Tool suggestions for a future A&P mechanic?

[BreeStephany]

So I finally bit the bullet, gave up my day jobs, enrolled in a A&P program and moved to a new city, now on to prepping for school in the coming weeks.

I have a lot of tools, mostly geared toward the electrical fields (Klein, Greenlee, Fluke, etc.) but could use some advice on QUALITY tools which are geared toward the aviation field.

My electrical tool collection seems to fit the majority of the electrical focused tool requirements, however, there are a few I could use some suggestions on. I of course want these to last me a while, so quality is definitely of importance to me.

Here are a few that I could use help with

• Combination wrench set - 5/16" through 1" w/ 11/32"
• Needle File Set
• Needle nose, straight jaw, channel lock & duckbill pliers (Knipex?)
• 1/4" socket set
• 3/8" socket set
• 1/4" speed handle

I know that some brands have tools specifically designed for aviation working spaces, etc, so insight on what to get would be greatly appreciated. Would much rather have your insight first and get the right things than make assumptions and end up replacing them after fighting them for a while.

 

[Hybridss]

* Small safety wire pliers
* add 1/4 to your wrench set
* lots of 1/4 drive sockets deep well and regular but be sure they are 12 point
* medium and large adjustable wrenches
* Ford wrench if you can find one
* long flexible magnet of high qiality
* long flexible pick up tool of high quality
* inspection mirror
* air nozzle
* variety of screwdrivers in a variety of lengths including many odd stubbys when you can find them.
* very bright flashlight and probably a good headlamp as well
* ratcheting wrenches
* cordless drill/driver


ill add more later

 

[zeke markham]

My go to brands are:
Pliers- Knipex or NWS
Wrenches and sockets- Proto
Ratchets- Wera
Screwdrivers- Snap-On ratcheting ones, regular and stubby.
Check the minimum tool list from your school, use the discount program from one of the truck brands if you can. You will figure out what you need as you go.
A lot also depends on what you are going to work on after school. GA is a lot different than corporate, which is different from airliners. Repair stations are different than operators. Will you be focusing on avionics, structures, mechanics, or doing all three?

 

[Al Borland]

Ford Wrench???
If you can find one???
When did they stop making hammers???

 

[n20junkie]

Swivel mirror

3 jaw retriever and LONG at that

Magnetic retriever

 

[toolchaser]

1/4" SK fine tooth ratchet, 1/4"extensions preferably wobble joint, 12 point sockets,Snap On ratcheting screwdriver, brass hammer, duckbill pliers, needle nose vise-grips, Ford wrench, angle wrenches,......you'll never stop finding new tools you need.If you can't find a Ford wrench locally PM me.

 

[Gmonkee]

Specifically which Ford wrench?

The adjustable seems the most likely but I am curious.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Specifically which Ford wrench?

The adjustable seems the most likely but I am curious.

 

[ollie76]

That Ford wrench seems mental in the world of Knipex Plier Wrenches. Never seen one in the aircraft field (10 years with airlines, my only experience).......I guess I can see it being useful, however. Every tech I know (myself included) just use the small and medium plier wrenches.

Same goes for adjustable wrenches.......just seemed to go out of style with the Knipex on the scene. I have one in my road box but I can't remember using it too often.

 

[ascott172]

Re: Tool suggestions for a future A&P mechanic?

I bought a small mac box ($300)and a few matco tools using the vocational discount while in a&p school. I then lucked out and bought used snapon from a retired car mechanic. The school will have a minimum tool list. Use the vocation tool discount to your advantage but don't go in to debt. You can also buy harbor freight to get you by. I wouldn't keep a bunch of high end tools at school to be stolen. I waited and bought my big box when I was graduating and shipped it home not work.

 

[ollie76]

If I had to give one piece of tool advice to any aircraft mechanic starting out is to get one of those Snap On 3/8" drive speed handles with the ********* knob on the end so you can bare down on screws.

There's just nothing out there more convenient and effective for getting panel screws started when removing. Start em all with the speeder, use a drill or whatever for the rest of removal.

 

[jetmechabq]

