Good job on the starter tools. I would say for your next list don't forget a four way wrench set and 1/4 inch universal 12 pt socket set and if your doing GA work be sure it has an 11/32 in it too. I like Tekton for another good value brand but Duratech is good if they have what you need. Both brand have tool rolls which are great for travel and tool accountability.
Yes, 11/32"! It surprised me how often I use that size in GA and how a lot of tool sets don't include it. I had to run out and buy a separate Craftsman wrench one day. Thanks for mentioning the 4 way wrench set! That's another one I have to borrow from my IA but didn't have the proper name to get my own. I'll look into Tekton as well. 👍
@@LeftSeatAdventuresThis 11/32 inch is on my son's program required list, plus a couple of sizes that are not included in GEARWRENCH 19 Piece 12 Pt Long Pattern Combination SAE Wrench Set in Foam Storage Tray - GWMSCWL12SAE.
@@peterking8722 yup, most wrench sets do not include 11/32” which is absolutely a requirement for working on aircraft. That surprised me when I started out. One of the best sets on Amazon that has all the sizes he’ll need is from the Tekton brand (listed in the original comment above). Available here: amzn.to/3LpXTCI
@@LeftSeatAdventures The Tekton set TEKTON Combination Wrench Set, 19-Piece (1/4-1-1/4 in.) | WCB90104 was what I got for my son at Lowes with a 20% discount in addition to the posted 9% discount. The set you mentioned misses a few pieces required by his program.
@@peterking8722 cool, i didn’t know they sold them at Lowe’s too, good to know. We use 1” for oil filters, 1 1/8” for garter filters and some other things. Don’t know if I’ve used 1 1/4” but if it’s on the list then they will be.
💯% agree! 👍 Forgot all about those, and most wrench and socket sets don't include them. I also should've mentioned a 3/4 & 7/8 combo wrench as it handles pretty much all of the plug leads. I bought a 1" ratcheting wrench from the Matco guy, good quality but pretty pricy. Thanks!
I'm starting A&P Feb 20 and decided to do some research on what kind of tools I'll need eventually. Coming from a shade tree background. Two of my best tools were a jewelers headband and a mechanic stethoscope. I had an old school hotrodder mentor who had both these tools. Headband came in handle during rebuilds, so you can see literally all the smaller pieces what may be going wrong with them. Finding those imperfections help you understand what's going on deep inside you can't see also pieces together a story of what's happened to the engine the client never tells you. Same with the stethoscope, which after awhile I quickly diagnose problems based on the sounds. At least this is what I'll carry over. I'm not sure how they both will be applied, I'm sure I'll be laughed at. However every engine I've rebuilt has lasted over 150K and I've done a few. When I was asked what I was doing (I probably looked crazy to some clients) I told them I had to hear what the engine was telling me and look for clues! I think one guy who had a good laugh, when I rebuilt his 2.5 Nissan it's still running and has about 80K driven on it so far.
Hahaha, awesome! A stethoscope is a big step up from a pry bar. 😆😆😆I also started off in automotive. Some people will tell you there’s no carry over, but it’s not true. I’m learning there’s tons of certified aircraft parts that are made by automotive companies. And really, if you are one of the few mechanics that can recognize an issue by sound, you’ll do great in aviation. Congrats on gettin started! 👍👍👍
@@LeftSeatAdventures I really can't wait to get started. Ive already met people with similar to myself. I'm over here bouncing off the walls to learn. Any tips for a noob?
Excellent. Like with any school, you get out of it what you put into it. As you're progressing through, remember why you're there. When I went to automotive school, the people who partied and screwed around constantly didn't do well while those who didn't got the most from it and had the best opportunities afterward. Your instructors should have a wealth of experience to learn from and many are willing to stay late to share and tutor if needed. BUT: School is great at teaching the book knowledge, theories and regulations. Not so much real world hands on day to day work. You have a leg up over somebody with no experience at all, but you'll still have a steep learning curve once you actually get out in the field. (Meanwhile, I'm fully responsible for the book stuff working in the field as an apprentice. Pros and cons.)
Thanks, i've watched a few of these AMT toolbox reviews and they are all asked "what is your favorite tool and most used?" the reples typically are: most used "long handle wire cutters" and favorite tool " knipex pliers." great idea about the soft jaw pliers and low profile wrenches, looks like i'll have to pick up a couple new things. Thanks again and have a great weekend.
