Tip: The Right Tool For The Job!

[jthocker]

In the course of building multiple airplanes, I've aquired an array of tools that have allowed me to build my planes fairly quickly and efficiently. I usually "treat" myself to some new tool at the start of a project. 27 years of building RV's has resulted in this:





I'm helping a friend build his RV8 at my house, and somehow in the course of building the empennage I managed to use every one of those yokes!

[tcone1]

A friend once pointed out to me "It's a thin line between a hobby and a mental illness."

To which I responded "There was a line back there?"

[DarylT]

Funny how we come up with some of the justifications huh.

And it never stops. Almost finished but I need one more tool in case I build again. Then someone says but you can sell them when you are done.

What are you crazy!

[JonJay]

You dont "need" any of those tools, let alone on the empennage!
I built my entire airplane with a manual Tatco squeezer and 3", 2", and 1" yokes.
Maybe that is why I am so jealous!

[N941WR]

And you still don't have a "no hole" yoke. I guess that will have to wait for the next project.

[airguy]

Hey wait a minute! I see one of those that I need!

Well, actually, no I guess I don't NEED it, but I want it so I'm gonna get it!

[terrye]

Well most of these yokes look like the ones in the catalogs, except for the one at the top right - the extended yoke. Did you make it, if so how? Did you buy it, if so where?

Yes, my name is Terry and I am a tool addict.

[jthocker]

Actually the yoke at the top left is a "no hole". The "extended" yoke was purchased at Sun n Fun a number of years ago at the fly mart, 25-50 bucks.Never had much use for it until this project, used it somewhere around the rudder horn I think. I had a friends long reach "no hole" for the last couple of projects, but gave it back to him, oops! I'll either borrow it again, or pick one up at Sun n Fun.

[java]

It is interesting to read the forums on this subject. Some regale us on the perfect tool they bought, found, or built to do one rivet, and are proud of it. Others obviously find it important to outline how they overcame a challenging situation and/or built their entire plane with nothing more than a stick and a rock (ok... I exaggerate, but you get the picture). Both are valid. I tend towards tool accumulation. I like it. It is enjoyable in and of itself, having a multi drawer tool box full of precision tools. I can't economically justify it, but then again, how many of you can economically justify this hobby at all? I say do what feels right to you and makes you feel good. Life is too short to live someone else's perception of how you should build your plane.

[Flyin'Bryan]

Jon, I am interested in knowing more about the application for the one with notch in the top (the one on the top row in the center). How is that one utilized?

Thanks.