This topic is a fun one for me - talking about tools! Whether you're a hobbyist just starting out with lighting, someone who occasionally has to work on stage lights, or a professional stagehand or lighting technician, investing in good tools can make your life much easier.

Some professionals might give you a list of “bare minimum” tools and it’s $500 or even thousands of dollars. The toolbox of a gigging professional lighting technician or designer can indeed run into the thousands. However, today I want to share some of my best bang-for-the-buck tools. Some of these tools have been with me since I was 17, when I first started doing professional lighting for a small company. Good tools can last a long time and serve you well.

Basic Tools You Should Have

If you're going to be doing any stage work, such as unclamping and clamping fixtures or setting up, there are three basic tools everyone should have to make their life easier:

1. C Wrench: This basic tool is essential for lighting because it can adjust to different sizes of bolts. Invest in a good-quality wrench – I like my Craftsman one. A good wrench will last a long time and make your work much easier. I prefer an 8”, but 6” is fine too depending on your preference.

1. ThruNite Flashlight: A reliable flashlight is crucial for stage work. I recommend the ThruNite Archer Mini, which is pocket-sized, rechargeable via USB-C, features a good directional clip to attach to your pocket or hat, and has dual modes (high and low beam). It's affordable and very effective.

1. Multitool: A multitool, preferably in a pouch, is very handy. The Leatherman Wave is a great classic option, with features like a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and a file. It's useful for a variety of tasks and can save you time by having all the tools you need in one place.

Specialty Wrenches

Now we’re ready to step it up a notch and get into the “specialty” gear. Specialty wrenches have been in stage lighting for some time. There’s a number of options on the market, and some of them can get really expensive. Maybe the $3-400 tool is worth it if you’re a professional using it every day, but for the average hobbyist, church tech, or stage hand, there’s two options I really like.

1. The Light Source Mega Combo Wrench: This is a “volunteer-friendly” option that is inexpensive and fits a variety of clamps and bolts. It's small, easy to carry, and very practical for different lighting setups. I recommend them to churches, theaters, small production companies and similar venues – buy a bundle and stick them in all your tool boxes.

1. Black Shadow Lighting Wrench: I recently discovered this specialty tool, and liked it so much we started stocking it here at Above AVL. It is essentially everything that I personally want in a specialty lighting wrench – it’ll handle C-clamps, yoke and pan bolts, wing nuts, mega claw handles, light source clamps, omega clamps, and more. There’s a tiny level built into it, and two magnets just strong enough to stick onto a horizontal surface that you’re trying to level. Another cool thing about this little handheld wrench is there’s no “stabby bits” – in other words, nothing that will poke holes in your pockets over time. These Black Shadow Lighting Wrenches come in under $100 too, which is a great price point for everything it does.

Conclusion

I hope you found this overview of essential stage lighting tools helpful. Whether you're a hobbyist looking to take your craft seriously or a professional, having the right tools can make a significant difference.

If you do need any audio, video, or lighting gear, we would love to help you here at Above AVL. Small or large orders, we can help you figure out what you need and get you the best price with a personalized quote. Feel free to use the contact page or just add stuff to your cart and request a quote from there.