Tool Kit recommendations

mzcontrails · #1 12-09-2008, 06:48 AM

I understand that a person's tools are an individual choice, but in these times I just would like your opinions on the "best bang for the buck" tool kits available to build an RV-7A. I'm a wood worker and understand that a quality tools win every time...

* Avery is a long time favorite. No "bling" just the good solid tools required.

* Cleveland looks like a solid kit and includes their upgraded hand squeezer and Sioux air drill.

* Isham looks good also, yet is offering the DRDT-2 Dimpler and a Pneumatic rivet squeezer.

All kits are similar in parts and quality. I just don't know if the DRDT-2 or the Sioux drill are worth having me choose one company over the next. Any personal experience with these companies would be greatly appreciated. Will order tool and empennage kit prior to the New Year.

flytoboat · #2 12-09-2008, 07:01 AM

I bought from Isham and have no regrets. Many people say you can build without the DRDT-2 or pneumatic squeezer, but very few people who have them would give them up! I also bought the squeezer bench bracket and foot control for "hands free" use. YMMV

http://www.averytools.com/pc-897-85-...combo-kit.aspx

Geico266 · #3 12-09-2008, 07:05 AM

Welcome to VAF

I like working with the folks at Avery. Good tools, good service.

danielhv · #4 12-09-2008, 07:10 AM

I went with Ishams as well. You WILL NOT be sorry! The guys over there have gone well out of there way to take care of me and I am 110% satisfied!

So much so, that I even endorsed Ishams on my website.

Vlad · #5 12-09-2008, 07:31 AM

and more affordable I think.
You can use many tools you already have for your hobbies ( RC, woodwork etc.) Supplement them buying the best from all three tool houses. Couple hours of homework could save you a thousand on tools purchase.
Just my personal opinion.

flytoboat · #6 12-09-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vladyspassky

and more affordable I think.
You can use many tools you already have for your hobbies ( RC, woodwork etc.) Supplement them buying the best from all three tool houses. Couple hours of homework could save you a thousand on tools purchase.
Just my personal opinion.

Vlad,
I have accumulated woodworking, plumbing, electrical, and automotive type tools for many years prior to starting the RV build. Many of these tools will be used in the RV build (e.g. belt sander, band saw, bench grinder, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.), but I didn't have anything in my existing tool arsenal that came in the RV tool kits that I looked at (except for some drill bits). There are differences in the kits, but I don't see how you can save $Thousand without buying "basement bargain" junk. No flame intended, but I did spend several hours comparing several venders kits with Van's suggested tool list and don't see how I could have saved $1000.

JHines · #7 12-09-2008, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzcontrails

<SNIP>

All kits are similar in parts and quality. I just don't know if the DRDT-2 or the Sioux drill are worth having me choose one company over the next. Any personal experience with these companies would be greatly appreciated. Will order tool and empennage kit prior to the New Year.

It looks you are are comparing "standard" kits which may be misleading you in a decision. The DRDT-2 is made by a separate company and is available from all three tool vendors, and I don't think there is much variation in pricing. Same goes for the Sioux air drill.

I know it is true for Cleaveland, and possibly true for the others, that if you buy "enough" tools at once, they will give you a kit discount even though you have made significant additions, deletions, or substitutions. It is not as if the listed "kits" are set in stone. Think of it like the "value meal" at Wendy's, as long as you buy the burger and soda you can have fries, chili, or salad for the side dish.

Also, the kits tend to be designed for folks who have no tools whatsoever and therefore include many small items that you could procure locally, probably for less money. Example: Scotch tape dispenser, Sharpie permanent markers, dimple die storage block (which is really just a board with holes in it), aviation snips, etc.

For example, when I bought my Cleaveland kit I substituted a DRDT-2 dimpler for the C-frame, which added some cost. But then I eliminated some of the small items to bring the total down a bit.

mackd · #8 12-09-2008, 09:02 AM

I don't think you'll be sorry with any of those kits. And if you can afford the extra cost of the DRDT-2 or pneumatic squeezer, you won't regret getting them.

Vlad · #9 12-09-2008, 09:07 AM

Probably a grand of savings is too much. But there is a good savings for starter builder. Now I am smiling at myself realizing how negligible tool cost is in general comparing to airplane stuff in long run.

flytoboat · #10 12-09-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vladyspassky

Probably a grand of savings is too much. But there is a good savings for starter builder. Now I am smiling at myself realizing how negligible tool cost is in general comparing to airplane stuff in long run.

In the grand scheme of things tools are a small cost, but can make a huge difference in quality of build. I think one way to save money on tools is to join a local EAA chapter and borrow or rent tools from other builders that are expensive but not used much. Examples are: 37* flaring tool, electrical tools, scales, instrument hole tools etc. I know one EAA chapter that has a huge tool crib for loaning to their members.