Loop tools consist of two primary elements: loops and handles. These loops generally have a triangular shape that allows for carving of various fine shapes. You can use the fine point of the loop to carve small details into the clay, whereas the long end of the triangle shape helps in removing sections of clay in smooth strokes. Some loop tools come equipped with a loop on one end and a thin, knife-like opposite end for shaping and smoothing the clay. Other loop tools come with a loop on each end, generally of two different sizes, so that the sculptor can switch loop sizes just by flipping the tool.
When working with wax, plaster or Plastilina or making molds, steel tools offer a bit more durability than loops or other wooden tools. While clay yields easily to metal and wood, these denser materials require a stronger tool for shaping. Unlike loops, which have heads that perform several different types of strokes, each metal tool generally serves a specific purpose. Minarettes resemble other metal tools but they have long, pointed ends like needles or harpoons that allow for the carving of exceptionally small details.
Scrapers, as their name implies, scrape large sections of other wet materials from the model. Sculptors may use these broad strokes in the beginning phases of sculpting the models, removing excess material and carving the model down to its essential shape. More abstract or expressionistic sculpture may require the broad, rough strokes that a scraper can provide. Rough texture in sculpture may imply a sense of movement, emotional content or an earthy, rough-hewn feeling. By contrast, scrapers used in long, smooth strokes can create a smooth, aerodynamic effect.
Living people, plants and animals all serve as common subjects for bronze sculpture. For this reason, many sculptors use meticulously collected measurements of their subjects to help guide their sculpting process. Calipers make the fine measurements needed to keep the sculpture's proportions accurate. Sculptors also may begin the bronze sculpting process by starting with a very small model of the final sculpture and build increasingly larger models. Calipers can help transfer measurements from the previous sculpture to the next, keeping the proportions of the initial model intact.