With large, heavy objects, clamps may not be necessary; for smaller and lighter items, it is important to ensure the item being engraved does not move while engraving is taking place. Clamps range from the large utility clamps sold at hardware stores to jewelers clamps meant for fine delicate objects. The important point is that the object being engraved is held firmly in place, yet not damaged by the pressure of the clamps.
For hand engraving, a wide range of needles, pins, gravers and chisels have been developed over the centuries. For highly detailed patterns, a variety of sizes may be required for a single project. All of these tools work by applying pressure to the item being engraved; they are used to scratch the material. Simple needles and pins were used in the art of scrimshaw to cut designs into bone. The harder the material, the harder the engraving tool must be. Chisels are used with hammers to cut into particularly hard materials.
Although engraving has been around for thousands of years, the last century has seen the creation of tools intended to speed up and simplify engraving. These include high speed air tools, some of which were originally designed for dentistry. These tools can run at up to 400,000 revolutions per minute. They are designed to do the same things as the needles, pins and chisels do, only much faster, and in the right hands, more smoothly.
Many individuals find magnifying glasses useful for engraving. The many fine lines in engraved designs can tax an individual's eyesight, even if he has perfect vision. The types of hand-free magnifying glasses frequently used by jewelers are popular for this kind of work.