Haha yea I watched a bunch of them too before I started at the repair station. Some tools were helpful, some I've never touched. Guess it all depends what kind of work you're doing. (I actually think it took 3-4 months before I needed the long handle wire cutters. 🤪) Thanks Jeremy, you too! (Although I'll be at the shop wrenching on a Navajo... Overtime!)
Great list especially the thin spanner set. Personally i would add a wera rachet screwdriver and a set of knipex cobras.....game changers both of them!!
Thanks! I've recently switched to a different brand thin wrench set by Duratech, they're made of a stronger metal so they're not as wide. Good suggestions, my IA has the Cobras and I get my hands on them regulalry. And the Wera, NICE! 👍 I'm adding both to my shopping list!
You’ve opened my eyes to a few tools I now need for even general mechanical work. The slim wrench’s and the soft jaw pliers will be handy. Those battery powered tools are fantastic, they save so much time and wear and tear on the wrists. They’ve gone from a “nice to have” to a “must have” tool. Also, similar to an apron I wore a tool pouch for years and on construction it was a good way to have the tools I needed always close at hand but it had some negative points too. The weight of the pouch hanging on your hip over the years eventually caused some pain and if you were clawing around or under stuff I usually end up taking it off and carried the pouch by hand or just the tools I needed. In my last few years on the job I noticed that younger journeymen and apprentices were using hand held, open topped, tool totes more often than pouches on a belt. I use one now and fill it up with what I need for repairing stuff around the house to simple jobs while working on my car or bike. And around the shop a simple wheeled tool cart was a nice way to have both the tools I needed at hand and a place to put thing I had taken off or such.
Can't have too many tools! 😆 It'll probably be in a future video, but I also have the M12 3/8 ratchet. Probably should've gotten the 1/4", but it's been a lifesaver where you have no room to swing a ratchet. It was all about air tools when I was a Ford tech, but they're loud and attached to a hose. Crazy to think of how far the cordless stuff has come in such a short time. I can imagine the tool belt getting old after a while. Also noticed the trend with open top bags and buckets. Yup, love using carts for different tasks. Toolboxes, carts, and work benches, just about everything is on wheels in our shop.
Open top totes and compact pouches are great. Clip on pouches are nice for a few fasteners and a couple basic tools. If I need more than that and I'm on and off ladders or scaffold the bags go on. A decent set of suspenders transfers the weight to shoulders and keeps it off your hips.
You talked about buying "cushion throat" safety wire pliers. I have never had "cushion throat", they didn't make them when I was in the business. So I took PRC and filled up that space where the "cushion" is and then cut through it with a razor blade once the PRC dried. I also did several pairs of Dykes with PRC so that when I cut wire, it wouldn't fly off into No mans land.
Love it, the blue toolcart setup was the same as mine before I upgraded 👌. Started out working at a repair station while in school for my license. Only tools I'd add to your list would be Knipex pliers wrench, cheap set of 1/4 12pts and pref. The small long neck dykes from Snapon worth every penny.
Thanks! I like being able to just wheel the cart right to whatever plane I'm working on, but I've pretty much maxed out that setup already too. All good suggestions! 👍 I've also fallen in love with the Snap-On angled wrenches and wobble extensions, best I've seen on the market so far.
I'll also add the option of Channellock 728 long reach cutters. They're a different shape but get in a lot of the same places the Snap-Ons will surprisingly.
Hello Left Seat Adventures I just found your channel and subscribed. My suggestion for tools. Cordless tools in particular. Brushless =No Spark, meaning safety your's, mine and those in the area!!!! Please New people, don't just jump the first tool truck and go into debt!!! Give yourself some time and experience. See what you are doing. Get a feel for job. You don't have to get everything at once. I guess my number one suggestion is the tool box. Whatever size you buy today. Is going to be too small later. Expect to buy a bigger box. I started with a top box then I added a bottom rolling cabinet and put the top box on it. That lasted for the first, couple of years. Every plane has different needs. Thank you again
Agreed a tool box is your first purchase. I myself prefer cantilever tool boxes all foamed out takes some time to achieve but I have a line box a base box an AV box and a box for all my metric tooling. This way I can grab the box relating to the work I'm about to do
Awesome, thanks! These are all good suggestions that ANYONE reading these comments should stop and READ. (I'd pin this one too if I could.) I've been in situations where I was seriously considering the brushless options as well... 100% on the toolboxes, I had the same progression when I was in automotive. I couldn't believe how much debt the other techs were going into!
