It doesn’t matter if you are scratch building, converting, or just adding detail to a military vehicle model, you need scale nuts and bolts. Sometimes, you need a lot of them. I have tried just about every technique for making bolt heads with varying success. Salami slicing hex rods resulted in varying thickness and sloping bolt heads. Chiseling off Styrene bolt heads works; but it is difficult to keep them level. I’ve found it nearly impossible to properly position resin nuts and bolts regardless of the type of CA used. So, I was thrilled to get an RP Toolz Hexagonal Punch and Die Set. This tool allows you to punch bolt heads from Styrene strips resulting in perfectly uniform thickness.

John and UMM-USA have been a godsend for those that like to scratch build by supplying tools and parts to make life easier for all of us as well as giving us access in the US to suppliers not as easily found. This selection is three styles of soft lead wiring perfect for ignition harnesses, wiring jets or anything that might need some kind of wiring or plumbing. The sets come in three types- round 0.4mm, half round and flat at 0.4mm.

Each set comes with about 20 pieces by 140mm for these sizes. Many different sizes are also available. I love the size consistency as the size being reviewed is about the right size for 1/48^th scale ignition wires on a radial engine. I grabbed an old one and installed a couple wires and they look great. I also made a quick (and sloppy) trial for a wiring harness using the flat stock as the wraps and it looks good for a couple minutes work.

Highly recommended for all builders looking for that little upgrade or scratch building.

I have been using UMM razor saws for years to cut resin and plastic with great results. Since I build larger resin figures, sometimes the fine blades and smaller saw blades take a while to cut through. Also, with the blade being sandwiched in the middle, you have a limited depth to cut. The new ultimate razor saw addresses many of these issues. First, it is a double-edged blade with course on one side and fine on the other so you have options. Second, with the blade being attached on one side, you have much more depth.

One feature that is very cool is that the blade is attached by an allen wrench and that is attached to the handle, easy to remove and use and then stow back so no looking for the wrench.

For a trial, I had some T Facto Godzilla fins I was working on and the attachment points were beefy. They cut off perfectly. Once off, I needed to remove the stub and again, perfect. I must also say, the handle is very comfortable and gives a great grip.

Originally founded in 1968, Squadron / Squadron Signal is back in business again after bankruptcy and are now based out of Ringgold, Georgia. Their web page was re-activated in January 2022 for plastic kits. A retail store was opened in 2025 at their Ringgold address and is open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. They have invited The Chattanooga Scale Modelers Club to meet at their warehouse, which occurs on the third Monday of the month. If you can’t make it, be sure to check out their YouTube channel where Brandon and guests are live every Wednesday night. Brandon Lowe and his father, Russ Lowe, re-acquired the Squadron Tools Product Line and are now marketing them once again.

In this case, Brandon Lowe has brought back the Squadron Scribing Tool, available again in a retail crimped clear package.

Be Izzi is a relatively new company from the Czech Republic specializing in hobby tools. This item, the Ultimate Razor Saw, is comprised of a standard handle with a straight attachment fixture and their Ultra Smooth, 0.1mm thick razor saw blade.

This tool is actually a system, with interchangeable straight, curved or Y-shaped attachment fixtures and blades of different cutting variations - basic rough-cut blades to “Ultra Smooth” very fine toothed blades. The blades can be mounted in a number of different positions and/or angles to facilitate a variety of cutting positions or angles. The tool includes it’s own small Allen wrench tucked away at the bottom of the handle (easy to miss if you don’t know its there) to loosen and tighten the small set screws that allow for changing or adjusting the blade or attachment arm. According to the Be Izzi web site, the tool is made to be able to use a variety of cutting blades, not just those manufactured by the company.