Minimum Tool List


1 each Diagonal Cutters
2 each 3/16' through 3/4" wrenches, combination box-open end 12 point
1 each 13/16" wrench, combination box-open end 12 point
1 each 7/8" wrench, combination box-open end 12 point
1 each 15/16"wrench, combination box-open end 12 point
1 each 1"wrench, combination box-open end 12 point
1 each 1/4" drive ratchet 12 point sockets 3/16 through 9/16 with extensions
1 each PHILLIPS screwdrivers---#1 and #2
1 each common screwdriver - STUBBIE, 4", 6", 8"
1 each 6" steel rule
1 each duckbill pliers
1 each flashlight
1 each small set of punches
1 each ball peen hammer (12 oz.)
1 each 10" or 12" adjustable crescent type wrench
1 each 3/8" drive ratchet 12 point sockets 3/8" through 7/8" and extensions
1 each magnet
1 each pocket knife
1 each plastic or soft mallet
1 each slip joint or water pump pliers
1 each needle nose pliers
1 each set ignition wrenches
1 each standard feeler gauge
1 each hacksaw
1 each set of ALLEN WRENCHES
1 each stake on or terminal crimping pliers
1 each center punch
1 each 7/8"x1/2" drive socket DEEP
1 each VISE GRIPS
1 each inspection mirror (DENTAL) & 2" round
1 each PHILLIPS offset screwdriver
1 each common offset screwdriver
1 each 7/16" deep well socket (For S/Gen clamp)
1 each #2 PHILLIPS stubbie screwdriver
1 each tool box
1 each Safety Wire Pliers
1 each 3/8" to 3/4" Angle Wrench Set
1 each 1 3/4" Socket for Wheel Nut
1 each 6" Needle Nose Vise Grips
1 each Set of Picks (For O-Rings)
1 each Screw Extractor Set
1 each Notebook

 

[Gmonkee]

I have one of those adjustables of the older style. It's not Ford and it's beat up but it sets in with the Ford car kit stuff.

It hasn't found any use in my kit. Then I don't work on much but newer cars.

 

[T45]

Here are a few that I could use help with

• 
  ...
• Needle nose, straight jaw, channel lock & duckbill pliers (Knipex?)
• 1/4" socket set
  ...

Needle nose and duckbill, snappy is better than knipex by most accounts. And SO 1/4 drive socket stuff, incl 1/4 swivels and short/deep 12pts. Ratchets or extensions pick your poison on price/features with favorite brand If you have a student discount, SO is -50% with full warranty.

Judicious sale pricing, buying used etc will extend your budget without discount, so focus it on the stuff you will use most, or will need most warranty support over a career. Don't be in a hurry to buy today something you can buy tomorrow for similar $$.

 

[langss]

So I finally bit the bullet, gave up my day jobs, enrolled in a A&P program and moved to a new city, now on to prepping for school in the coming weeks.

I have a lot of tools, mostly geared toward the electrical fields (Klein, Greenlee, Fluke, etc.) but could use some advice on QUALITY tools which are geared toward the aviation field.

My electrical tool collection seems to fit the majority of the electrical focused tool requirements, however, there are a few I could use some suggestions on. I of course want these to last me a while, so quality is definitely of importance to me.

Here are a few that I could use help with

• Combination wrench set - 5/16" through 1" w/ 11/32"
• Needle File Set
• Needle nose, straight jaw, channel lock & duckbill pliers (Knipex?)
• 1/4" socket set
• 3/8" socket set
• 1/4" speed handle

I know that some brands have tools specifically designed for aviation working spaces, etc, so insight on what to get would be greatly appreciated. Would much rather have your insight first and get the right things than make assumptions and end up replacing them after fighting them for a while.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but unless your planning on working in "General Aviation", Getting on with any of the "Major" carriers is going to be difficult, at best. As an example, I retired from Fedex after 36 years in 2015 and they were requiring 42 months of "Heavy Jet Experience" to get on the waiting list. Some of the Carriers have training programs, but its brutal with the hours you have to work and the low pay while you are training. At Fedex, a lot of people toss boxes to get time with the company, while they go to school. My wife had two friends who's Husbands went to A&P school out here. They worked a split shift at Fedex for about 6mos and gave up trying to get on with Fedex. Last I heard they were working General Aviation. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but better you hear it sooner than later.

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

Basic Tools
wenches up to 2"
1/4, 3/8 speed handles
1/4, 3/8, 1/2 ratchets and breaker bars
16 0z, 32oz ball peen hammers
sockets up to two inches
screwdrivers
ford wrenches in a couple different sizes
Pliars, needle nose, duckbill, and adjustable
Crows feet up to 3/4
extensions and univeral joints for your ratchets
punch set
cordless drill at least 18v
good drill bits
dead blow hammer
scribe
file set
cleco fastener's
cleco pliars
sheet metal sheers
plastic scrapers
tool box for your stuff
vise for the top of your box

OH! S#?# Tools ( these will save your **** )

tap and die set
reverse drill bits
easy out set
small ball peen hammer with the ball end cut off for clearance
extendable mirror and grabbers
auto punch
jewlers files
centering drill bits
small bore scope
bit docter
helicoil set ( you can never get a damn helocoil when you need one)

I am lucky for the time that my employer provides my tools. At the very least this is what wod be in my box if I had to start over somewhere.

 

[Hybridss]

That Ford wrench seems mental in the world of Knipex Plier Wrenches. Never seen one in the aircraft field (10 years with airlines, my only experience).......I guess I can see it being useful, however. Every tech I know (myself included) just use the small and medium plier wrenches.

