Tools of the Trade: Citadel Hobby Tools Review
Wargames start on the precipice of constructing and building an army, Let’s take a look at GW’s hobby tools and see if they get the job done.
My dad was a handy man and general contractor. I spent my formative years helping him build decks, demo’ing dry wall and mending fences. One of the many things I picked up from my years spent in his long shadow was, “use the right tool for the right job.” Today we’re going to be taking a look at Citadels new hobby tool offerings. I got my hands all over these new tools and put them to the test against their tried and true counterparts. Here’s what I found:
- Citadel Tools: Super Fine Detail Cutters
- Citadel Tools: Drill
- Citadel Tools: Mouldline Remover
- Citadel Tools: Knife
Citadel Tools: Super Fine Detail Cutters – $50
The Citadel Tools: Super Fine Detail Cutters are pretty vanilla as far as nippers are concerned. As a wargaming nerd there are few days when I don’t have my hands on a pair of clippers building, modifying, kitbashing or using them for a variety of unintended odd jobs around the house. Looking at you salmon boning. Anyways, after a couple of weeks of putting these through their paces my conclusion is they are fine. They are serviceable clippers, the grip is comfortable, the cutters cut ok and they will do what you need them to do. They compare with the Army painter or Xuron clippers that are pretty popular but at twice the cost. They don’t leave behind much sprue and cut relatively flat. But if you’ve ever handled the God Hand’s or some of the more professional clippers you’ll know that those move through a sprue like a hot knife through butter.
At the price point of $50 I wanted these to meet or exceed the Tamiya clipper or God Hand’s that are considered premium clippers. Both the God Hand’s and Tamiya clippers are awesome, they cut exceptionally well, they are well constructed, they have good grips and their spring action feels robust. They don’t want to jump out of your hand but at the same time they spring back open with little delay. Its hard to recommend the Citadel Tools: Super Fine Detail Cutters for $50. If they were a $25 or less they would be a consideration.
Citadel Tools: Drill – $35
The Citadel Tools: Drill is definitely a drill. As far as pin vices go…well it meets your expectations. It comes with a few bits of varying sizes which is handy, though I did happen to break one of them while assembling a resin kit but beyond that they were pretty sturdy. I do appreciate the grip in the center, it gave me confidence while applying pressure behind the drill. The downsides to this tool is that its plastic. It feels cheap and the construction is mediocre. If the Citadel Tools: Drill was constructed out of something like an aluminum chassis with steel components I’d have loved this. Alas this unit is primarily plastic.
With so many alternatives out there for scale modeling as well as jewelry making I think its worthwhile to shop price consciously. A hobby drill or pin vice is not used very often in a world of modern plastic miniatures. Unless I’m working in resin or pewter I’m not likely going to need a drill, let alone one for $35. If you do a lot of pinning check out the Wowstick. I got one and it changed my whole hobby life.
Citadel Tools: Mouldline Remover – $25
This is arguably my favorite tool from GW. It works well, the price is pretty good. I find it invaluable while assembling plastic models. The addition of the small notch behind the “blade” of the mouldline scraper is awesome for removing a large nub of plastic post removal from sprue. There are a handful of other mouldline scrapers but they typically have impossibly small heads on them that feel finicky and require precision. I like this version as well as the previous version and find this a good purchase. Its one of those things that you’ll definitely be glade that you bought.
Citadel Tools: Knife – $34
I really wanted to like this so much. As an individual who has cut himself numerous times hobbying the grip on this is great. Its ergonomic so your hand doesn’t slip and the accessories such as the protective cap and additional blades are a nice touch. Had the chassis of this tool been made of aluminum or literally any kind of sturdy metal I’d have loved this. Beyond the grip it does feel kinda cheap and flimsy. Its incredibly light weight and for me that doesn’t instill confidence when I’m putting force behind it. I’d also like to have seen the blade be retractable rather than providing a cap. Overall I think there are so many other better options out there ranging from your standard X-Acto, all the way up to serious professional and hobby grade options and sets that are half the price.
Happy Hobbying!
