Building an RV
Required Tools -
Tool Suppliers

Many pilots and prospective airplane builders are unfamiliar with the construction methods and tools used in building metal airplanes. This is strange in a way, because the vast majority of the airplanes built in the last fifty years are made of riveted aluminum. While riveting may initially seem a mystery, it is really very simple.

Handling tools and doing quality work is not difficult. Some practice always helps, so a bundle of trimmings is included in the kit, along with enough extra rivets that the new builder can rivet away and convince him or herself that it isn't all that hard. Remember, the reason there are so many riveted aluminum airplanes in the world is that ordinary people in ordinary circumstances can do an acceptable (or better) job.

                                        Practice Projects

        Click here for information about the "RV TRAINING PROJECT-1"  

              Click here for information about the "TOOL BOX KIT" 

While Van's stocks a few tools as a convenience to our customers (please see the Accessories Catalog module), we are not tool specialists. Below we have included the list of recommended tools for construction of an RV. You should plan on spending between $1000 and $1500 for a complete set of tools. We have also provided a partial listing of tools suppliers who can provide information on tools/tool kits, and provide advice about tools.
 
    
**  denotes suggested tools to assemble the practice projects:
           "RV TRAINING PROJECT-1" and/or  "TOOL BOX KIT".
 
 

Recommended Tools
  • 2X and 3X Rivet Gun , or 3X Rivet Gun Only **
  • E-Z Change Spring
  • Air Swivel Regulator
  • 1" Dia. Flush Set **
  • 3/32" Cupped Set 3.5"
  • 1/8" Cupped Set 3.5"  **
  • 3/16" Cupped Set 3.5" (only for fabricating spar)
  • Double Offset Cupped Set
  • Mini Bucking Bar 1 lb. **
  • Anvil Bucking Bar 1.9 lb.
  • Footed Bucking Bar 2.2 lb.
  • Microstop Countersink Unit ** 
  • #40 Countersink - 3/32" Rivet **
  • #30 Countersink - 1/8" Rivet
  • #8 Countersink - #8 Screw
  • #10 Countersink - #10 Screw
  • Wiss Snips Left & Straight **
  • Wiss Snips Right & Straight **
  • Air Drill
  • #40 Drill Bits (for 3/32" rivets) **
  • #30 Drill Bits (for 1/8" rivets) **
  • #19 Drill Bit 
  • #12 Drill Bit
  • 12" #40 Drill Bit
  • 12" #30 Drill Bit
  • Deburr Tool **
  • Cleco Pliers **
  • 4 Cleco Clamps -1/2" Jaws
  • 4 Cleco Clamps -1" Jaws
  • Pop Rivet Tool **
  • 2 Screwdriver Bits - Size #2
  • Hand Squeezer / 3" Yoke
  • 1/8" Universal Cupped Set
  • 3/16" Universal Cupped Set
  • Flat Set 1/2" x 1/8" ** (**2 required)
  • Flat Set 3/8" x 1/8"
  • 3/32" Rivet Dimple Die **
  • 1/8" Rivet Dimple Die
  • #8 ScrewDimple Die
  • 24" Stainless Rule
  • Unibit 1/4" - 3/4" by 1/16 ths
  • Permanent Markers ** ("Sharpie" Xtra or Ulta Fine Point)
  • 3M Cut & Polishing Wheel 6"
  • Hearing Protector
  • Safety Glasses
  • 325 Cleco Fastners - 3/32" ** (** 30 required)
  • 175 Cleco Fastners - 1/8" ** (** 10 required)
  • Deburring Set - Large Holes
  • Edge Deburring Bit
  • Fluting Pliers
  • Rivet Cutter
  • Air Tool Oil
  • File Card / Brush
  • 10" Vixen File
  • C-Frame Riveting Tool
Optional Tools
  • #6 Countersink - #6 Screw
  • Drill Stop Set of 4
  • Angle Drill Attachment
  • Cordless Screwdriver (for deburring)
  • Threaded Drill Set 6 pc.
  • Back Rivet Set **
  • Dimple Die Organizer
  • Removable Rivet Tape
  • Tape Dispenser
  • 12 oz. Dead Blow Hammer
Tool Suppliers

 *  These tool suppliers are RV builders
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 Aircraft Spruce East
452 Dividend Drive
Peachtree City, GA 30269
http://www.aircraft-spruce.com
Phone: 770-487-2310
Fax: 770-487-2308
Customer Service: 1-800-861-3192
e-mail: info@aircraft-spruce.com
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 Aircraft Spruce West  and Administrative Offices

225 Airport Circle
Corona, CA 92880
http://www.aircraft-spruce.com
Phone: 951-372-9555
Fax: 951-372-0555
Customer Service: 1-800-861-3192
e-mail: info@aircraft-spruce.com
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 Aircraft Tool Supply Company
PO Box 370
1000 Old U.S. 23
Oscoda, MI 48750
http://www.aircraft-tool.com
Toll Free (USA & Canada):
1-800-248-0638
Phone: 517-739-1447
Fax: 517-739-1448
e-mail: info@aircraft-tool.com
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  * Avery Tools LP
111 Aviator Drive
Ft. Worth, TX 76179
http://www.averytools.com
Toll Free Order Line:
1-800-OK-AVERY
Tech Info / Customer Service:
817-439-8400
Fax: 817-439-8402
e-mail: info@averytools.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Brown Aviation Tool Supply
3801 S. Meridian Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73008
http://www.browntool.com
Toll Free: 1-800-587-3883
Phone: 405-688-6888
Fax: 405-688-6555
e-mail: browntool@aol.com
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  * Cleaveland Aircraft Tool and Material
2225 First Street
Boone, IA 50036
http://www.cleavelandtoolstore.com
Order Phone: 1-800-368-1822
Questions: 515-432-6794
Fax: 515-432-7804
e-mail: mail@cleavelandtool.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Clinton Aircraft Tool & Supply, Inc.
P.O. Box 1517
Woodstock, GA 30189
Phone: 404-766-3222
Fax: 678-445-7242
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* Isham Inc.

http://www.planetools.com
Phone: 316-755-0713
Fax: 316-755-0713
e-mail: sales@planetools.com
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 Professional Air Riveting Tools
82 Wendy Drive
Poughquag, NY 12570
http://www.rivettools.com
Toll Free: 1-800-445-5075
Fax: 845-724-5224
e-mail: RivetTools@aol.com
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 U.S. Industrial Tool & Supply Company
14083 S Normandie Ave.
Gardena, CA. 90249
http://www.ustool.com
Phone: 1-800-521-7394
Fax: 310-464-8880
e-mail: info@ustool.com
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  Wicks  Aircraft Supply 
410 Pine Street
P.O.Box 304
Highland Il 62249
http://www.wicksaircraft.com/

 

Toll Free Phone: 1-800-221-9425
Toll Free Fax: 1-888-440-5727

e-mail: Info@wicksaircraft.com

 

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14401 NE Keil Road
Aurora, OR 97002
503.678.6545

 
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