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".
   

• 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
• #21 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