What TOOLS do I need to BUILD an airplane?

In this video, I go over the tools that are needed to build a Zenith kit plane. Although I'm referring to building a Zenith, this video is applicable for most aluminum kitplanes. If you are building a Vans RV, then you will need some additional riveting tools which are not covered in this video..
Thank you for watching and for subscribing to my channel. Welcome!
#tools #toolbox #builder #mancave #garage

[@yavoz.]

Most comprehensive video ever on this topic

[@davelastowski2158]

Excellent video..answers a lot of questions before I commit to a build..

[@rosstaylor9969]

Thanks for showing the flush rivet tool in use. And nice job with that fly!

[@ikay2102]

I like how fly disappeared lol VERY helpful video, thanks Mark.

[@Capitaine.Albator]

Cool video, thanks for the information. Really well explained

[@Mrsournotes]

Practical, useful info. Good job.

[@humbledtrader760]

Thank you! Super helpful

[@budmcfly3311]

Awesome thanks for your efforts

[@azzamaddas4437]

Excellent description based on extensive hands on experience.

[@marcjoseph8300]

Excellent thanks

[@darrylellitson6749]

Amazing info.

[@joelvaldez537]

I’ve been watching your videos and others for several months now and have basically picked out the model airplane I’m getting, but this is probably the most helpful video I’ve seen ever, on prepping for such an endeavor. By the way, initially got my license at 21 while I was in high school, but life got in the way of flying. I am now 58 and a bespoke tailor and will be taking some ground school courses to pursue my pilot license once again. Thanks, great job!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

So what model kitplane did you choose?

[@joelvaldez537]

Kitplane Enthusiast hi! I’ll be getting the Zenith 701 to start and hopefully just enjoy putt putting around the hill country.

[@CCitis]

Honestly, one of the keys to these types of projects are having the right tools. Too many times I have not had the tools and tried to make do but it is not worth it.

[@v1_rotate638]

I thought the same thing. It’s amazing how much everything works if you have the right tools for the job. I could easily see the build time on a project like this double without the right tools and trying to make it work

[@aschkansabaghi4901]

Great video!

[@spyrosg3172]

Great video. If you ever want to do a follow-up, a quick breakdown on what's required on top of this, for something like a Vans RV, might be interesting to some. Keep up the good work.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

It's been a while since I've built my RV-7 so I'm not I remember all the different tools needed. I think it's mostly all of the same tools you see in the video, plus the addition of a rivet gun and a few accessories for the rivet gun.

[@youaxeng]

Great

[@commentatron]

Very good video! There is one tool that's conspicuously absent that has always helped me a great deal: the money dispenser. 🙃

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

My money dispenser is really old and worn. Any idea on where I can get another one?

[@commentatron]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Sorry, till death do you part. 😆

[@john9663]

Would like to see the type of paint system you used. Also, if you used pneumatic tools or just the electric variety. (I think you showed a pneumatic sander in the vid). Would appreciate your thoughts on your choices. A very thoughtful and useful video!

[@1pierreandremercier]

KILLER

[@Johann75]

The best explanation of tools with examples of use. Just one question, are all those numbers in inches or metric? Do you maybe have the list of the items to have the spalling of the tools correctly for non english spaker?

[@javajav3004]

Always make a handle for the file tang. It takes a couple minutes and I’ve never met someone who regrets having one

[@scrappenstance]

Whats the vise grip pliers edge beading tool name? Where can I find more info? You make them?? Excellent videos, and OUTSTANDING looking plane! A+++

[@1shARyn3]

Add some removable screw driver bits to insert into the Porter Cable drill ---> need it more during maintenance activities (condition inspections) than during the build, but it will save the muscles in your arms and reduce the number of blisters in your hands with all the screws that will need to be removed and reinstalled.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

There's actually not very many screws to remove on the Cruzer. And I prefer to use a screwdriver by hand anyway just to prevent stripping or damaging the nut plates. Now the Mooney on the other hand where there are roughly 127,482,955,981,912,945 screws to remove? Then YES, add some bits for the drill!

