hey guys! new aircraft mechanic

wats504 · Nov 10, 2011

New to the thread, just stumbled upon it one day.
well anyways, glad i found this site.
Im a new Aircraft mechanic and i am on a tool buying streak. Just bought a box and a bunch of snap on hand tools, including ratchets, pliers, screwdrivers, and a few wrenches.
do we have any other aircraft mechanics on this site? and what do you guys like for tools and would recommend for a mechanic entering the workforce?

thanks guy

greasemonkey44 · Nov 10, 2011

There are quite a few A&P techs in here; of all varieties and branches who will be happy to help you
i cant tho im an automotive mechanic; although i will say, dont carry a large tool truck debt, gets bad real fast

kmacht · Nov 10, 2011

It depends on what and where you plan on working. Most of the larger manufacturers and shops tend to supply their mechanics with tools to use while at work. It provides a way for them to account for all the tools at the end of each shift making sure none were left in an engine or airframe. Something to think about before spending all your money on new tools.

Keith

kams1973 · Nov 10, 2011

I recommend stubby wrenches, 4-way angle wrenches, and long shanked screwdrivers

wats504 · Nov 12, 2011

thanks for the advice guys. the place im working here, doesnt supply your basic hand tools, you have to buy those on your own. I am keeping my tool purchases in control. luckily as a student i get 50% off snap on tools. so thats AWESOME. i do have the 4-way angle wrenches, before working in aviation, i didnt know these existed and they are great. definitely worth the loot.

adamsredlines · Nov 12, 2011

Welcome aboard. I'm not an AC mech...but work in the biz.

kams1973 · Nov 12, 2011

What are you working on and where are you going to school?

pipsters · Nov 12, 2011

I work as a pilot for a 121 carrier. Honestly most of the stuff our mechanics use is Craftsman. Some HF stuff. I did see an on-call guy fully decked out in Snap-On gear including the jacket and hat. I was pretty impressed. But mostly it's Craftsman. Down at the heavy check facility you see all kinds of tool boxes but last time I was down there I started to see more and more Harbor Freight ones, but again also a lot of Craftsman boxes. I worked with an ex-jetBlue A&P and he said the same thing, lots and lots of cheaper stuff. It works and gets the job done.

A_Pmech · Nov 12, 2011

Welcome!

ZRX61 · Nov 13, 2011

You're doomed...

LOL!

BloodySinner · Nov 13, 2011

wats504 said:
New to the thread, just stumbled upon it one day.
well anyways, glad i found this site.
Im a new Aircraft mechanic and i am on a tool buying streak. Just bought a box and a bunch of snap on hand tools, including ratchets, pliers, screwdrivers, and a few wrenches.
do we have any other aircraft mechanics on this site? and what do you guys like for tools and would recommend for a mechanic entering the workforce?

thanks guy

Hi,

I am also an aircraft mechanic. However, I am not licensed. Just an apprentice. As for tools, pretty much anything that's SAE related (12pt sockets, hex keys, etc). As you gain experience on the field, you will come across things that you will need. You'll figure it out.

jeffk14 · Nov 13, 2011

Spend the money on "truck quality" 1/4" drive, 12 point socket sets in SAE. Shallow, deep, swivel.

After that, buy some good dikes, safety wire pliers, needle nose, etc. Channellock will do you fine. Milbar for the safety pliers.

For everything else, honestly, any decent quality tools will do fine. I've seen more CMan raised panels in my career than anything else.

ourkid2000 · Nov 13, 2011

Gets me down to hear about people getting into that industry.....

All I can say is stay away from airlines. Do whatever you have to do but stay away from them because they will destroy you eventually.

If you're serious about wanting to work on airplanes, do it for the military or go for helicopters. General aviation can be decent as well.......but stay the be-jesus away from the tempting airline.

airbatica · Nov 13, 2011

I'm a fairly new mechanic myself (unlicensed ATM, working on it) mainly doing interiors and assisting with other stuff (part 121 charter outfit). Some must haves are a fine tooth 1/4 ratchet (I like my SK), AA LED flashlight (and NIMH batteries/charger), AA LED headlamp, and a ratcheting screwdriver with interchangeable tips. Gearwrenches are handy too, try to get the ones without the reversing lever... they are thinner and fit into more spaces. If you're working on the line, a sturdy tool bag and things to organize it are a godsend. Just try to keep it as light as possible.

DARKSCOPE001 · Nov 13, 2011

It really just depends on what you do. I have mostly craftsman tools myself and the place I work has a "tool list" but obviously if you have only what they have on the "tool list" your job is probably gona ****. When I was still in AMT school the tool i really wish I had was some of those 1/4" drive universal sockets.

It sounds like your off to a good start tho. Buy nice or buy twice! If you already have snapon then you probably have a decent set of 1/4 ratchets. Also I would recomend investing in some flex head ratchets. they are nice to have. Get multiples. A regular, a flex head, a long (flex or regular but flex is more versitile) And I really like it if the flex locks.

EXTENSIONS! buy extensions like they are going out of style! lol I really like the craftsman locking ones (make sure they are US made!) because the locking button is tiny I believe its plastic but so what I haven't had them let me down yet but snap on makes a nice set and so do many other companies. wobbles are nice, You would not believe where some of the engineers put things!

Uhhh a good Drill driver! Im thinking about getting a bosch 12v pocket driver, Had a 18v its overkill for pulling panels and stuff but for drilling its "ok"

Other than that the only thing I can recommend is just seeing what its like out there on the job. Take a pen and pad if you borrow it more than twice you gota go buy it!