I found the snap on 808cf long reach mini cutters are amazing, they’re even on duncan’s engine minimum tool list, and not that expensive if you have the student discount
Do airlines normally have tools you can sign in/out like torque wrenches, tire pressure gauges, borescopes and equipment that you'll need to work on aircraft that come through that airport? Also thanks for making this, I learned a lot and I'll be adding these to my collection 👍
Absolutely! 👍 I'm not 100% sure about the airlines. I know some people keep a small toolbox of basic tools and then the shop provides everything else. In our shop, torque wrenches and other special tools are provided for us. Torque wrenches specifically need to be calibrated yearly, so it's good we don't have to worry about that part. It is good to build up your own set of tools though. Getting your A&P opens a lot of doors to a lot of different opportunities both on and off the job.
Milbar makes the safety wire pliers for SK, Proto, Blue Point, and a few other manufacturers. They’re literally the same, so just get the cheapest set that offers the most convenient warranty.
Got my milsurp wire pliers about 50 years ago. Also have newer ones, reversible, spring loaded, etc. But the old milsurps are still my favorite. Only mod was to epoxy a bearing on the pulled end to make retraction way easier.
Thanks for the expert advice. What do you think of the ARES 10009-6-inch Reversible Wire Twister Pliers that is not too expensive but received raving reviews on Amazon?
It looks like a solid option for just starting out. I have no experience with this exact pair but it appears to be a step up from some other bargain brands. I do however have some other Ares tools that are well made and have been holding up. Certainly worth giving them a shot at that price. Thanks for putting these on my radar, I may need to try them out and do a comparison video.
@@LeftSeatAdventures Thank you very much for replying. I am a parent with no experience but my son would like to pursue a career in aviation maintenance with school starting in August. The program he has enrolled in requires all students to have ready all the tools in a long list near school starting time. Otherwise they will receive failures and will not be able to advance in the program. A lot of the required tools are either not on the lists of other aviation maintenance programs or are considered optional, and some are not even in the tool chest of another UA-camr who has been in the field for more than 10 years. All the tools except the power tools in your list are required by his program-the power drill is implicitly required because several other required tools are to be powered by it. UA-camrs such as you are a great resource and help to people like me since you have the experience and expertise. Thank you again.
Awesome, happy to help! Interesting, the local school here has students buy a curated set from Snap-On. Most schools and the military say no power tools, but when you’re out in the field it’s a requirement. I’m going to hop over to your other question, but let me know if there’s anything else you need.
It's true! Totally surprised me. Through some of my contacts, it seems Harbor Freight has actually been listening to their customers' feedback and that's leading to product improvements across the board.
Fully agree. Many years ago back when HF essentially had tractor trailers going to different locations, usually hotel meeting rooms, to sell tools I bought a huge bench vise. Approx 37-38 Years later, that vise is still kicking butt. Nowadays HF has some pure garbage but the “educated” buyer knows which are the good lines…..Doyle, Icon (tools and boxes), Hercules, Bauer, US General boxes, etc. My work boxes have mostly Snap On, home boxes are mostly old Craftsman. If I were starting out, the above HF would definitely be considered.
Agreed! 👍 I have the HF version, but also use my IA's Knipex's from time to time. I have an older pair of the big Knipex Alligators, but the button takes them to the next level. They're in my shopping list!
That is the standard in a lot of places including the military. Many people who use power tools do in fact over tighten hardware. (I see examples of this regularly.) However, in the shop I work for, it's expected to use power tools with the clutch turned down limiting torque. Additional tightening can be done by hand.
🤣🤣🤣 And here I got yelled at on DAY ONE for NOT using an electric driver on aircraft! I guess it depends on what field and specific shop you (or they) work(ed) in. An impact driver is never used on #s 6 through 10 hardware as it would easily destroy the nut plates, receptacles and shear fasteners. The tools I use are not impact tools, and specifically have an adjustable clutch to limit the torque applied. On Milwaukee, it's typically set to 6. (amzn.to/44fPKI6) DeWalt was about the same. I don't use them at all on tube and fabric aircraft and rivnuts though. Soak up every bit of a knowledge you can from your instructors, but understand that your real world job may vary from what you're taught there.