Same goes for adjustable wrenches.......just seemed to go out of style with the Knipex on the scene. I have one in my road box but I can't remember using it too often.

I personally would recommend getting a Ford wrench and adjustable wrenches first and then get Knipex secondarily. Especially for a new mechanic on a budget.

There are many situations that having to squeeze then turn are prohibitive. Also on larger stuff its just not going to be the same in force applied.

I can think of many situations where knipex wont do what a Crescent or Ford will.

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

when I worked on helo's the ford wrench was my go to tool, works great on hyd lines and does not strip the fittings like a regular adjustable.

 

[toolchaser]

What HybridSS said is spot on. Sometimes you can't squeeze down on the fitting to turn it. Don`t get me wrong I have plier wrenches also, they each have their place. Plus you can't put a cheater pipe on a plierwrench!
If the OP is looking to work on heavies , there is some hiring but usually with a trial period through a contract outfit.

 

[BreeStephany]

I truly appreciate all of the advice and suggestions on some things I probably would not have otherwise thought of. I'm kind of between SK & Snap-On right now for most of the wrenches, sockets and such, though from talking with others and from what I'm reading here, I'm leaning more toward snap-on, at least for wrenches and sockets.

Do you have suggestions for boxes? School, and likely my future place of employment, which I've already talked with and was the reasoning for going to school, don't have size limits on a box, so I would prefer to go with something that can hold the likely large amount of tools I am going to obtain over the years, but won't completely break the bank... don't really have $10k to spend on a box right now, though I wish... the life of a semi-poor broke college student.

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated, and again, thank you for all of your input

 

[nikh]

Something that I have not seen mentioned yet is a low profile hex bit driver, there have been many times when this is the only thing that will work. My personal favorite is the VIM Tools HBR4. They can be had for around $15.
As for a box to start with, the HF 56" wouldn't be a bad thing to look at. They seem to hold up fairly well, and are plenty big for all but the biggest tool whores.

Good luck on your career choice, and I'm sure I will see you around in the small world of aviation maintenance.

 

[Derek420]

I would highly recommend looking into the brand Wright for wrenches and sockets as they are cheaper than snap on but are just as nice and they make 100% of they're products in house in Ohio USA. They provide a lot of tools to the aviation industry and don't rebrand like snap on does. I love their sockets they look and feel so nice they make heavy duty tools for the industrial market and construction along with aviation and rail road they aren't a auto repair brand but exced all others in price and quality and put they're customers 1st and warranty iseasy and no questions asked. There's more out there then Snap on is what I'm trying to say they are not the best in USA tools and German brands like hazet, stallwille, and gedore are top notch as well but rebrand a lot on somethings. A good brand for screwdrivers are Wiha and Wera along with witte which are the company's who supply the German company's. I'd stick to USA for your hardline tools that you will use the most like sockets and wrenches but rest get what you can afford and like and looks are not everything Wright keeps in simple but tough as nails. You can also go harbor freight tto start with don't take your expensive stuff to school as if might get stolen. Anyways good luck to you

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I would look at used boxes off C-list. I have seen many SO krl1000 boxes selling for around 2 thousand. In the beginning I would purchase the 42" Harbor Freight box and upgrade when you need more room or find a smokin deal on a used box.

 

[RV8guy]

A lot of good selections in this thread. I'm an A&P and a home builder (screen name). Here is a quick rundown of my main box.

1/4" socket set with both short and deep sockets
2 1/4" ratchets. 1 snap-on 1 williams
Various extensions
Craftsman 1/4" swivel socket set
Snap-On combination wrench set. They are slightly more compact than other brands and most of the time it's a tight fit.

Gearwrench ratcheting wrench set. Supper handy. Make sure to buy an 11/32 wrench to round out the set.

Cleco pliers
A collection of various sizes of clecos.
10" slip joint plier
10" cresent wrench
Visegrips. small and medium sizes
6 inch diagonal cutters
wire stripper
molex connector crimp tool
Sub-D connector crimp tool
A couple different screw drivers including a ratcheting Snap-On that's over 20 years old.

6" safety wire pliers
angle die grinder
straight die grinder
3/8 air drill
mini angle drill
drill bits. fraction, number, and letter sizes.
3X rivet gun
rivet sets
bucking bars
snips
various files
mini pick set
small ball peen hammer
BFH ball peen hammer
inspection mirror
magnet on a stick
led flashlight
black sharpie


All that stuff is in a HF 5 drawer cart with a side cab. It's my main work box. I have a bunch of other stuff but it doesn't get used often enough to leave at work. I may have forgotten some things but that's the mainly what I use. The biggest use items are the ratcheting screwdriver, 3/8 wrench, and the 7/16 wrench. I've worn thru the chrome on those two wrenches and can see the nickle layer.