Aircraft Mechanic Must Have Tools

[@MrLongboarder87]

Great selection of tools. If on a budget go all Gearwrench, you can’t beat them for the price. I would like to add my 2 cents. Gets a 7 inch and/or 5 inch Knipex cobra pliers, some kind of extending magnet, a 2, 4, and 6 inch 1/4 extension, 2 panel pry bars, razor knife, a 1/4 speeder wrench, a 1/4 universal adapter, soft face hammer, dead blow hammer, ballpeen hammer and a set of picks. If you know your going to work on any Falcon aircraft get a set of metric combination wrenches and sockets in 1/4. Bonus “tool”, grow a mustache. Pilots always appreciate a good stache.

[@pnraviation520]

Starting School Next month, super excited. Thanks for showing off tools again, really helps to see what I would need

[@williamalcorn3913]

Pretty good

[@AKChryslertech]

I have been an aviation gse mechanic for over 10 years now and getting my a&p soon. I agree 100 percent on your advice for borrowing tools. The rule of buying any tool you borrow 3 times is great advice for any mechanical career and has saved me alot of time, hassle, and money over the years.

[@innoc3ntbystndr]

Nice to see Gray Tools there! Proudly Canadian🇨🇦

[@starfoxguyt]

Speed handle is definitely useful for heavy checks, especially for the screws that are torqued a little too tightly

[@RJ9mech]

Also useful on the line when encountering overtorqued panel screws from heavy. 😂

[@_Avser]

Thanks, I just started an AMT course here in california. They gave us a tool list but also suggested other tools to make our lives easier.

[@neillenhart6838]

Hangar Mx here. Definitely get some ratcheting wrenches, all the way down to 1/4” if possible saves a lot of time. Drills also super important, personally I prefer a beefy Milwaukee M18 to drill out screws and a M12 screw gun and 90 ratchet for real tight spaces. Cannot stress enough the importance of some decent knee pads, decent headphones like the ones used at gun ranges (for when you’re leak checking a 200/700/900 or doing a duct mon) and a couple decent flashlights and a headlamp. Knipex in my opinion is the gold standard for wrenches, use them everyday but you don’t have to start out with them cause they’re pricey. Sheet metal skin spoon and a leather man multi tool are super useful too.

[@Gl4uc0n]

Just got out of school and have been slowly building a tool set for the last two years or so. Pretty content with the set I have now at least to start out with. I've been told the certifications to work on airplanes are a license to learn, but also a license to buy more tools.

[@dropsofmexico9330]

Wow i was expecting more specialized tools im glad to see i have most of this stuff if not all of it.

[@chrisk2898]

Tekton makes really good complete sets. The Snapon ratcheting screwdriver is the one tool truck item to buy. Skin spoons are extremely handy to have.

[@BAboymr]

I work in aviation maintenance in the uk and all our tools have to be shadow boarded in foam so each spanner has a cut out in our tool box for tool control. Nothing loose like this. Most places dont let you use private ones you have to use company toolboxes which uses a barcode system

[@turdpike]

Yeah some companies here do that, mostly larger ones. The rest can’t afford to supply every employee with tools, and it’s that reason I believe they would have a hard time enforcing us to shadow our own stuff

[@BAboymr]

turdpike yeh makes sense i work on large commercial cargo aircraft and we are probably one of the only airline in Europe who can still use our own tools everywhere else is company toolbox

[@christhemexvet6652]

Nice setup… been working on jets for 20 years as an avionics tech and A&p. youre on point

[@dadirtydawg7789]

I notice alot of ratcheting screw drivers on A&P tool videos. I heard some places don't allow battery power tools? Is that true? Cordless ratchet would be alot faster

[@pukinator1]

As an A&P i suggest, get the rachets from snap-on, get the rest budget(not cheap, budget)

[@brendandemjanec5737]

zip ties and hose clamps! ive encountered so many hose clamps that have been trimmed and not filed down. always clean a sharp edge lol. great video

[@justing42]

30 plus yr commercial airline A and P….I have ZERO 6 point anything in my box. Gear wrench wrenches are a close to must have. Double box 1/4-5/16 and 3/8 -7/16 wrenches use all the time ….RARELY use 3/8 drive, never use 1/2 inch drive sockets. Ratcheting screw driver a must. Rule of thumb, don’t by Snap On channel locks, buy CHANNEL LOCK channel locks (hogs as we call them)…don’t buy Snap On vise grips, buy VICE GRIP Vice grips. Each type of mechanic - Commercial, GA, corporate, has different needs as far as tools go…I am a line mechanic at a major airline and my tool box is one I carry in one hand whereas a hangar guy will need different stuff. A lot of companies also have all the special tools you need as well.