51 years in the business, taught A&P school about 40 years ago, still active. Judicious use of power tools is a great advantage. Use my Milwaukee and Bosch electric screwdrivers extensively, BUT for fuel panels a pneumatic is used. Also loosen by hand then run the screws out with the power screwdriver. To install put in by hand to avoid cross-threading, power in using very light torque, then final by hand (speed handle with ratcheting head works better than just a screwdriver for both removal and installation. Side note, have had some of our corporate jets come out of maint with leaking fuel panels………manufacturer MRO using pneumatic drivers with the torque set to book value…….panels were not tight, the nutplate friction kicked the clutches in the tools too soon, another reason to hand tighten……
I've absolutely added more tools, now I just need a bigger box. I have 2 more videos coming up, one I just have to finish editing. 2nd is viewer recommended tools.
Cool! We've had a couple students come through from Penn Tech. Both got a basic tool set and small rolling cabinet from snap on. It's a good start but definitely not everything you'll need. Does your school have someone like that?
Good job on the starter tools. I would say for your next list don't forget a four way wrench set and 1/4 inch universal 12 pt socket set and if your doing GA work be sure it has an 11/32 in it too. I like Tekton for another good value brand but Duratech is good if they have what you need. Both brand have tool rolls which are great for travel and tool accountability.
Yes, 11/32"! It surprised me how often I use that size in GA and how a lot of tool sets don't include it. I had to run out and buy a separate Craftsman wrench one day. Thanks for mentioning the 4 way wrench set! That's another one I have to borrow from my IA but didn't have the proper name to get my own. I'll look into Tekton as well. 👍
@@LeftSeatAdventuresThis 11/32 inch is on my son's program required list, plus a couple of sizes that are not included in
GEARWRENCH 19 Piece 12 Pt Long Pattern Combination SAE Wrench Set in Foam Storage Tray - GWMSCWL12SAE.
@@peterking8722 yup, most wrench sets do not include 11/32” which is absolutely a requirement for working on aircraft. That surprised me when I started out. One of the best sets on Amazon that has all the sizes he’ll need is from the Tekton brand (listed in the original comment above). Available here:
amzn.to/3LpXTCI
@@LeftSeatAdventures The Tekton set TEKTON Combination Wrench Set, 19-Piece (1/4-1-1/4 in.) | WCB90104
was what I got for my son at Lowes with a 20% discount in addition to the posted 9% discount. The set you mentioned misses a few pieces required by his program.
@@peterking8722 cool, i didn’t know they sold them at Lowe’s too, good to know. We use 1” for oil filters, 1 1/8” for garter filters and some other things. Don’t know if I’ve used 1 1/4” but if it’s on the list then they will be.
Another absolutely must needed tool is a Nice ratcheting screwdriver !!
Absolutely
Spark plug socket (usually 7/8 deep socket) and a 1” 6pt shallow socket for oil filters for sure
💯% agree! 👍 Forgot all about those, and most wrench and socket sets don't include them. I also should've mentioned a 3/4 & 7/8 combo wrench as it handles pretty much all of the plug leads. I bought a 1" ratcheting wrench from the Matco guy, good quality but pretty pricy. Thanks!
I'm starting A&P Feb 20 and decided to do some research on what kind of tools I'll need eventually.
Coming from a shade tree background. Two of my best tools were a jewelers headband and a mechanic stethoscope.
I had an old school hotrodder mentor who had both these tools. Headband came in handle during rebuilds, so you can see literally all the smaller pieces what may be going wrong with them. Finding those imperfections help you understand what's going on deep inside you can't see also pieces together a story of what's happened to the engine the client never tells you.
Same with the stethoscope, which after awhile I quickly diagnose problems based on the sounds.
At least this is what I'll carry over. I'm not sure how they both will be applied, I'm sure I'll be laughed at. However every engine I've rebuilt has lasted over 150K and I've done a few. When I was asked what I was doing (I probably looked crazy to some clients) I told them I had to hear what the engine was telling me and look for clues! I think one guy who had a good laugh, when I rebuilt his 2.5 Nissan it's still running and has about 80K driven on it so far.
