tags:
Gear Review
Grip Equipment
Who are the First Unit Grips?
Led by the key grip, the First Unit Grip team includes best boy grips, dolly grips and a crew of company grips. Behind the scenes, they are responsible for constructing and maintaining camera supports such as dollies and jib arms and lighting equipment such as flags, scrims, and diffusion frames. During the filming day, they are constantly adapting equipment to suit the filming environment and to meet Director of Photography’s vision.
As someone who doesn’t have the patience to be a dolly grip or the tattoos for rigging gripping, I’m a first unit grip through and through. Working on set with talent and being in the thick of the filmmaking process is about as exciting as it gets for me. If you’re working on a commercial, it’s likely you’ll work as both a rigging and first unit grip (in loose terms).
For that reason, every grip will have some tools that perform a similar function and others tailored to their specific role or working style.
So, in this guide, we will explore the core essentials, personal preferences and what different types of tools first unit grips carry with them on set.
First Unit Grip work:
Shaping & diffusing light
Adjusting car mounts & attaching cameras
Measuring windows and blacking them out
Adjusting points on a process trailer
Pulling wild walls
These tasks inform the tools a First Unit Grip will carry: Building square stock frames requires a 3/16” speedwrench; Car mounts require a crescent wrench for bolts and a speedwrench for hollaender fittings; Measuring windows requires a tape measure; Pulling a wild wall on stage means pulling out screws and duplex nails with a hammer.
A grip’s everyday toolbelt carry
What’s In A First Unit Grip Toolkit?
Used for: 3/16” grub nuts on a wide array of hardware
Variations: low profile, high tooth ratchet, rubber handle, all metal, add a spinner (highly recommended)
Tip: Secure your 3/16” bit into the wrench with ATG (snot) tape so it doesn’t fall out!
3/16” speedwrench
Used for anything from ¼” to ⅜” bolts
Variations for brand & wide mouth
On set, we call it a “C” wrench
A lot of grips carry Knipex pliers as their wrench. This tool is multifaceted and can be used as either pliers or a wrench
Dogbone Ratcheting Box Wrench
Ratcheting Box Wrench with 2 different wrench sizes
One combination might include 9/16 on one end, 11/16 on the other (hard to find these days)
Ratcheting box wrench
One wrench for each of the most common bolt sizes, ¼ and ⅜ usually
One size on both ends. Combines the benefits of a ratcheting wrench and an open-end wrench
From top to bottom: “C wrench”, “Dogbone”, Combination Wrench, Speedwrench and Combo Speedwrench
Local 80 Union stipulates grips need a “25’ metal measuring tape at least”
Recommended: Couple it with the Holstery TapeMaster so you can carry it on your hip!
25’ tape & belt holster
Local 80 Union stipulates grips must have a straight claw hammer that is 16oz or above
I prefer the wooden handles
Local 80 requires grips carry a straight claw hammer (16 oz or above)
Metric and Imperial
Some grips prefer the ones that fold for easy storage, below are our preferred sets
If you want a better way of carrying your allen keys, check this out
Metric & Imperial Allen key sets
Sets of pliers contain: long nose, slip joint, groove joint
Knipex is also a great alternative
Diagonals & Needle Nose Pliers
Many grips prefer a multi-bit screwdriver for easy carry
Here’s a ratcheting screw driver that also holds bits
Variety of Screwdrivers
Retractable utility knife with quick change blade for cutting diffusions, lines, gels, etc.
Blades get beaten up and will need to be changed so have a few replacements ready
Utility knives
Tool Pouches
See our Tool Bags, Pouches and Storage Article for our favorite styles for the set
Belt configurations with various pouches
Or pouches that mount to pants belts like below
Tools a grip may carry
Bonus: Tape Lanyard
Lanyard to carry Photo Black Paper Tape, **Electrical tape** and a small coil of #8 sash (if you really want to impress your Key Grip)
Tape rolls
Conclusion - Come Well Equipped
The first unit grip team is the crew you’ll find right in the thick of it—working alongside the electricians, flying overhead frames, shaping light, and generally making things happen on set. Led by the Key Grip, they handle everything from shaping light and utilizing large frames on lifts to tweaking car mounts and moving wild walls. It’s a hands-on role that keeps you close to the camera and even closer to the chaos (in the best way).
Because no two days are the same, First Unit Grips carry a toolkit that’s equal parts essential and personal. This guide dives into what lives on their belts and in their bags—speedwrenches, tape lanyards, C-wrenches, utility knives, and more—and why those tools matter when you're chasing daylight or making sure your shiny stays shaken up.
by:
Legacy Grip
