Books for Grips
..and Electrician's didn't think we could read..
There are a couple of really good books for Grips. Micheal Uva has put out a few good books that are must-reads for Grips. I've also included a couple of great reference books. Click Read More to see the list. Please feel free to add any other books.

The Grip Book is THE book for Grips. Get it if you don't have it. The Grip Book has been widely used by beginners and experienced key grips alike as both a learning tool as well as a handy reference for a number of years. It clearly details and illustrates all the equipment used by motion picture film technicians on stage as well as on location. This new edition has been thoroughly updated to include the latest models of all types of equipment and the authors have added important safety tips throughout the manual.

Uva's Guide to Cranes, Jibs, Arms and Dollies
Uva's Guide to Cranes, Jibs, and Dollies is something I would read if I did more Dolly work. It's an advanced book without a lot of beginner info. Uva's Guide To Cranes, Dollies, and Remote Heads is a comprehensive guide to all the latest equipment — what it is, how to use it and where to find it. This new book is designed to provide the more experienced professional with a streamlined reference to the equipment without the how-to information beginners require.

When I started doing more Rigging I picked up this book and am I glad. There's all kinds of info in here that you might not need on a smaller shoots where there is no budget for fun crazy shots but it's a handy reference thats good to have in your toolbox in that instant that you have to come up with something quick. The book covers the latest truss systems, rigging equipment and portable stages, as well as lifts, boom arms and camera mounts for every type of moving vehicle. The book is not limited to equipment specifications, however; Uva offers tips and tricks throughout in order to make the process of setting up and shooting safer and more efficient. Grips often need to invent makeshift solutions in a short time, and Uva shares many such devices developed over his years in the film and TV industry.

I recently found this book and LOVE it, it has so much useful info. The newest edition updates this popular reference book with new terminology and materials, and adds dozens of new illustrations of grip hardware, film lighting equipment and painting tools. Backstage Handbook includes chapters on Tools, Hardware, Materials, Electrics, Shop Math, Architecture and Theatre. There are hundreds of illustrations, tables and charts which cover everything from the stock sizes and specs of wood screws, to safe working loads for several kinds of rope, to illustrations of twenty-two types of standard lamp bases.

This is a great reference book that has TONS of info and fun facts. Once someone picks it up, they have a hard time putting it down, a great set book for those long scenes. This concise reference guide covers Air and gases, computers, electronics, general information, geology, hardware, math, money, steel and metals, surveying and mapping, and weights and measures.