Hahaha, awesome! A stethoscope is a big step up from a pry bar. 😆😆😆I also started off in automotive. Some people will tell you there’s no carry over, but it’s not true. I’m learning there’s tons of certified aircraft parts that are made by automotive companies. And really, if you are one of the few mechanics that can recognize an issue by sound, you’ll do great in aviation. Congrats on gettin started! 👍👍👍
@@LeftSeatAdventures I really can't wait to get started. Ive already met people with similar to myself. I'm over here bouncing off the walls to learn.
Any tips for a noob?
You're already eager to get going and learn all you can so that's a good start. Are you going to school or working as an apprentice?
@@LeftSeatAdventures going to a school (AIM) they seem like they'll teach me the ins and outs pretty well
Excellent. Like with any school, you get out of it what you put into it. As you're progressing through, remember why you're there. When I went to automotive school, the people who partied and screwed around constantly didn't do well while those who didn't got the most from it and had the best opportunities afterward. Your instructors should have a wealth of experience to learn from and many are willing to stay late to share and tutor if needed. BUT: School is great at teaching the book knowledge, theories and regulations. Not so much real world hands on day to day work. You have a leg up over somebody with no experience at all, but you'll still have a steep learning curve once you actually get out in the field. (Meanwhile, I'm fully responsible for the book stuff working in the field as an apprentice. Pros and cons.)
Thanks, i've watched a few of these AMT toolbox reviews and they are all asked "what is your favorite tool and most used?" the reples typically are: most used "long handle wire cutters" and favorite tool " knipex pliers." great idea about the soft jaw pliers and low profile wrenches, looks like i'll have to pick up a couple new things. Thanks again and have a great weekend.
Haha yea I watched a bunch of them too before I started at the repair station. Some tools were helpful, some I've never touched. Guess it all depends what kind of work you're doing. (I actually think it took 3-4 months before I needed the long handle wire cutters. 🤪) Thanks Jeremy, you too! (Although I'll be at the shop wrenching on a Navajo... Overtime!)
Great list especially the thin spanner set. Personally i would add a wera rachet screwdriver and a set of knipex cobras.....game changers both of them!!
Thanks! I've recently switched to a different brand thin wrench set by Duratech, they're made of a stronger metal so they're not as wide. Good suggestions, my IA has the Cobras and I get my hands on them regulalry. And the Wera, NICE! 👍 I'm adding both to my shopping list!
AWESOME DUDE THANKS
Absolutely! I'm glad it helped. 👍 👍 👍
I love a #1 pocket flat head haha its saved me so many times in so many ways
Nice! 👍 I've been keeping one in my cart, if only our uniforms had pockets. 😆
You’ve opened my eyes to a few tools I now need for even general mechanical work. The slim wrench’s and the soft jaw pliers will be handy.
Those battery powered tools are fantastic, they save so much time and wear and tear on the wrists. They’ve gone from a “nice to have” to a “must have” tool.
Also, similar to an apron I wore a tool pouch for years and on construction it was a good way to have the tools I needed always close at hand but it had some negative points too. The weight of the pouch hanging on your hip over the years eventually caused some pain and if you were clawing around or under stuff I usually end up taking it off and carried the pouch by hand or just the tools I needed.
In my last few years on the job I noticed that younger journeymen and apprentices were using hand held, open topped, tool totes more often than pouches on a belt. I use one now and fill it up with what I need for repairing stuff around the house to simple jobs while working on my car or bike.
And around the shop a simple wheeled tool cart was a nice way to have both the tools I needed at hand and a place to put thing I had taken off or such.
Can't have too many tools! 😆
It'll probably be in a future video, but I also have the M12 3/8 ratchet. Probably should've gotten the 1/4", but it's been a lifesaver where you have no room to swing a ratchet. It was all about air tools when I was a Ford tech, but they're loud and attached to a hose. Crazy to think of how far the cordless stuff has come in such a short time.
I can imagine the tool belt getting old after a while. Also noticed the trend with open top bags and buckets.
Yup, love using carts for different tasks. Toolboxes, carts, and work benches, just about everything is on wheels in our shop.
Open top totes and compact pouches are great. Clip on pouches are nice for a few fasteners and a couple basic tools. If I need more than that and I'm on and off ladders or scaffold the bags go on. A decent set of suspenders transfers the weight to shoulders and keeps it off your hips.
You talked about buying "cushion throat" safety wire pliers. I have never had "cushion throat", they didn't make them when I was in the business. So I took PRC and filled up that space where the "cushion" is and then cut through it with a razor blade once the PRC dried. I also did several pairs of Dykes with PRC so that when I cut wire, it wouldn't fly off into No mans land.
