For my second tools order, I returned to Aircraft Tool Supply for a more…esoteric…order. I’m not sure if I was just reading down the required tools list, or just bouncing around based on what I found first on ATS’ website, but here’s what I ordered:
| Part # | Description | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FP21 | Deluxe Fluting Pliers | 1 | $14.95 | $14.95 |
| ATS-3XPK | ATS Pro Riveting Kit (3X) | 1 | $245.95 | $245.95 |
| HS144 | ATS Sheet Metal Hand Seamer | 1 | $18.05 | $18.95 |
| 012-6K-40 | Cobalt drill bit pack #40 (6 ea) | 1 | $5,95 | $5.95 |
| 012-6K-30 | Cobalt drill bit pack #30 (6 ea) | 1 | $5.95 | $5.95 |
| Subtotal | $292.75 | |||
| Discount | ($14.64) | |||
| Tax/Ship | 0.00 | |||
| Total | $278.11 |
The big-ticket item on this order is the riveting kit, which I went over in the last post. It’s a 3X gun, which looks like the most popular…speed? Not sure about that, but there are 2X and 4X guns as well. The 3X was recommended by Vans and verified by other posts I read.
Other things on this order are the deluxe fluting pliers, which allow you to crimp the side of an aluminum part to help it lie flat. Evidently the manufacturing process, which involves bending the sides up on stiffeners and other elements, can introduce a small bow to the work piece. Using these pliers you put several crimps on the sides, which pulls the part to being flat again. Here’s what they look like in action:
Lastly, some cobalt drill bits for drilling out all the pilot holes that Vans put into the metal. They need to be enlarged to their final size for the rivets (and clecos).
The order has not arrived as of yet…supposed it’ll be here next weekend. Another post will follow!
