Useful tools

28 Feb 2004 Useful tools

Probably not news to anyone, but just in case, I’d like to point out three very useful tools. There are dozens of required tools needed to build the RV, and most are purchased from a “toolkit” supplier, like Avery, Brown, or Cleaveland (note funny spelling). Get a toolkit – you won’t regret it.

The toolkits do not include all tools you will need, however. You’ll need screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets (USA type, not metric), rulers, pliers, and other stuff that you can usually purchase locally, just about anywhere in the world.

Some stuff that I have found to be very handy are the little mirror, the electric screwdriver with sockets on the end, and the air grinder with abrasive wheels.

These grinders are cheap, so I bought 5 and bolted on one of each type of abrasive wheel or disk I would possibly need. Much faster than changing wheels. These are between 10 USD and 40 USD depending on where you get them. I bought mine mail order from Harbor Freight in the USA. The scotchbrite wheel pictured came with the Avery toolkit.

I purchased the mirror from Sears in the US. It really helps see things from strange angles, and believe me, it gets a lot of use in the fuselage.

The electric screwdriver is useful for nuts and bolts since you have to put these things on and take them off *very* frequently. It’s really slow with regular tools, but quick and easy with the electric screwdriver and socket attachment. Very useful.