Hahaha, that's a great idea! PRC is some serious stuff, I'm going to use that trick too, thanks! 👍👍👍
Love it, the blue toolcart setup was the same as mine before I upgraded 👌. Started out working at a repair station while in school for my license. Only tools I'd add to your list would be Knipex pliers wrench, cheap set of 1/4 12pts and pref. The small long neck dykes from Snapon worth every penny.
Thanks! I like being able to just wheel the cart right to whatever plane I'm working on, but I've pretty much maxed out that setup already too. All good suggestions! 👍 I've also fallen in love with the Snap-On angled wrenches and wobble extensions, best I've seen on the market so far.
I'll also add the option of Channellock 728 long reach cutters. They're a different shape but get in a lot of the same places the Snap-Ons will surprisingly.
@@Brake_MagnetoMan175 Nice, that'll get the job done!
Hello Left Seat Adventures
I just found your channel and subscribed. My suggestion for tools. Cordless tools in particular. Brushless =No Spark, meaning safety your's, mine and those in the area!!!!
Please New people, don't just jump the first tool truck and go into debt!!! Give yourself some time and experience. See what you are doing. Get a feel for job. You don't have to get everything at once.
I guess my number one suggestion is the tool box. Whatever size you buy today. Is going to be too small later. Expect to buy a bigger box.
I started with a top box then I added a bottom rolling cabinet and put the top box on it. That lasted for the first, couple of years. Every plane has different needs. Thank you again
Agreed a tool box is your first purchase. I myself prefer cantilever tool boxes all foamed out takes some time to achieve but I have a line box a base box an AV box and a box for all my metric tooling. This way I can grab the box relating to the work I'm about to do
Awesome, thanks! These are all good suggestions that ANYONE reading these comments should stop and READ. (I'd pin this one too if I could.) I've been in situations where I was seriously considering the brushless options as well... 100% on the toolboxes, I had the same progression when I was in automotive. I couldn't believe how much debt the other techs were going into!
@@seansmith2435 Nice! 👍 I bet they really come in handy doing mobile work too.
I found the snap on 808cf long reach mini cutters are amazing, they’re even on duncan’s engine minimum tool list, and not that expensive if you have the student discount
Awesome! 👍 I'll have to look into them. My IA uses mostly Snap-On, all top quality stuff.
Do airlines normally have tools you can sign in/out like torque wrenches, tire pressure gauges, borescopes and equipment that you'll need to work on aircraft that come through that airport? Also thanks for making this, I learned a lot and I'll be adding these to my collection 👍
Absolutely! 👍 I'm not 100% sure about the airlines. I know some people keep a small toolbox of basic tools and then the shop provides everything else. In our shop, torque wrenches and other special tools are provided for us. Torque wrenches specifically need to be calibrated yearly, so it's good we don't have to worry about that part. It is good to build up your own set of tools though. Getting your A&P opens a lot of doors to a lot of different opportunities both on and off the job.
Milbar makes the safety wire pliers for SK, Proto, Blue Point, and a few other manufacturers. They’re literally the same, so just get the cheapest set that offers the most convenient warranty.
That's good to know, thanks for clearing that up! I've noticed the SKs and Protos feel very similar in the hand to the Milbars and now I know why.
Got my milsurp wire pliers about 50 years ago. Also have newer ones, reversible, spring loaded, etc. But the old milsurps are still my favorite. Only mod was to epoxy a bearing on the pulled end to make retraction way easier.
Thanks for the expert advice. What do you think of the ARES 10009-6-inch Reversible Wire Twister Pliers
that is not too expensive but received raving reviews on Amazon?
It looks like a solid option for just starting out. I have no experience with this exact pair but it appears to be a step up from some other bargain brands. I do however have some other Ares tools that are well made and have been holding up. Certainly worth giving them a shot at that price. Thanks for putting these on my radar, I may need to try them out and do a comparison video.
@@LeftSeatAdventures Thank you very much for replying. I am a parent with no experience but my son would like to pursue a career in aviation maintenance with school starting in August. The program he has enrolled in requires all students to have ready all the tools in a long list near school starting time. Otherwise they will receive failures and will not be able to advance in the program. A lot of the required tools are either not on the lists of other aviation maintenance programs or are considered optional, and some are not even in the tool chest of another UA-camr who has been in the field for more than 10 years. All the tools except the power tools in your list are required by his program-the power drill is implicitly required because several other required tools are to be powered by it. UA-camrs such as you are a great resource and help to people like me since you have the experience and expertise. Thank you again.
