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The Definitive Key Grip Toolkit

The Definitive Key Grip Toolkit

The Definitive Key Grip Toolkit

Key Grip Tool Kit

Tools & Gear

Mar 3, 2025

Key Grip Tool Kit

Tools & Gear

Mar 3, 2025

Key Grip Tool Kit

Tools & Gear

Mar 3, 2025

Key Grip Tool Kit

Tools & Gear

Mar 3, 2025

tags:

Grip Equipment

Gear Review

Tips & Tricks

Role of the Key Grip


The Key Grip is the Head Honcho, the Ringmaster, the Boss of the entire grip department on every film set. They are in control of all non-electrical equipment on set including camera rigs, dollies, cranes and various lighting support equipment which they use to help the Gaffer and Director of Photography to achieve the desired look and feel of each and every shot you see on screen.

Some key grips like to get involved with setups and shaping and controlling light using flags, scrims and diffusers. Others prefer to take a step back, to see the bigger picture and instruct their team from the monitor. There's no right way, after all they are the boss.

Whatever style they adopt, here’s a full break down of the tools professional key grips carry with themselves on set.

Key Grip Behind A Chapman Dolly
Grip Crew
Grip Riding An Electric Trike
Key Grip Using Tape Measure
Key Grip On Set
Softbox Setup On Stage

Common Key Grip Tools

Every key grip has their preferred method of operation. Some will carry more, others next to nothing, and there’s no one way that is better.

However, these are the essential tools a Key Grip usually finds themselves carrying throughout the day.


Tape lanyard

Purchase here: Atlas 46

  • Most grips choose to carry photo black and electrical tape. Small core photo black is the way.


Leather Tape Lanyard

I custom made this one


Tape Measure

Purchase here: Stanley Fat Max

  • An absolute staple carry to measure a multitude of things. Window for duve blackout, doorway for clearance, ground surfaces for dolly track.


Stanley Tape Measure And Belt Holder

A Fatmax Tape Measure


Green laser pointer

Purchase here: Green Laser

  • Whether on stage or location, these are great for communicating rigging or gear placement points to crew

  • The laser pointer in the link is high power so be careful

  • Note: Green is easier to view than Red


Green Laser Pointer

Green laser pointer


Speedwrench

Purchase here: Speedwrench

  • For Key Grips who like to make quick adjustments themselves.


Speedwrench Variations

Speedwrenches


White gloves

Purchase here: Gloves

  • For those key grips who dare not touch a piece of equipment themselves. Those keys can't get their hands dirty.


White Gloves

It's just a joke, folks


Pouches & Holsters

Curious about my tool holster, walkie holder & tape measure clip? Check out our Film Grip Tool Bags, Belts and Pouches article where we go over a bunch of the different tool holding options available.


Carry What You Need

Key Grips play a crucial role in leading the grip team and ensuring that the technical aspects of film production run smoothly. While the tools they carry varies based on the individual preference, the above equipment is common among professional Key Grips and aids in rig adjustments, gear placement, and general set activities.


Key Grip Every Day Carry

My everyday carry (minus the walkie holster)

by:

Legacy Grip

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Legacy Grip 2025 All Rights Reserved

Website links

Upcoming

Shows

coming soon

Shop

coming soon

Podcast

coming soon

community

coming soon

Join our newsletter & stay up to date

By subscribing you agree to with our privacy policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.

Legacy Grip 2025 All Rights Reserved

Website links

Upcoming

Shows

coming soon

Shop

coming soon

Podcast

coming soon

community

coming soon

Join our newsletter & stay up to date

By subscribing you agree to with our privacy policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.

Legacy Grip 2025 All Rights Reserved