[@RJ9mech]

Nice set. A traveling line bag for mobile work is a bit selective but quite similar with weight being a consideration as well.

[@chasingthetrail9375]

Would definitely add a pair of 90 degree needle nose pilers. Mechanical fingers, And a J bar those will save you a lot of headaches especially if you have to train new employees. Otherwise great video!

[@channelwanderer7010]

UV light great for reading faint stamps also. Surprised how often I use the UV function.

[@TheGasmonkey123]

Thank you for the valuable information. Currently setting up my tool box and finishing up my FAA exams, much respect to the other A&P’s watching this!

[@oldfangle2207]

Good vid! But how can I tell if a tool is good? Snap On is top of the heap, but does it fit the fasteners better, or maybe the points don’t wear down? How can a newb evaluate a less expensive tool for value?

[@spawnandbatman6975]

Been in the army for almost 6 years. Going to get my A&P before I get out. Will be doing another 2 years in the army to go to school and get more experience. Working on blackhawks isn’t all that bad but I want to move onto fixed wing.

[@alvistam0203]

I’ve been looking into getting some of my own tools and just a question on imperial vs metric, might depend on location in the world but generally does the industry lean on metric or imperial? Or is it a mix of both like depending on manufacturer?

[@turdpike]

It is 99% imperial. Even European airframes. It’s a good idea to have some metric in the box, every now and again you’ll come across some components with a 10mm or something on it but it is SAE dominated industry.

[@dragonlord2451]

i found with combination wrenches a cheap set honestly can be better. If you are building and tearing down engines, so the powerplant side, there are times where you need to grind down a wrench, not even a snap on will fit, and you dont want to grind away a warranty.

[@Chinesefood4364]

Hi brother

[@joses.colonpagan2575]

Thank you very much for this video i am a currently in my Airframe 3&4 semester and my plan is to get some tools a little bit at a time since i only have a part time job , this really gave me a good idea on what to buy specially the drills

[@PS3Apollo]

I have a very novice question that i'm still not to sure about. Considering the size of these tool boxes, do you take them home or leave them in the hangar over night?

[@turdpike]

They stay at the hangar yes

[@nickh4309]

Thanks for the vid. I have found a good rule of thumb, when you need a tool more then once it's time to buy one you can afford. When you use a tool daily you should upgrade or buy the best one you can afford . This method has worked for me. However I did wind up with alot of multiple backup tools doing it that way. Also Don't make the mistake I made in thinking that Cordless tools are a luxury. Cordless tools are a huge time and muscle saver and I now know they are necessary. And yes i agree that tool brand doesn't matter as much as build quality and durability. over time personal preferences become more clear and they are different for everyone. Alot of guys I work with do alot of impulse buying on the tool truck. Definitely have in mind what you plan on buying before you step foot on a truck.

[@Volfas]

Can't find snap on duck bill pliers, and other brand recommendations?

[@turdpike]

Mac? If not them Channellock makes a set I believe

[@chaysongikas9664]

Do you think a 1/4 power ratchet would be a good investment? If so do you think you would opt for the extended reach for a little extra money?

[@turdpike]

Meh, yes and no. I bought one a year and some ago, the Milwaukee without the extended reach and honestly I’ve used it maybe a dozen times tops. I’d say more of a luxury item than necessary, but of course there are some tasks you’ll come across where having one of them makes it zip by… I’d say yes- but lower on the priority list. A good handheld drill first.

[@rodneycarsweoll5306]

Don't forget too get all lights LED USB, connection. Thank nice video.

[@SGCrider4521]

Cheers bud, about to grad here in van and about to start buying tools, first video ive seen about this being as simple as u can appreciate it🤙🏻

[@turdpike]

Thanks. You have a job lined up in this mess??

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

​@@turdpikebro you picked up your screw gun with a middle finger trigger grip.....I do the same, but don't cover the vent holes on it.....or it fails sooner.

[@charlescanton4740]

Add a 16 oz. ball peen hammer, 3/8" diameter brass drift, Apex bit holder, 3/8" drive speed handle, magnet on a stick, and a big church key (can opener).

[@hollywood1100]

Aye I’m almost done with school and getting ready to take my test and I wanted to know what are some methods you use when studying

[@manniesantos4685]

What about a tall toolbox instead of the bench table type?

