Tools for homebuilding aircraft
Guidelines for the tools you will need, based on construction technique
The right tools for the job will help a project progress quickly, and create the best possible build quality – essential for any flying machine.
The exact tools required depend upon the type of aircraft being built and whether you are building from a kit or plan based. If using a kit, the amount of work that has been completed by the kit manufacturer will in part determine the tools you need.
As a guideline (not a complete list), useful tools for each construction technique are shown – most can be purchased at any good tool store, but some are special aviation tools, obtainable from aircraft parts suppliers or kit vendors.
Tools for wooden construction aircraft
- Bandsaw
- Belt sander
- Bench or table saw
- G or F Clamps (as many as possible – plus a few more!)
- Jig Saw
- Measuring, marking and levelling tools.
- Router
- Sandpaper – lots of it, in various grades
- Staple Gun and Plastic Packaging strap
Tools for steel tube construction aircraft
- Angle Grinder
- Magnetic welding clamps
- Oxy Acetylene Plant (for stress relieving components after welding)
- Tig Welding plant
- Tube notching Jig (cuts radius' on end of tubes)
- Various files etc
Tools for alloy stress skin construction aircraft
- Cans of etch primer
- Cleco pliers
- Cleco temporary fasteners, various sizes
(as many as possible – plus a few more!) - Deburring tools
- G or F Clamps (as many as possible – plus a few more!)
- Hydraulic press (required for some kits)
- Large marking – out table.
- Pneumatic air hammer and bucking bars (for solid rivets)
- Pneumatic drill
- Right angle drive drill
- Rubber Mallet
- Sheetmetal folder
- Solid rivet squeezer
- Tin Snips (top quality)
- Various files etc
Tools for composite construction aircraft
- Cut off saw
- Fibreglass rollers and brushes
- Resin measuring tools
- Respirator and dust mask
- Sander and abrasive discs
- Scissors or other fabric cutting tools
Tools for fabric covering (aircraft of wood or metal structure)
- Fabric Scissors – straight and zig-zag
- Glue brushes
- Iron
- Needles and thread (Rib stitching and seams)
- Sandpaper (dependant on system used)
- Thermometer to calibrate iron
Tools common to all types
- Air compressor
- Air duster and cleaning brush
- Camera for recording progress
- Cordless drills (get several!)
- Drill press
- Engine hoist / chain block
- Extra portable lights
- Good quality screwdrivers
- Jacks, trestles or stands
- Lock wire pliers
- Measuring, marking and levelling tools.
- Spanners and sockets for installing fittings (normally SAE)
- Spray painting gun
