I. Drawing Instruments:
* Pencils: Used for sketching, creating preliminary drawings, and adding detail. Different grades (e.g., H for hard, B for soft) offer varying line weights and darkness.
* Pens: Technical pens (also called ruling pens) create consistent line weights. Rapidograph pens are a common type, using a replaceable nib. Fineliners offer a broader range of line weights and are easier to use than ruling pens.
* Mechanical Pencils: Offer consistent lead thickness and avoid the need for sharpening.
* Erasers: For correcting mistakes. Kneaded erasers are particularly useful for lifting graphite without damaging the paper. Vinyl erasers are good for removing ink.
* Pencil Sharpeners: Keep pencils at their optimal point.
* Templates: Provide pre-drawn shapes and patterns (circles, ellipses, architectural symbols, etc.) for faster drawing.
* French Curves: Used to draw smooth curves that are not circular or elliptical.
* Drawing Boards: Provide a stable and flat surface for drawing.
* T-squares: Used with a drawing board to draw horizontal lines.
* Triangles: 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 triangles are used to draw vertical and angled lines. Used in conjunction with T-squares.
* Protractors: For measuring and drawing angles accurately.
* Compasses: Used to draw circles and arcs.
* Divider: Used to transfer measurements and divide lines into equal segments.
* Scales: Architectural, engineering, and other specialized scales allow for drawings to be created at reduced sizes (e.g., 1:100 scale).
II. Measurement & Marking Tools:
* Rulers: For measuring and drawing straight lines.
* Steel Scale: A more durable ruler, often with different scales marked on it.
* Measuring Tape: For larger measurements.
III. Support & Organization:
* Drafting Table: A specialized table with adjustable height and tilt for comfortable drawing.
* Drawing Paper: Available in various weights and sizes. Vellum is a common type.
* Parallel Motion Drafting Machine: A sophisticated device that allows for easy and precise drawing of parallel lines. These are less common in the age of CAD software.
* Drawing Board Parallel Rule: Similar to a drafting machine, but simpler.
IV. Modern Additions (Often integrated with CAD):
* Digital Pen & Tablet: Allows for drawing digitally, often directly into CAD software.
* Computer with CAD Software: Computer-Aided Design software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.) is the dominant tool for modern drafting, replacing many of the traditional tools. It provides far greater precision, flexibility, and editing capabilities.
* Plotter: A printer that produces large-format drawings from CAD software.
V. Other Helpful Items:
* Set Squares: Similar to triangles, but typically larger and more robust.
* Scotch Tape or Masking Tape: To temporarily secure paper or templates.
* Dusting Brush: To keep drawings clean.
* Pencil Lead: Replacement lead for mechanical pencils.
The tools used will depend on the complexity and style of the drawing being created. While traditional drafting tools are still used in some contexts (e.g., artistic renderings), CAD software is the industry standard for precise and complex technical drawings.