GOOD LUCK!
Sean Scott

BloodySinner · Nov 13, 2011

ourkid2000 said:
Gets me down to hear about people getting into that industry.....

All I can say is stay away from airlines. Do whatever you have to do but stay away from them because they will destroy you eventually.

If you're serious about wanting to work on airplanes, do it for the military or go for helicopters. General aviation can be decent as well.......but stay the be-jesus away from the tempting airline.

I was going to tell the OP the exact same thing, seeing as I am trying to to GET OUT of the industry. However, if it's something he really wants to do, then so be it.

jeffk14 · Nov 13, 2011

ourkid2000 said:
Gets me down to hear about people getting into that industry.....

All I can say is stay away from airlines. Do whatever you have to do but stay away from them because they will destroy you eventually.

If you're serious about wanting to work on airplanes, do it for the military or go for helicopters. General aviation can be decent as well.......but stay the be-jesus away from the tempting airline.

Good grief man, it ain't that bad. Airlines are not what they used to be but there's still more money to be made with the airlines than in general aviation or working for a manufacturer.

Sucky work schedules, layoffs, rising benefits costs, etc are all part of the game but all in all, one could do a lot worse than working for a carrier.

And this is coming from a pretty jaded guy who's been in this game since 1981! Tell us a little bit about your experiences.

pipsters · Nov 13, 2011

You need metric as well, we took a 2+ hour delay for something that was a 10 min fix due to the mechanics not having a metric allen wrench.

USMCdodge · Nov 13, 2011

I work aviation in the marine corps but i wouldn't call myself an aircraft mech. i do mostly airframing fab, a lot of welding and some painting. your gonna have a lof of special tools. i have to modify them all the time you wont know til you get there. but you gotta have the basics. Vcheck the linkV

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122721

airbatica · Nov 14, 2011

pipsters said:
You need metric as well, we took a 2+ hour delay for something that was a 10 min fix due to the mechanics not having a metric allen wrench.

Do you mind sharing some of the details? Would be helpful to know what model of aircraft it was so that if we run into it we can be prepared!

pipsters · Nov 14, 2011

airbatica said:
Do you mind sharing some of the details? Would be helpful to know what model of aircraft it was so that if we run into it we can be prepared!

It was a Bombardier product, a CRJ. If you are familiar it was the V-speed knob.

ourkid2000 · Nov 14, 2011

pipsters said:
It was a Bombardier product, a CRJ. If you are familiar it was the V-speed knob.

Say what?

I work on those bad boys every day and despite them being a Canadian product, I've never seen a metric fastener. In any case, the FCP on the CRJ uses push-buttons for the VS select and you set the VS with a thumb-wheel.

The other knobs on the FCP are held on with .050" allen key set-screws.

pipsters · Nov 14, 2011

ourkid2000 said:
Say what?

I work on those bad boys every day and despite them being a Canadian product, I've never seen a metric fastener. In any case, the FCP on the CRJ uses push-buttons for the VS select and you set the VS with a thumb-wheel.

The other knobs on the FCP are held on with .050" allen key set-screws.

No not the FCP, the v-speed knob, CA side. It's got an inner and outer knob. He tried the gamut of SAE allens and they didn't work, he said he needed a metric. After 2 hours his buddy showed up and used the knife end of a leatherman to turn the hex. Next leg it was broken again...at an outstation.

ourkid2000 · Nov 14, 2011

You must be talking about the IAS knob or something......

Like I said, to turn on VS select you push the VS button and roll up or down the desired VS on a thumbwheel.

pipsters · Nov 14, 2011

ourkid2000 said:
You must be talking about the IAS knob or something......

Like I said, to turn on VS select you push the VS button and roll up or down the desired VS on a thumbwheel.

Dear god it's not on the FCP!!!

I know how to use the FCP I've got 4k+ hours in the thing :thumbup:

The v-speed knob is over on the side panels, below the clock. Right around where you push to test the RA. Embarrassingly enough the name escapes me for the 'technical' term for that panel. Either way the knobs probably use the same hex set screw, you're saying it's a 0.050" SAE sized? Good to know in the future! I'm not sure if his set skipped that or not, it was a Craftsman allen key set.

airbatica · Nov 14, 2011

Thanks pipsters! I don't work on any of the Canadair CRJs (I play with 767s and the occasional DC-10), but I know a few guys that do and will pass it on to them.

mattygee · Nov 15, 2011

Every aircraft line mechanic should have a tube of valve grinding compound in his tote or locker. Just the ticket to cleaned up a scratched/leaking AN fitting. I have worked for a major airline for 21 years and it has been a lot of ups and downs, but I have always had a job.

ourkid2000 · Nov 15, 2011

pipsters said:
Dear god it's not on the FCP!!!

I know how to use the FCP I've got 4k+ hours in the thing

The v-speed knob is over on the side panels, below the clock. Right around where you push to test the RA. Embarrassingly enough the name escapes me for the 'technical' term for that panel. Either way the knobs probably use the same hex set screw, you're saying it's a 0.050" SAE sized? Good to know in the future! I'm not sure if his set skipped that or not, it was a Craftsman allen key set.

Ahh.....you must be talking about the speed refs settings for the air data ref control panel.

When you say VS, I think Vertical Speed. That panel selects your target or V speeds (V1, VR, & V2)

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