Recommended Tool List

The following list is provided as a starting point when acquiring tools for an RV build project.  This list is fairly complete, but we also recommend you speak with other RV builders and tool suppliers to help best determine what you need for your specific shop and project.

If you are building an RV-12 or RV-12iS, which uses certain different fasteners and related tools, please refer to Section 3 of the RV-12 plans for a comprehensive list of tools needed when building that model.

** denotes items that are suggested to assemble the practice projects: “RV TRAINING PROJECT-1” and/or “TOOL BOX KIT” and/or “VAN’S LIGHT BOX SIGN KIT.”

Aircraft Specialty Tools for the RV-7, RV-8, RV-9
(scroll down for RV-10, RV-14 additions)

• 3X Rivet Gun** (2X or 3X for QuickBuild)
• Non-Swivel Click-type Air Regulator
• 1″ Dia. Flush Set **
• 1/8″ Cupped Set 3.5″ **
• 1/8″ Double Offset Cupped Set  (Not needed for QuickBuilds)
• Back Rivet Set **
• Bucking bar (Tungsten or multiple shapes)
• Microstop Countersink Cage**
• #40 Countersink – 3/32″ Rivet **
• #30 Countersink – 1/8″ Rivet
• #6 Countersink – #6 Screw
• #8 Countersink – #8 Screw
• #10 Countersink – #10 Screw
• #40 Straight Flute Reamer
• #30 Straight Flute Reamer
• ¼” Straight Flute Reamer
• 7.9mm Straight Flute Reamer
• 5-10 #40 Jobber Drill Bits (for 3/32″ rivets) **
• 5-10 #30 Jobber Drill Bits (for 1/8″ rivets) **
• #19 Jobber Drill Bit
• #12 Jobber Drill Bit
• #10 Jobber Drill Bit
• #21 Jobber Drill Bit
• #28 Jobber Drill Bit
• ¼” Jobber Drill Bit
• “D” Jobber Drill Bit
• “N” Jobber Drill Bit
• 12″ #40 Drill Bit
• 12″ #30 Drill Bit
• Deburring Set – Large Holes
• Hex Shank Deburring Bit – Small Holes
• 3M Cut & Polishing Wheel 6″
• 3M hand pads
• Cleco Pliers **
• 325 Cleco Fasteners – 3/32″ ** (** 30 required, 150 if QB, 500 if 10/14)
• 175 Cleco Fasteners – 1/8″ ** (** 10 required, 75 if QB)
• 10 Cleco Fasteners – 3/16″
• 4 Cleco Clamps – 1/2″ Jaws
• 4 Cleco Clamps – 1″ Jaws
• Hand or Pneumatic Squeezer and 3″ Yoke
• 1/8″ Universal Cupped Set
• Flat Set 1/2″ x 1/8″ **
• Flat Set 3/8″ x 1/8″
• 3/32″ Rivet Dimple Die **
• 3/32″ Rivet Small Dia. Female Die
• 3/32” Rivet Close Quarters Dies (pop rivet operated)
• 1/8″ Rivet Dimple Die
• #6 Countersink – #6 Screw
• #8 Screw Dimple Die
• #10 Screw Dimple Die
• Unibit 1/4″ – 3/4″ by 1/16ths
• Fluting Pliers
• 10″ Curved tool File
• 22″ Reach Skin Dimpling Tool (C-frame)
• Back Rivet Plate
• Hand Seamer Pliers

Specialty Tool Additions for RV-10, RV-14

• 3/32″ Squeezer Cup Set
• 3/32″ Cup Rivet Set 3.5″
• Special Bar for RV-10 & RV-14
• Jobber Drill 5/16″
• Jobber Drill #17
• Jobber Drill #34
• 6″ Drill #27
• 6″ Drill #33
• Countersink Cutter – #12 Pilot
• RV-14 Safety Pin Squeezing Tool for Elevator (14 only)
• RV-14 Modified #40 Countersink for Elevator (14 only)
• RV-14 Economy Modified 3/32″ Male Die for Elevator (14 only)

Specialty Tools Needed Late in the Project (borrow if possible)

• Tube Bender
• Tube Flaring Tool
• Wire Crimping Tools
• Ft.-Lb Torque Wrench
• Angle Die Grinder and Cutoff Discs (for plexi and fiberglass)

Optional Speciality Tools  

• Angle Drill Attachment & Threaded Drill Set 6 pc.
• Dimple Die Organizer
• Rivet Measuring Gauge
• 3/32” Pin Punch
• 1/8” Pin Punch
• Edge Former Tool
• In-Lb Torque Wrench

Standard Shop Tools (available at local hardware stores)

• Drill (Air or Cordless) **
• Metal Snips: Left & Right  **
• Pop Rivet Tool **
• 24″ Stainless Rule
• Slow, Lightweight, Cordless Screwdriver (for deburring)
• Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Markers **
• Removable Scotch Magic Tape & Tape Dispenser
• Hearing Protector
• Safety Glasses
• File Card / Brush
• Standard files
• Standard Sockets, Wrenches, Screwdrivers
• Steel and Composite Hammers
• Air Tool Oil
• Air compressor (3-5cfm @ 90 psi) & Hose

Optional Shop Tools (available at local hardware stores)

• Drill Press
• Band Saw
• Belt or Disc Sander
• Vise

Specialty Tool Additions for RV-3, RV-4, RV-6

• Fan Spacing Tool
• Double the number of drill bits
• Nut Plate Drill Jigs #8
• Omit #6 Countersinks and Dies above
• Air Drill is a must
• Angle Drill Attachment and Bits