Aircraft Tools Blog

Tool list for student taking an aircraft riveting class

Rivet Gun: A pneumatic rivet gun used to drive rivets into aircraft structures. The rivet gun should include accessories such as a pneumatic flow control valve, swivel and springs to hold the rivet sets in place when riveting.

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

Bucking Bar: A heavy, smooth, and flat bar used to support the tail end of the rivet while it's being hammered.

https://planetools.com/products/bucking-bars

Various Rivet Sets: Different types and sizes of rivet sets for different rivets and applications.  Most common are AN470 (round head) rivets and AN426 (countersunk flush head rivets).

https://planetools.com/products/71-piece-sheet-metal-tool-kit

Air Drill and Drill Bits: For drilling holes in the aircraft structure before riveting.  Aircraft drill bits are generally 6” long and are called aviation extension drill bits.

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

Countersink cage and bits: A specialized countersink cage which holds the bit and has an adjustable depth in order to countersink the hole to match the particular rivet head for a flush set rivet.

https://planetools.com/products/14-28-countersink-cage-1

Cleco Fasteners: Temporary fasteners used to hold sheets of metal together before riveting.  Various sizes of clecos are necessary to include the various sizes of aircraft rivets.

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

Cleco Pliers: Special plier designed to install and remove temporary cleco fasteners.

https://planetools.com/products/cleco-pliers

Toolbox or Bag: A sturdy toolbox or tool bag to keep all your tools organized and easily accessible.

It's important to note that the specific tools required may vary depending on the course curriculum and the level of expertise being taught. Always check with your instructor or the course syllabus to ensure you have the right tools for your particular aircraft riveting class.