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Pete's RV-8 Web Site
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Date: 6-8-2009
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Number of Hours: 0.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Tool comments - Part 1
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While waiting for the delivery of my wing kit, I thought it might be helpful to share some thoughts regarding aircraft specialty tools. When contemplating the RV-8 project, one of the first big questions was what additional tools would be needed for the project. I had accumulated a fair number of tools over the years but quickly realized I would need quite a few specialty tools before beginning the project. I know some builders go to extremes to avoid the expense of specialty tools but I believe in having the right tool for the job. For me, this philosophy usually results in a better finished product in less time with the least amount of effort.
I began by compiling a list of the popular tool suppliers and acquired their catalogs. Most of the vendors I put on the list have tool kits tailored to the RV series of aircraft. I then built a spreadsheet of all the recommended tools and created columns where I could compare the costs from each vendor. This process took considerable time and in the end, saved very little expense, if any.
In the end, I split my initial tool order almost equally between Cleaveland Aircraft Tools in Boone, Iowa and The Yard Store in Wichita, Kansas. I have been happy with both of these vendors, particularly with the Yard Store. The Yard sells a wide variety of aircraft tools both new and used at good prices. In addtion, if the order exceeds $100 the shipping is free and their service is lightning fast.
I have also purchased a few items from Avery (good tools and service) and numerous generic tools from Lowes, Menards, and Harbor Freight. Regarding Harbor Freight, they have some good tools at excellent prices but you have to be selective and know what you are buying. I have also acquired a few special tools from Ebay including an angle drill with bits, a Chicago Pneumatic squeezer with yoke, and a U.S. Industrial rivet gun with rivet sets. I have been happy with all these purchases.
Cont'd
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Some Air Tools
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Clecoes, etc.
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Bits, Rivet & Dimple Sets, etc.
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