What's your favorite DIY tool?

[Mouseskowitz]

So, I started a winter tarp project today. I used a few new toys and it got me to wondering what everyone else finds useful.

I really wish I would have bought a long straight edge sooner. I have a 72" now and it makes drawing out patterns so much easier. I also picked up a 24" x 36" cutting mat and a rotary cutter, much easier and neater than scissors. This last one is more of a trick than a toy. Others have mentioned PVC pipe and string for cat cuts. That gave me the idea of using the pole for my tarp mod and some string. Getting the curve right was tricky but doable. It allowed me to trace everything out by myself.

I have a couple more things I will report on once I have a chance to try them out. So, what tricks and toys do you use?

[Bushwhacker]

Thread injector? Is that cheating (as an answer)?

[JKDmoo]

Loop turner. Only a few bucks at Walmart on a whim that it might work and now splicing is almost easy. I think Dutch sells them too now.

[Boots13]

Seam ripper.... use it every project

[squidbilly]

So, I started a winter tarp project today. I used a few new toys and it got me to wondering what everyone else finds useful.

I really wish I would have bought a long straight edge sooner. I have a 72" now and it makes drawing out patterns so much easier. I also picked up a 24" x 36" cutting mat and a rotary cutter, much easier and neater than scissors. This last one is more of a trick than a toy. Others have mentioned PVC pipe and string for cat cuts. That gave me the idea of using the pole for my tarp mod and some string. Getting the curve right was tricky but doable. It allowed me to trace everything out by myself.

I have a couple more things I will report on once I have a chance to try them out. So, what tricks and toys do you use?

Seam ripper.... use it every project

Agree with both of you.
I use my 72" straightedge to make cat-cuts too. I just bow it with a string and clamp. Look in my gallery for a pic.

Seam ripper: Sometimes I rip out as many stitches as I put in!

[WV]

All of the above, plus a small soldering iron, used to cut fabric so it doesn't fray and to melt holes in webbing patches for line attachment points or drawcord channel ends. I use a 4' metal ruler and a carpenter's square for measuring, but make long cuts with an 8' aluminum straightedge. This is sold for sheetrock work. It comes in two 4' sections that fit together. I have a collection of firebricks that make great weights to hold things down on the work surface. They can sit on edge on top of a ruler to keep fabric underneath it from sliding while I cut or mark. I use black or silver Sharpie pens.

[FireInMyBones]

I've used a chalk line to help cut, and of course, my sewing machine... okay, well technically it's my wife's but she's never used it.

[Zilla]

Creativity and the diy section of this website are the best tools you can get !

[12trysomething]

YouTube!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mouseskowitz]

I agree loop turners are nice. I need to find a silver sharpie. I was having a hard time seeing my lines on brown sil last night.