Over the years I have shared a good deal about my use of a metal stylus in my work.
(For those that are not aware of this tool and how it is used in my process:
https://www.smartermarx.com/t/painting-video-using-a-stylus-in-early-painting-layers/129
These metal styli, sometimes referred to as needle-point awls, are commonly used with leather or paper based art forms–as well as sculpture. Here are some examples of the types of styli I have used over the years:
Needle-point Awl:
https://www.dickblick.com/products/excel-aluminum-hobby-awl/
Embossing Stylus:
However, the type of stylus that I find myself using most often is actually a pin vise. A pin vise (or pin vice in the UK) is a miniature drill or twist drill that is a useful, fairly inexpensive specialized hand tool often used in miniature woodwork. Pin vises, as the name suggest, hold thin, long cylindrical objects (like a pin or wire) by one end. This means it can also hold very thin, narrow drill bits. This tool would come in handy for anyone who works with small-scale miniatures, models, or or with wire for jewelry or small parts like in wristwatch repair.
Shown: Starrett 162A Pin Vise, 0-0.040" Range
Pin vises come in many different sizes and thus can be used with any different needle points such as metal compass points/needles:
Hope you detail oriented painters out there find this helpful—
Happy painting!
