RV-7A Quickbuild: Which tools are NOT needed?

[clevtool]

Originally Posted by grayforge

On the C-Frame front... I already started building a DRDT-2 and was planning to mount a SHPS head to it. I'll go ahead and finish the DRDT-2 and just mount the normal dimpler mechanism on it. Then sell the unit when done. This one is being built with 1/4" wall rectangular tubing instead of 3/16 so it's capable of riveting too. :-) Are there plenty of rivets left to do in a QB kit to make an SHPS squeezer useful?

Russ,

Here is the thing, good tools are a joy to use and worth the price. Some people can afford to go all out, some scrimp by with the minimum. I always buy the best I can afford, and when I break that rule I am ALWAYS disappointed.

That said I have tipped back and forth on hand squeezer vs. pneumatic on the quick build for years. I hope several real quickbuilders can jump in and give their opinions. Any squeezer is used for riveting but in reality it is mainly used for dimpling, doing half of the dimples on the aircraft (the entire substructure) on the quickbuild that is factory done. You will use the squeezer for riveting, it is just a tradeoff on hand, pneumatic, or HPRS. All three are very resellable and, if you can part with it when you are done, you will come out with a very reasonable "cost of use".

Since you are building the DRDT style frame, my money would go into the HPRS system with squeezer, DRDT head, and quick disconnects. You will be able to get your money back on the system if you throw in the frame. If it doesn't sell for that on here I will take the deal, as I know I can find it a home. We do have a buyback on the hand and pneumatic versions as well, but I can't get anyone to do it!

[grayforge]

I agree that the right tools make the job go much more smoothly. I always say that the secret to doing a good job on anything is a combination of the right Technique and the right Tool.

I'm leaning towards the HPRS Intensifier and hand squeezer and can add the DRDT-2 Head unit & Quick Disconnects later when I see how much I'll use the DRDT-2.

Thanks!
Russ

[Jekyll]

You still need an edge rolling tool.

4 pack of #30 and # 40 drills will get your through part of the build. Need more.
Dimple dies for a rivet puller are great tools.
Small files
Nibbler
Smaller size uni bit
Snake drive for drill was handy
Hole cutters
Suggest you buy a minimum of 2 countersink tools. You will save a lot time not changing bits and resetting the depth. Also reduce the chance for errors.
I personnaly don't care for an air drill. I only used mine several times when an electric or battery drill wouldn't fit in the space. You will use your drill most days which means you will need your compressor most days. With an electric drill, I only needed to charge my compressor when using the riveting gun which is much less often.
Next, you need wiring tools which will get lots of use over and extended time
tube bending tools can usually be borrowed because you will only need the for short periods of time

Jekyll, 7A QB

[NeilMcLeod]

I still use my pneumatic occasionally, for example installing pitch servo bracket, years after the plane was "done". Could you do without it? Sure but it's more fun with it and makes some darn near impossible jobs for one person doable.