I picked up one of these edge benders and really like it. You can put just enough of a bend to keep the edge down tight or really roll it over.


The rollo tubing flare tool is super nice. I went thru two other cheaper designs, trying to not buy the expensive one....ended up buying the expensive one anyway.

Good advice from a lesson learned. If you need a specialty tool, buy the nice one. You might save a few bucks going another way but will pay via time and frustration in the end.
Or befriend someone that likes to buy tools and already has what you need.

What gear head doesn’t love an excuse to go buy a nice tool!?

I have a bunch of others to post but need to take photos.

Not aviation but this the oldest tool I have. I used it on my 1921 Model"T" that I restored when in high school 1963. I bet nobody knows what it is used for. Just for giggles

Buy just what you need for your schooling at this point. Some of the tools suggested here are what I would consider “shop tools”. Those should be on hand at your first employer. A bore scope is an example. You may choose to own your own some day, but should be owned by every FBO.

The tools you need could also be determined by your first job. The airplanes you work on, and the tasks you are assigned. Who knows if you’ll be pounding rivets, or flushing turbines?

Are your tool purchases currently regarded as part of your education expense that can be used as a tax deduction? That may change your strategy if they won’t be deductible later.

There’s a portable aviation technician tool kit from Snap On that’s about $5k retail but some school can get a deal on it for about half price. It’s trick! I will probably buy it at some point.

Each tool has its own custom spot for tool control and accountability.

I’ll see if I can find a link...

$5005 retail price [emoji51][emoji857]

I used to have the BOM for the KMC18AVTK kit to see exactly what it contained. It was good.

https://store.snapon.com/KMC18AVTK-Airc ... 41595.aspx

Some of their other aviation sets are more than $20k!

https://store.snapon.com/Aviation-Tool- ... 79326.aspx

qmdv wrote:Not aviation but this the oldest tool I have. I used it on my 1921 Model"T" that I restored when in high school 1963. I bet nobody knows what it is used for. Just for giggles

Just guessing, something to spread the leaf springs to make them fit? Never been a car guy until my brother left me his model A from his estate. Now I'm a car guy by default.

spoke jack. Wooden wheel

This soldering clamp tool with a magnetic base is awesome.

https://asttool.com/detail_page.php?tool_number=WSC15

That is cool. Do you but the joint like that or overlap the bared ends?

I like that tool Aryana. Along those lines, a cordless solder iron. I have this one from snap on and love it. https://store.snapon.com/Butane-Solderi ... 23828.aspx

I overlap and sometimes intertwine using a Western Union splice as pictured below.

I can’t remember the last time I soldered aircraft stuff, usually automotive.

A1Skinner wrote:I like that tool Aryana. Along those lines, a cordless solder iron. I have this one from snap on and love it. https://store.snapon.com/Butane-Solderi ... 23828.aspx

Oh that would come in quite handy in a variety of situations. [emoji1360]

Aryana wrote:I overlap and sometimes intertwine using a Western Union splice as pictured below.

I can’t remember the last time I soldered aircraft stuff, usually automotive.

Nice. I lived for years on boats and the propane irons are awesome. For bigger stuff a good old fashioned copper mass soldering iron is useful.

And I did not want to start the whole soldered or wheel landing thing.

No worries! I’m chill...

Aryana wrote:

A1Skinner wrote:I like that tool Aryana. Along those lines, a cordless solder iron. I have this one from snap on and love it. https://store.snapon.com/Butane-Solderi ... 23828.aspx

Oh that would come in quite handy in a variety of situations. [emoji1360]

I didnt know how handy it would be until I had it. So nice to not have to pull a cord around under the panel, and very nice for fabric work as well. The hot knife works great for cutting out inspecrion holes and the pointy tip works great for other holes that are often needed.

Who even solders anymore? We have the technology of the future now! What an awesome tool though. The clamp and the snap on butane torch are now on my scopes.

I do appreciate all of the suggestions guys. Can’t wait to show off my toolbox once it’s all foamed up.

Now I need some sticker ideas...

Pick up some sheets of magnetic material and print your own. Then you can move labels around until you’re happy with your organizing. Stationary or craft store.

The original "gotta be on a tool box" sticker.