Alright… so, we’ve decided on a Vans RV-7 kit, and now it’s time to start picking up the tools we’ll need to start building it! The preview plans has a list of “recommended tools” for the builder. In that list, they highlight the tools required to put together the learning project, which seems like the perfect place to start!
Right off the bat, there are decisions to be made. Which tools do I need to buy? Where should I buy them from, and most importantly, which particular model/manufacturer of those tools should I put my trust (and money) in?
For example, There are literally THOUSANDS of rivets that I’ll need to install. They are mostly solid rivets, which means I’ll need some tool that can install a solid rivet. There are several types. The most common are pneumatic riveters. There are also manual squeeze riveters, pop riveters and probably some specialized versions of all the above.
Given the sheer amount of rivets to be installed, it’s probably a good idea to invest in something that’ll make that process fairly efficient and easy. I can’t imagine having to hand-squeeze what could easily be 8,000 rivets! So, pneumatic riveter it is!
But now that opens a whole other Pandora’s box! Which brands make good rivet guns? What specifications are required by Vans for the project? What kind of air source should I buy? For having absolutely no experience in this arena, I spent a lot of time reading online forums and guides, especially the Van’s Air Force forums and the Vans Aircraft website. I also talked to people who would be able to provide that knowledge. I’m lucky to have an FAA A&P (aircraft mechanic) in my Civil Air Patrol unit. I also know several people who have built.
I’d be lying if I said money is no object. It is, really. I think it’s important to strike a balance between cost and performance. I could easily spend $600-700 on equipment just to rivet. I could also probably spend $99. The trick is knowing where that perfect compromise point is.
For the rivet gun, I settled on the ATS Pro-X3 by Aircraft Tool Supply company. They sell both the standalone rivet gun and a kit. After looking over both, I selected the ATS Professional Riveting Kit (X3) for $245. It comes with a good number of accessories, only some which I really neede, including a good selection of steel bucking bars and a regulator. It also has a bunch of rivet sets, but I don’t think I’ll use most of those. Still, it was on sale and a good deal for all the things you get.
But, this post is about the FIRST order I made. I decided to dip the ‘ol toes in by ordering some build staples first, and especially those things I need to complete the learning project. This boiled down to clecos, cleco pliers and a deburring tool. Here’s the order:
| Part Number | Description | QTY | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25CL-3/32 | Cleco Pack, 25 pieces 3/32″ | 2 | $11.95 | $23.90 |
| 25CL-1/8 | Cleco Pack, 25 pieces 1/8″ | 1 | $11.95 | $11.95 |
| 131 | Cleco Pliers | 1 | $4.95 | $4.95 |
| AE1046 | Speed Deburr & Countersink tool | 1 | $34.95 | $34.95 |
| Sub Total | $75.75 | |||
| Tax/Ship | 0.00 | |||
| Total | $75.75 |
As you can see…not bad! Clecos are little spring-loaded gizmos used to temporarily join two work pieces through the hole you will rivet. So I guess they’re like temporary rivets! Here’s what they look like:
The 75 I bought will be enough for the learning project. Then they’ll do duty on the actual project. The pliers are required because those springs are pretty strong! Lastly, the deburring tool is used to deburr (or smooth) the drill holes, since they have rough edges.