Awesome, happy to help! Interesting, the local school here has students buy a curated set from Snap-On. Most schools and the military say no power tools, but when you’re out in the field it’s a requirement. I’m going to hop over to your other question, but let me know if there’s anything else you need.
With the introduction of Doyle and Icon, within 5 years HF went from a trash tool company to elite!
It's true! Totally surprised me. Through some of my contacts, it seems Harbor Freight has actually been listening to their customers' feedback and that's leading to product improvements across the board.
Fully agree. Many years ago back when HF essentially had tractor trailers going to different locations, usually hotel meeting rooms, to sell tools I bought a huge bench vise. Approx 37-38 Years later, that vise is still kicking butt. Nowadays HF has some pure garbage but the “educated” buyer knows which are the good lines…..Doyle, Icon (tools and boxes), Hercules, Bauer, US General boxes, etc. My work boxes have mostly Snap On, home boxes are mostly old Craftsman. If I were starting out, the above HF would definitely be considered.
@avmech2126 I have plenty of Snap On. Of course, they are still top of the food chain; however, Icon is easily 85-99% as good. Same with Doyle.
@@jasonhoyt8232 no argument from me
Knipex Pliers Wrench. Everyone in our hanger has at least one pair.
Agreed! 👍 I have the HF version, but also use my IA's Knipex's from time to time. I have an older pair of the big Knipex Alligators, but the button takes them to the next level. They're in my shopping list!
Cannon plug pliers and ratcheting screwdriver!
For sure! I've actually been using another version of the soft jaw pliers for cannon plugs lately.
AIRCRAFTS MUST BE HAND TIGHTENED NO MATTER THE SIZE‼️
That is the standard in a lot of places including the military. Many people who use power tools do in fact over tighten hardware. (I see examples of this regularly.) However, in the shop I work for, it's expected to use power tools with the clutch turned down limiting torque. Additional tightening can be done by hand.
I’m going thru A&P school right now. All of our instructors said we will never use electric tools on an aircraft. Especially impact drivers.
🤣🤣🤣 And here I got yelled at on DAY ONE for NOT using an electric driver on aircraft!
I guess it depends on what field and specific shop you (or they) work(ed) in. An impact driver is never used on #s 6 through 10 hardware as it would easily destroy the nut plates, receptacles and shear fasteners. The tools I use are not impact tools, and specifically have an adjustable clutch to limit the torque applied. On Milwaukee, it's typically set to 6. (amzn.to/44fPKI6) DeWalt was about the same. I don't use them at all on tube and fabric aircraft and rivnuts though. Soak up every bit of a knowledge you can from your instructors, but understand that your real world job may vary from what you're taught there.
@@LeftSeatAdventures thanks for the reply!! Advice noted.
@@noahmendoza1501 I was taught you can and should use them after you manual loosen the and then use them only to snug up and then manually tighten
@@tbone6254 I guess things are a little different than what our 60+ year old instructors say. They ain’t worked in the field in years
51 years in the business, taught A&P school about 40 years ago, still active. Judicious use of power tools is a great advantage. Use my Milwaukee and Bosch electric screwdrivers extensively, BUT for fuel panels a pneumatic is used. Also loosen by hand then run the screws out with the power screwdriver. To install put in by hand to avoid cross-threading, power in using very light torque, then final by hand (speed handle with ratcheting head works better than just a screwdriver for both removal and installation. Side note, have had some of our corporate jets come out of maint with leaking fuel panels………manufacturer MRO using pneumatic drivers with the torque set to book value…….panels were not tight, the nutplate friction kicked the clutches in the tools too soon, another reason to hand tighten……
Let me know if you've included some other tools since its been a year
I've absolutely added more tools, now I just need a bigger box. I have 2 more videos coming up, one I just have to finish editing. 2nd is viewer recommended tools.
@@LeftSeatAdventures Thank you so much because Im a new student
Cool! We've had a couple students come through from Penn Tech. Both got a basic tool set and small rolling cabinet from snap on. It's a good start but definitely not everything you'll need. Does your school have someone like that?