[@turdpike]

You don’t see many of them. Need a shorter box to wheel underneath wings etc.. Also a space to work on top of instead of hauling a table over is just handier

[@osamakhalid5653]

Hello. You mentioned these tools in Canada. Can you please specify a store or a website from where I can check out these tools altogether?

[@osamakhalid5653]

Consider this that I do not live but I come there on my vacations so I would not have time to stroll around searching for tools. So any store or website will work best for me.

[@turdpike]

Princess Auto and Canadian Tire are two stores that I get some stuff from. Check out both their websites.

[@jrowe9301]

They have Home Depot when I go to Canada and I think they carry Tekton

[@reagan3671]

Thanks, this was so informative and helped me alot!

[@peterevans8194]

Much call for metric spanners or sockets over there?

[@turdpike]

None. Always a good idea to have a bare essential set in your locker but in 11 years of wrenching on mostly North American machines (but also some Swedish and French) I could count on one hand how many times I’ve used metric. Usually only on outsourced components.

[@bige.3474]

I've been licensed and working since 1982. The Airbus A320 family rudder actuators have a feedback lever with a 10mm nut. That is the only metric I have ever encountered.

[@peterevans8194]

@@bige.3474 Thanks, it seems very strange that the European airline industry haven't adopted metric fasteners ect, especially as metric is used in about every other sphere in mainland Europe, but with us in the UK being a bit of a halfway house...

[@turdpike]

@peterevans8194 Think it’s kind of been grandfathered in this way as it was (and still is) an American dominated industry. It sure would be nice to make the switch for all (I’m a Canuck and we do halfway house too) and of course metric just makes more sense. But… I digress

[@greggnewman9914]

What is the procedure for tool control? how do you know if you have lost/misplaced something? How will you know what aircraft you left it on?

[@turdpike]

All up to the individual at my work. Know what you have and inventory after each job no matter how small is what we practice

[@Kiddsworld66]

Inch and 3/4 is for them prop nuts on the front of the spinner

[@iamepimethus]

Ratchets and 1/4 sockets, screwdrivers and 30-60 wrenches from snapon. Everything else as good as you can afford.

[@JimmyfromtheNorth01]

I disagree about safety wire piles. The is some tight spaces were your not getting your hand. Definitely essential. Even cheap Amazon ones are better than nothing.

[@madnessknight2010]

No rapter claws?

[@VertzcalXBL]

are your sockets craftsman too or is that just the storage tray? also, should i get just a regular set of combination wrenches or ratcheting ones?

[@turdpike]

Just the tray is Craftsman. As far as wrenches, first I would get just a regular set of combo wrenches. Ratcheting can come later. You can’t fit a ratcheting wrench head in many areas that a combo wrench will get to

[@VertzcalXBL]

@@turdpike What brand are your sockets? thinking of going with tekton for my wrenches and sockets.

[@turdpike]

Yup you can’t go wrong with them. My sockets are a mixed bag- mostly Gray tools and some Napa Ultra-Pro. You’re just starting out so you’ll learn as you go which things you should spend the extra cash on and which you can get off Amazon for cheap.

[@VertzcalXBL]

@@turdpike Yea I've got that Mac and Snap-on discount too. Took your recommendation and got me a ratcheting screwdriver set from snap-on. and ill look into the tiny ratchet you have from MAC.

[@turdpike]

If you can, make use of your Snap-on discount for a set of their 4 way angle wrenches. The 3/8 to 3/4 is most common

[@gabrielletedara2662]

Thanks for shearing

[@chriswalker143]

You are in Canada as well which part?

[@turdpike]

SK

[@azvrmechanicaluniverse8922]

Merci ,Monsieur

[@spawnandbatman6975]

I gotta say though my best friend for screws is easy grip. That works miracles when you need to get shit done. 😂

[@azewo1438]

Do you think The need for Aviation Maintenance jobs will open up like crazy when and if this COVID stuff goes away?

[@turdpike]

That’s a question I’ve been asking myself! It’s hard to say.... I want to say yes but I’m thinking in reality it’s going to take a long time to bounce back. I’m not sure people are going to travel like they used to right away. I think a lot of airlines will be having the bare minimum of people of every department in order to keep cost down. If only we had a crystal ball! I was actually planning of making a video about this topic in the near future. We’ll see!

[@calebfin6640]

I work for an American airlines group company and yes they will bounce back flights are being added daily, there is a shortage of labor compared to the amount of business growth

[@joses.colonpagan2575]

Im currently going for my A&P license and my school has a snap on student discount and i was planing on buying some tools ,my goal is to go to a Commercial airlines what snap on ratchets would recommend me and types of length too. I am wilimg to buy up to 4 ratchets for the moment Thanks

[@Kelly_KC]

My instructors have told me that the airlines will provide most tools for you. So going the expensive route for all your tools isn't a good idea. GA you'll definitely need your own tools.

