. Whether you go for Leather or Fabric, it’s important to invest in durable, well-crafted options that’ll last.
Variety of tools and pouches laid out on the gate
Leather
Leather tool pouches appeal to many grips because they’re sturdy, hard-wearing and have that “classic” look that complements the professional image of the film set.
R&J Leathercraft is a go-to brand for high-quality leather tool pouches. Their #407-1 back pocket pouch is a popular choice for carrying essential tools like a speed wrench or utility knife. For those seeking a wider range of options, R&J offers a variety of pouches to suit different needs.
R&J back pocket pouch
Crump Handmade is another standout in the leather tool pouch market. Ben Crump is a Los Angeles-based craftsman who creates exceptional leather goods specifically designed for those working in the film industry. His grip tool holsters have been perfectly designed to carry a speed wrench, utility knife and c wrench - 3 of the most essential grip tools.
A new Crump Handmade tool holster
The sharpie slot on this pouch perfectly fits a speedwrench
Crump Handmade Leather Walkie Holster
Fabric
Unlike leather pouches, fabric pouches have a little more “give” in them and are typically easier to clean.
MF Tools makes a bunch of tool pouches specific for gripping. They have podger / hater pouches, nail / screw gun pouches, belts & more.
I particularly like their chalk bag. It's perfect for rigging grips carrying nails & screws or 1st unit grips for carrying small tools, binder clips, etc. I particularly like it because you can add your own logo to the pouch.
MF Tools chalk bag
MF Tools grip pouch
Belliard Pouch Company is a standout in the custom fabric pouch market. Another company that is local to Los Angeles, they’ve crafted a wide range of fabric pouch options that are tailored to the specific needs of professional grips.
Custom fabric tool pouch from Belliard Pouch Company
Beyond traditional waist belts, they also make high quality chest harnesses that provide an alternative way to carry your tools. While often associated with camera assistants, these harnesses are equally beneficial for grips as they free your hands for more demanding tasks.
Custom BPC chest harness
Holsters
Speaking of keeping your hands free, Holstery makes a range of innovative belt clips for a multitude of grip tools and accessories that are available on their Amazon Store. Their TapeMaster is a standout, offering a secure and accessible way to carry your tape measure without disrupting your workflow. It’s made from high-quality plastic and has proven its resilience on countless film sets for a whole legion of grips.
Here’s some of our favorite holsters:
Elevate your Grip Game
Tool organization both on set and off set is super important. It’s a way to show that you take pride in your work. An organization system allows you to be quick and efficient and even beyond just tools is a valuable aspect of being a competent grip.
Ensuring you’re organized and making your tool storage as efficient as possible is key to a successful grip career. By investing time and effort into creating a well-structured system for yourself, you'll not only enhance your on-set efficiency but also project a professional image and get more gigs!
From carefully selected tool belts and pouches to durable storage systems, these tips for tool storage should help any grip to tackle any challenge on any film set.
Did we miss something important? Shoot us an email and we'll add it.
by:
Brendan Riel
