Tools questions

[HBpilot]

I was very lucky to find in my area an ex builder who was almost giving away most of his tools. I am in the process of evaluating them to find out what I need, and if the one I have are sufficient. I plan on building an RV7A.
I would like to get started with what I need to build the tail and eventually add on later.
Could you please comment on the tools below, if I should be looking at getting another one ?

1) Air Drill is a 3/8 Central Pneumatic. Shall I get a second one anyway ? 1/4 ?
2) Rivet Gun is a Cleveland Pneumatic Size E2 (so I assume 2x). Do I need a 3x ?
3) Pneumatic Rivet Squeezer is US Air Tool with just a standard yoke. Shall I get another yoke ?
4) Do I need a Pop Rivet tool ? How many of such rivets are used in a quickbuild ?
5) what kind of shank adapter drills bits do I need ?
6) do i need unibit step drills ?
7) What are the required Dimple Die that I need ?

I would appreciate any help. I am impatient to get started.
Thanks.

[Jerry Cochran]

I will answer the ones I know offhand.

1) Yes
2) Maybe, but I didn't. Could have used a 3x sometimes
3) Yes
4) Yes, definitely
5) Don't understand the question, pls explain.
6) Yes, for sure. Up to 1" preferably. Harbor Freight AV dept.
7) Yes, up to #8 screw size IIRC...

[HBpilot]

5) is for the angle drill. What kind of drill bits do I need (which size, etc...)

[flion]

Check out Avery Tools starter kit, to begin with. You can buy tools from the list if you don't need the whole kit. I'd suggest the 3x gun; you can always turn down the air pressure if you need to. For the squeezer, if it's not the alligator type, I like the longeron yoke and the deep no-hole yoke, along with an adjustable set. For the alligator type, reach is the thing, IMO. For the angle drill bits, I got set that contained #30, #40, #19, #12, and 1/4" short and long bits. Buy extras of the #30 and #40. Avery also has a complete set of the dimple dies; I bought spares for use in a C-frame tool because that can beat the pilot up pretty good.

[clevtool]

The tools listed will work great. Check that you have the rivet sets for flush and 1/8" cup rivets for both the rivet gun and squeezer. The dies you will need for the kit are 3/32" (in emp.) and 1/8" rivet dies, #6, #8 screw dies (and a #10 to borrow once). The angle drill you won't use for a while, you will learn what standard sized bits to have.

[Text here that was promotional in nature was removed by the owner of the forums. Non advertisers cannot use the forums as a promotional tool (rule #5 at: http://www.vansairforce.net/rules.htm). Answering a specific, technical question that can be verified with a source is of course allowed - and encouraged! ]

It will not all be necessary in the emp. kit, but you will find that most of the processes are done in the emp. then repeated throughout the project.

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[flion]

I should have mentioned Cleveland in my post. I am such an Avery's man but I've been happy with all the tools and accessories I have gotten from Cleveland.

Looking ahead, you will want separate cutting tools (drills, etc.) for working with fiberglass and another set for working with stainless steel. You won't need complete sets, just some basics. Also, I recently invested in a set of countersink cages, so I can keep a different size cutter in each. It's easier to change cages than cutters.

Lastly, a fun thing. When I bought my squeezer set, I got the complete kit. I knew I'd need the -4 and -6 universal sets for the AN470s throughout the structure and the wing spar rivets (one rivet was left out of my -10 spar and I was able to set it myself, just like I set all the rivets in my -6A spar). However, I never really expected to use the -5 or -3 sets. Imagine my delight when finally, after 15 years, I got to use the -3 set as I set the two AN470-AD3-4s in the rear deck of my -10 today. Boy, it was a good thing I got that set all those years ago...

[Kyle Boatright]

My opinion - unless you have $$ to spare, don't buy tools unless you know you're gonna need them. You're trying to build an airplane, not a tool collection. I know more than a few people who may never get started on their stated project (building an airplane), because there are always 10 more tools they "need" before they can start.

With that said, buy the unibit, the dimple dies (#30, #40, #8), the cheap pop rivet puller, and get started. Add tools as you need. You may find that you need a different squeezer yoke (for instance), but until you have the need, why buy a specialized tool you may never use?

[krjcolo]

I love these forums when you get help from Mike Lauristen from Cleaveland and other supply shops!!
I found that reading the Classifieds daily you can pick up some great buys from other builders.
Mike and Ida have always been very fair answering questions from new builders.

[HBpilot]

Thank you all for your answers, but I need one more clarification. I know this might sound like a stupid newbie question (and I tried to look for one by googling, etc...), but what is the difference between a 3/8 and 1/4 drill? Will my 3/8 be fine or do I need a 1/4?
Thanks.

Serge

[clevtool]

Chuck capacity. Normally high speed drills are supplied with a 1/4" chuck, because larger diameter drill bits should be turning slower anyway.

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