Aircraft Tools Blog

HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT TOOL KITS

Tool kits and individual tools are available at this link:

https://planetools.com/products

Building a homebuilt aircraft can be a challenging and rewarding endeavor, but it requires the right tools to ensure safety and quality workmanship. Here is a list of essential tools and toolkits you may need for building a homebuilt aircraft:

Basic Hand Tools:

Screwdrivers (various sizes)

Pliers (needle-nose, slip-joint, and locking)

Wrenches (open-end and box-end)

Hex keys (Allen wrenches)

Adjustable wrenches

Hammers (ball-peen and rubber mallet)

Files and rasps

Clamps (various sizes) https://planetools.com/products/side-grip-cleco-clamps

Utility knife

Measuring and Layout Tools:

Tape measure

Rulers and scales

Calipers (digital or analog)

Protractors and angles

Squares (combination and framing)

Center punch

Marking tools (pencils, markers, scribes)

Power Tools:

Power drill https://planetools.com/products/special-order-tools

Drill bits https://planetools.com/products/aircraft-drill-bit

Bench grinder

Belt sander

Dremel or rotary tool

Rivet gun https://planetools.com/products/76011b-klein-tools-sheet-metal-nibbler

Bucking bars https://planetools.com/products/tungsten-bucking-bar-4x-1x-58

Electric shears

Electric screwdriver

Cutting and Shaping Tools:

Aviation snips

Hack saw

Bandsaw or jigsaw

Bench vise

Riveting Tools:

Pop rivet gun https://planetools.com/products/air-powered-hydraulic-pop-riveter

Rivet sets

Pneumatic Rivet Squeezer https://planetools.com/products/pneumatic-compression-rivet-squeezer

Squeezer sets https://planetools.com/products/small-diameter-332-female-dimple-die

Cleco fasteners https://planetools.com/products/standard-aircraft-clecos

Rivet removal tool

Safety Equipment:

Safety glasses

Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs)

Dust mask or respirator

Gloves (various types for different tasks)

Fire extinguisher

Torque Wrenches:

Various torque wrenches calibrated for different torque values as specified in your aircraft's plans.

Soldering and Wiring Tools:

Soldering iron and solder

Wire strippers and crimping tools

Multimeter for electrical testing

Paint and Finishing Tools:

Paint spray gun or touch-up paintbrushes

Sandpaper and sanding blocks

Paint mixing tools

Shop Supplies:

Shop towels and rags

Cleaning solvents and degreasers

Lubricants and rust inhibitors

Thread-locking compounds

Workbenches and Tool Storage:

Sturdy workbench vice

Tool storage cabinets or toolboxes to keep your tools organized

Aircraft-Specific Tools:

Aircraft-specific tools and jigs that may be required for your particular aircraft design.

It's important to follow the construction plans and recommendations provided by the aircraft kit manufacturer or designer. Some kits may come with specific tool recommendations, and you may need to purchase additional tools based on your project's requirements. Safety should always be a top priority when working on an aircraft, so make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment and follow best practices throughout the building process.