[@Sambuca123]

Dont buy snap on you will be fine with craftman and husky. Make sire you get a good safety wire plier tho.

[@Sambuca123]

Kellz what airline is that, most of the airlines require that you have your own tools, they just provide measurement tools like torque wrenches or calipers since they have to be calibrated.

[@robb1165]

The one I use most is THNF72, and a locking extension to go with it TMXKL60A. I also have a Harbor Freight one that is similar, significantly cheaper, and noticeably not as smooth ratcheting. I would not buy much until you know what work you will be doing. The smaller tools if you are working sheetmetal or in the cabin. You will need more and larger tools if you are working a general crew (hydraulics, engines, and mechanisms).

[@frankbutaric3565]

@@Sambuca123 in fifteen years as an A&P I never needed calipers. Calipers are really not accurate in any case. .003” or .75mm is about what one could expect for accuracy. I found that mixing brands is a good way to go as some brands have better ratchets or wrenches. Good thing is that decent tools are not as expensive as they used to be. I paid $70 for safety pliers back in the late 70’s.

[@LKahlilR]

Lockwire pliers

[@javajav3004]

Thank you from your neighbor down south

[@myles.j.c378]

You think HART brand tools are good? BTW i just start a&p school and was just wondering

[@turdpike]

I’ve never heard of them, personally

[@Querymonger]

@@turdpike isn't that the Walmart brand?

[@turdpike]

@@Querymonger dunno, have never seen them.

[@isaachousley325]

​@Querymonger i dont believe that they are exclusive to walmart but walmart is their largest (and only one ive seen) retailer. Iirc, they are made by one of the big tool conglomerates as their entry level diy tools.

[@jackdaniels7913]

Thank you for sharing it's an invaluable wealth of information. 🥃cheers🍻

[@Kiddsworld66]

Let see sheet metal, and precision tools!!!

[@ashankalpi]

👌👌👌👌👌

[@BoostedFromFactory]

I've never used an 11/32 in my life on anything aviation

[@turdpike]

Really? What kind of machines are you wrenching on? I use it very frequently

[@AlexanderEddy]

Laid off since March thanks to the 'rona, hard times in commercial aviation. Thanks for the good tools video anyway!

[@turdpike]

Sorry to hear man... I’m one of the lucky ones, just down to half time since then

[@AlexanderEddy]

@@turdpike It's all good brother, hopefully I'll be back to work soon. Glad to hear you've still got some hours at least

[@outherehuntinwolves7259]

@@AlexanderEddy DUDE........I'm an A&P been one for 13 years. Covid has boosted the aviation industry my friend. There's a shit ton of $$ to be made through CONTRACTING. I'm on my 2nd contract I'm making 6,800 bucks a month AFTER taxes. And we still need ppl. If you need help finding the best contract house (trust me thier some bad ones out there) message me I'll shoot you my info.

[@AlexanderEddy]

@@outherehuntinwolves7259 I'm in Canada so our licensing is different, but if you know anyone looking for an experienced avionics guy let me know!

[@thankthank81]

@@outherehuntinwolves7259 is contracting a good way to gain experience? I just got my a&p and are open to ways to gain experience and learn.

[@jeffg8672]

Get safety wire pliers. No one has time or need to mess around with manual. You will be laughed at in the field.

[@whatusername1234]

Try using impact driver instead of a drill to prevent cam out when loosening screws, preferably something with different power settings or a lower powered 12v impact driver like dcf801. Here is a video on this matter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inTdlp-Ap6ujb6c

[@scooter1748]

uncle ben

[@turdpike]

I heart you bro, and imma keep doing it. Mostly just because you pointed out my great uncle benjamin.

[@londzale3163]

Lol snap on makes tools for airplane workers ?😂 I thought airline industry tools would have to be a lot bigger than most in market. These are just basic automobile tools. Anyway it’s nice

[@turdpike]

A wrench is a wrench my man! But yes, mostly small fasteners compared to other industries. Weight saving is king.

[@Kiddsworld66]

Oh stop trying to be modest and flex that shit. You invested in it. I did too. OWNNNN IT BROTHERR. Hahah nice set!

[@larrylittle8947]

IPad...you are going to need an ipad before any of this.

[@drownademonratjesus6558]

Yea ur not a structure mechanic

[@turdpike]

Nope!