Where to start (tools)...

danielhv · #1 10-07-2007, 09:38 AM

I am going to be slowly but surely starting to buy the tools to start an RV... Any input on where to start? I figured the first thing would be a compressor (but I could be wrong...) Is there a guide somewhere that tells you what you will need tool wise as well as recomendations? I'd hate to have to buy something twice because I bought something insufficient the first time.

Im building a 7A btw, not sure if Im going with the QB or Slow build yet...

jmbaute · #2 10-07-2007, 09:48 AM

If you choose to not purchase a tool kit as most do, I'd start with the basic stuff required to build one of the practice kits.

A compressor is vital and that would be at the top of the list. Get a good one and only cry once.

I got my rivet gun first, then just real basic tools, clecos, hand squeezer, dies, etc.

I picked up my tools piecemeal, and probably would have saved money getting a kit, but for me it was good to buy them a little at a time (it wasn't cheaper, just better for my situation).

Have fun.

danielhv · #3 10-07-2007, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmbaute

If you choose to not purchase a tool kit as most do, I'd start with the basic stuff required to build one of the practice kits.

A compressor is vital and that would be at the top of the list. Get a good one and only cry once.

I got my rivet gun first, then just real basic tools, clecos, hand squeezer, dies, etc.

I picked up my tools piecemeal, and probably would have saved money getting a kit, but for me it was good to buy them a little at a time (it wasn't cheaper, just better for my situation).

Have fun.

I will end up buying the kit from Avery... Im just trying to get my garage stocked with all the power/hand tools I will need.

Rival67 · #4 10-07-2007, 12:14 PM

I'm doing the same thing right now putting together an aircraft tool kit. I've had a lot of success buying tools on Ebay. I bought a 2x rivet gun, rivet shanks, dimple dies, two Clecos air drills with a bunch more drill bits and some bucking bars. It all came to $160 dollars plus $40 dollars shipping. I don't know if I will necessarily use every item, but hey for that cheap they're nice to have. I also made some bit holders out of wood. I'm looking for pneumatic squeezers and a 3x gun next. Best of luck in your search!

Click here to search Ebay for Aircraft Tools !

Nathan Cassano

danielhv · #5 10-07-2007, 12:41 PM

Good idea, my only problem is I dont know what I need I guess... are all rivet guns the same? 2x or 3x? Not sure what a bucking bar is, and are all dimplers the same? Maybe im in over my head?

JHines · #6 10-07-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhv

Good idea, my only problem is I dont know what I need I guess... are all rivet guns the same? 2x or 3x? Not sure what a bucking bar is, and are all dimplers the same? Maybe im in over my head?

Not all guns are the same. The higher the "X" multiplier, the greater the maximum "hit" the gun can apply, and also the slower the frequency of hits.

A bucking bar is a solid metal bar (similar to an auto body dolly) used on the opposite end of the rivet from the gun - it actually forms the "shop head".

Not all dimplers are the same, but there are a few basic categories of dies that can be used in different kinds of dimplers.

Here is a good tool overview: http://www.rvproject.com/tools.html

Rival67 · #7 10-07-2007, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhv

Good idea, my only problem is I dont know what I need I guess... are all rivet guns the same? 2x or 3x? Not sure what a bucking bar is, and are all dimplers the same? Maybe im in over my head?

I can honestly say that I don't know how I'm supposed to use bucking bars yet but I know that I will certainly need them. What I've done is referenced other builders tool sets and looked at aircraft tool suppliers RV tool kits. And of course there is the Vans tool list. I find the Vans list to be the hardest to understand. I need pictures

Anyways, this gives me an idea of a check list to see what I need to get.

Avery Tools RV Tool Kits

Dan Checkoway's RV-7 Project - Tools

Vans - Building an RV - Required Tools

captainron · #8 10-07-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhv

I am going to be slowly but surely starting to buy the tools to start an RV... Any input on where to start? I figured the first thing would be a compressor (but I could be wrong...) Is there a guide somewhere that tells you what you will need tool wise as well as recomendations? I'd hate to have to buy something twice because I bought something insufficient the first time.

Im building a 7A btw, not sure if Im going with the QB or Slow build
yet...

No problem with buying a compressor first, but if you buy an oil-free compressor, then you WILL be buying something twice! Search the threads on this one. Most folks have gone with a good oil-lubed compressor.

Lionclaw · #9 10-07-2007, 03:00 PM

I just finished my practice kit 10 mins ago, ready to start the HS!

So far I'm glad I bought (in addition to van's recommended tools) -

Pneumatic Squeezer w/2.5" yoke
Longeron Yoke
4" no-hole yoke
6" scotchbrite wheel

Wish I would have bought (and currently have on order) -

Avery's scotchbrite kit
Pop rivet dimplers
Flush swivel rivet set
Edge rolling tool

danielhv · #10 10-07-2007, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHines

Not all guns are the same. The higher the "X" multiplier, the greater the maximum "hit" the gun can apply, and also the slower the frequency of hits.

So if I'm looking at the Avery Tool Kits... (Assuming I go with a 7A) is the 3x better than the 2x? Sorry for the ignorance, im just not familiar with pop riveting at all so hits and frequency dont make sense to me... yet!