Uncovering the Tools Every New Aircraft Mechanic MUST Have
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- Опубликовано: 19 июн 2024
- 👇👇 Timestamps & 🛠Tool Links Below👇👇👇
If you're just starting out as an Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice, you're probably wondering what kind of tools you need to get. Is it worth spending the money at @harborfreight ? Here is my Top 10 list of tools I actually NEEDED early on and use on EVERY airplane. You don't have to get everything right away, the IA you're working under probably has it all and is generally willing to share until you get your own. But I'd recommend a good drill/ driver and safety wire pliers before anything else.
⏰ Timestamps & Tools 🧰
00:00 Intro
🛠 1. 00:33 Cordless Drill/ Driver
Milwaukee M12 Driver: amzn.to/3mNvdKP
Milwaukee M12 Drill: amzn.to/40fDtC0
If you prefer the yellow brand, I don't think you'd go wrong with this one:
amzn.to/40br2XJ
I have no preference really, everyone in my shop happens to use the red ones...
🛠 2. 01:30 Safety Wire Pliers
SK 7749 Reversible w/ Cushion: amzn.to/3JJam4v
Milbar 41W (my favorite): amzn.to/3Z034NX
Stanley J196 Reversible: amzn.to/3ZRJcOo
Proto J196: amzn.to/4bZT6D9
🚨 PRICE ALERT: These 196 pliers are now selling for about 40% off of where they were when I bought them. Now's the time!
🔔And in case you need some of your own 0.32" safety wire:
amzn.to/48uNJtX
🛠 3. 02:10 Duck Bill Pliers
Doyle: www.harborfreight.com/8-in-fl...
Ares: amzn.to/3yL8jqj
Channellock: amzn.to/40iTOG5
(I don't own these, but other Ares and Channellock tools I own are solid.)
🛠 4. 02:39 Soft Jaw Pliers
Tsunoda Slip Joint: amzn.to/3ZW6Byd
Replacement Jaws: amzn.to/3mX9CQg
Tsunoda Needle: amzn.to/3JVPCXv
🛠 5. 03:02 Flare Nut/ Line Wrenches
Duratech Line Wrenches: amzn.to/42hV7GY
🛠 6. 03:30 Low Profile Wrenches
Grip Thin Wrenches: amzn.to/3yHQzMz
🚨 I recently switched to these wrenches by Duratech:
amzn.to/3YIZY2y
They are better than the Grip brand in every way EXCEPT they do not have the 1 1/8- 1 1/4" wrench which is needed for garter filter nuts on the firewall. But any 1 1/8" wrench will do the job.
🛠 7. 03:48 Good Wire Cutters
Doyle: www.harborfreight.com/8-in-hi...
Klein: amzn.to/3Jo3sQL
(When it comes to any kind of electrical tools, Klein is hard to beat.)
🛠 8. 04:01 Flush Cut Pliers
@harborfreight Icon: www.harborfreight.com/6-in-fl...
Klein 5" amzn.to/3YW3qWb
🛠 9. 04:30 Inspection Lights
EDC Light: amzn.to/3leNEb7
Foxelli Headlamp: amzn.to/3ZUS1XU
Braun Light: www.harborfreight.com/390-lum...
🛠 10. 05:30 Tool Apron
SOE @SOEtacticalgear Tool Apron: www.originalsoegear.com/produ...
06:15 Closing and Questions
👍👍👍 Thanks for watching! 👍👍👍
#leftseatlife #aircraftmechanic #tools #mechanictools #aircraftmaintenance #amt #apprentice #lsrm #lightsportrepairman #aviationlovers #value
Stock Footage Attribution:
Canva Pro
Piper taxiing: pexels
👉 This is the equipment and software I use:
Canon M50: amzn.to/3jJWZnO
EF-M 22mm lens: amzn.to/3kRZTpH
Insta360 One R: amzn.to/3npvqPJ
GoPro Hero 8 Black: amzn.to/37smPXn
GoPro Hero 8 Media Mod: amzn.to/3jkRKr3
NFlightcam Audio Cable: amzn.to/3o7IlH3 (need media mod w/ GoPro 8)
Fifine Studio Mic: amzn.to/3jibzPU
Lapel Mic: amzn.to/31uAXeX
Phone Camera Holder: amzn.to/3xR3IzL
Shotgun Mic w/ Cat: amzn.to/3sp8kfG
Music: share.epidemicsound.com/ldaws4
FREE video editing software: www.blackmagicdesign.com/prod...
FREE Thumbnail creator: www.canva.com/join/zxg-hgm-hvy
⚖️ Legal Disclaimers ⚖️
- Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, meaning I will make commission on sales you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes, it's just one more way to support me and my channel. Any commissions earned will be turned into AVGAS and adventure!
- Although I am a Light Sport Repairman and AMT Apprentice, I am not yours. Always seek a good qualified mechanic for help with your aircraft.
- I am a pilot, but I am not a CFI, nothing in these videos should be taken as flight instruction. 
Авто/Мото
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. 👍
AWESOME DUDE THANKS
Absolutely! I'm glad it helped. 👍 👍 👍
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
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.)
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. 😆
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!
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.
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!)
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! 👍👍👍
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.
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.
Cannon plug pliers and ratcheting screwdriver!
For sure! I've actually been using another version of the soft jaw pliers for cannon plugs lately.
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!
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.
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.
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’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?