Precision Tool Guide
Complete guide to the Precision Tool in Garry's Mod - 11 modes for moving, rotating, constraining, and snapping props with exact accuracy
Precision Tool
The Precision Tool is a multi-mode building powerhouse. It combines moving, rotating, constraining (weld, axis, ballsocket, slider), parenting, and constraint removal into one tool with exact numeric control.
Workshop Addon
Subscribe to [Official] Precision Tool on the Steam Workshop. Servers may already have this installed.
Justified DarkRP Servers
On Justified servers, only Apply, Rotate, and Move modes are enabled. Constraint modes (Weld, Axis, Ballsocket, Slider, Parent, Repair, Removal) are disabled for DarkRP gameplay balance.
Quick Controls
| Action | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Left-click | Select target / Apply current mode |
| Right-click | Push prop away |
| Reload (R) | Pull prop closer |
| Q menu | Change mode and adjust settings |
The Push/Pull amount is set in the tool menu (default: 25 units or % of prop depth).
The 11 Modes
Select modes from the tool menu (Q):
| Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply | Apply settings (freeze, nocollide, snap to 45°) directly |
| 2. Rotate | Rotate in place without moving |
| 3. Move | Snap props together — best for building |
| 4. Weld | Weld with precision alignment |
| 5. Axis | Create axis constraints |
| 6. Ballsocket | Create ballsocket constraints |
| 7. Adv Ballsocket | Advanced ballsocket with rotation limits |
| 8. Slider | Create slider constraints |
| 9. Parent | Parent props (solid weld without collision) |
| 10. Repair | Fix spazzing contraptions |
| 11. Removal | Remove selected constraint types |
Mode 3: Move (Most Used)
This is the core building mode — snap props together precisely.
Set mode to Move in the Q menu
Left-click the prop you want to move
Left-click the destination surface — prop snaps to it
Move mouse left/right to rotate (if rotation is enabled)
Left-click again to confirm placement
Move Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Move Target | Enable to actually move the prop |
| Rotate Target | Enable mouse rotation after moving |
| Snap Distance | Gap between props (0 = touching) |
| Snap as % | Distance as percentage of target prop depth |
| Auto-align to world | Snap to nearest 45° |
Mode 2: Rotate
Rotate props in place without moving them.
Set mode to Rotate
Left-click the prop to start rotating
Move mouse left/right to rotate
Hold Reload while moving mouse for different axis
Hold Right-click while moving for third axis
Left-click to confirm rotation
Rotation Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Rotation Snap | Degrees per step (15°, 45°, 90°, etc.) |
| Freeze Target | Freeze after rotating |
Push/Pull (All Modes)
Works in every mode — quickly nudge props:
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Right-click | Push prop away by set amount |
| Reload (R) | Pull prop closer by set amount |
Push/Pull Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Push/Pull Amount | Distance in units (default 25) |
| As % of depth | Use percentage of prop's depth instead of fixed units |
PHX Reference Sizes
- PHX 1x plate = 47.45 units
- Small tiled cube = 11.86 units
- Thin plate = 3 units
Constraint Modes (4-8)
Modes 4-8 create constraints with precision alignment:
Weld Mode
Left-click first prop
Left-click second prop — props align and weld
Settings:
- Move Target — Align before welding
- Rotate Target — Allow rotation adjustment
- Force Breakpoint — Weld strength (0 = unbreakable)
Mode 9: Parent
Parenting is like an unbreakable, no-collision weld:
- First prop becomes a "child" of the second
- No physics interaction — won't collide with world/props
- Players can walk on parented objects (when still)
- No physics lag — great for detail props
Parenting Notes
- Remove other constraints first to avoid spaz
- Parented props can't be physgunned by default
- Best for static detail that moves with a vehicle/base
Mode 10: Repair
Attempts to fix spazzing contraptions:
- Temporarily toggles collision groups
- Allows bent props to pop back into place
- No guarantees — may make things worse
Mode 11: Removal
Selectively remove constraint types from props:
| Constraint | Checkbox |
|---|---|
| NoCollide | ✓ |
| Weld | ✓ |
| Axis | ✓ |
| Ballsocket | ✓ |
| Adv. Ballsocket | ✓ |
| Slider | ✓ |
| Parent | ✓ |
| Other (rope, hydraulic, etc.) | ✓ |
Use "Select All" or "Select None" buttons for quick toggling.
Advanced Settings
User Levels
The tool has 3 user levels that show/hide advanced options:
| Level | Shows |
|---|---|
| Normal | Basic modes and settings |
| Advanced | Adv. Ballsocket, Slider, contraption selection |
| Experimental | Parent, Repair, physics disable |
Entire Contraption
Enable "Entire Contraption" to apply actions to everything connected to the target — useful for mass constraint removal or moving whole builds.
Undo Options
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Add Push/Pull to Undo | Z undoes nudges |
| Add Movement to Undo | Z undoes moves |
| Add Rotation to Undo | Z undoes rotations |
Common Problems
Cause: Move Target is disabled.
Solution: Enable "Move Target?" checkbox in tool settings.
Cause: Rotate Target is disabled.
Solution: Enable "Rotate Target?" checkbox.
Cause: Snap Distance isn't 0.
Solution: Set Snap Distance to 0 for touching props.
Cause: Default safety feature.
Solution: Enable "Allow Physgun on Parented objects" in experimental settings.
Cause: Wrong amount or % setting.
Solution: Adjust Push/Pull Amount slider. Toggle "as %" for prop-relative sizing.
Quick Reference
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Push prop | Right-click |
| Pull prop | Reload (R) |
| Snap two props | Mode 3 → Click first → Click second |
| Rotate in place | Mode 2 → Click → Move mouse |
| Weld aligned | Mode 4 → Click first → Click second |
| Remove constraints | Mode 11 → Select types → Click target |
| Parent | Mode 9 → Click child → Click parent |
Pro Tip
The Precision Tool replaces multiple tools. Once you learn it, you can weld, axis, move, and rotate all without switching tools.