Spotlight on art tools: Heavy duty water pump pliers

It might surprise you, but this very ordinary tool is one of my most treasured studio items. I don’t have very strong hands so this is invaluable for getting the lids off paint encrusted tubes. It quickly adjusts for different sized lids and gives me the leverage to open things I just can’t budge otherwise.

I also use it for loosening/tightening the adjustment screws on all the studio easels. It’s one thing I really couldn’t do without.

Funny how sometimes the most humble looking things have the most value, both in the studio, and in life!