[@1shARyn3]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast :-D

[@justplanecrazy1860]

Getting started on my 750 SD. Thanks for the video and the tool tips that will make my plane better. By the way you did not mention how inventory and organization is crazy and takes forever. Where did you buy the edge bender? I think I need one.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

www.cleavelandtool.com/collections/cutting-and-forming/products/edge-forming-tool?variant=31585278820414

[@nathanhudson2258]

I was hoping you would shed some light on the florida phematic 20,000rpm drill

[@grandsea2]

How about another video on Avionics/electrical tools...(disclaimer I haven't checked out your video catalog yet so if this video exists already please disregard. Thank you for the great video and mini tutorials of the what's and how's...

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Ricky-check out Ep 60 for aircraft wiring tools. I also show an additional crimper I purchased from Amazon on EP77. It's for crimping larger battery cables.

[@crunchied8]

I guess you haven't put any fabric tools in the as well just saying very good video thou keep up the good work

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That is true. This video is more relevant for aluminum airplanes.

[@michaelmarfleet661]

I have been looking at your videos a long time now. What make is that 90 degree drill attachment, I have looked everywhere with no luck. I have found your videos very inspirational, won’t be long before my own project.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

You can find it at Aircraft Spruce and probably all other aviation tool companies.

[@michaelmarfleet661]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast thank you

[@DSVETLOV]

4:13 - fly killer

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I’m a fly ninja.

[@Know-Way]

An expensive tool with a learning curve... Do you think a TIG welder would be useful for welding aluminum? Mostly I'm thinking for fixing mistakes like welding/filling holes back in or welding over-bent parts that break, versus reordering parts.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I'm not sure if TIG, MIG, or Oxy is best for welding aluminum. I know nothing about welding, but that is a skill I'd love to learn someday.

[@Know-Way]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast I have limited experience with welding aluminum (still learning myself), but looked into MIG before buying a TIG welder. The most common complaint I read about with MIG welding aluminum was the aluminum wire feed was prone to jamming. The aluminum wire bends easily. I mostly went with TIG because the heat is quite controllable for welding really thin stuff. I remember seeing a couple Coca-Cola cans welded together bottom to bottom with a perfect bead using a TIG welder.

[@thomaselliott9982]

Where did you get the tool which slightly bends the sheet metal edges to make them lay down neatly with no gaps. And what is this tool called and how do you use it? Thank you.

[@richardmiller630]

EF-60 Edge Forming Tool. Cleaveland Aircraft Tool Co.

[@RomanRamsGubanov]

Bet that fly did not see that coming

[@marc-bernardlevesque5016]

One issue that comes up when dimpling nutplates is that this process might crack the edge of the rivet hole. Some guys avoid this issue by inserting a countersunk 1/8’’ aluminum tab the size of the nutplate. This avoids having to remove a nutplate that cracked open during riveting. This being said, you don’t seem to have this issue because of the type and thickness of aluminum you use and the particular nutplates you use. I can see where I could use your technique inside my cockpit for my armrests. They are of a similar material with similar size nutplates. Thanks for the demonstration.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Interesting. I've never witnessed or even heard of a nutplate cracking. Have you?

[@marc-bernardlevesque5016]

Kitplane Enthusiast Not so much the plate as a rivet ring. The back tab trick is sometimes essential for some 2024-T6 or with thick skins. It’s found this in some plans for some scratch built planes. Your application does NOT seem to need such precautions.

[@wb6anp]

where did you find the cleco containers

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

The containers are from protein powder and I made the graphics with my vinyl cutter.

[@wb6anp]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast well darn, I was looking all over the internet for them.

[@DiegoRivera-cl9ms]

4:20 Wtf how did u killed that fly so easily

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Ninja skills.

[@MrBarbuster]

forgot the wallet

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Most of these tools are available at Harbor Freight. Some of them are specialty tools that will have to be purchased from an aircraft tool supply house, but the tools are a small cost of the total project. My guess is that it's not too difficult for the average person to cut back on beer, Starbucks, golf outings, and all the other useless crap that people buy and divert those funds to their tool budget. It's all about priorities.