Mechanics Tools
1/4-Inch Drive Full Polish Flex Head Ratchet
by GearWrench
I think I prefer the straight head to flex or roto, but if you only get one, this might be a good compromise.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
1/4" Drive Roto Ratchet
by GearWrench
I haven't made up my mind on whether I like this style of the fixed head. It's handy but I have a hard time getting used to the flex.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
10-Piece Stubby SAE Wrench Set
by GearWrench
This is on my wish list. These are great for tight spaces in the engine compartment.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
13-Piece 1/4-Inch Dr. 12-Point Standard Metric Socket Set
by GearWrench
You'll need a 1/4 inch drive for just about every bolt on an airplane. The only time you'll need a larger driver is for spark plugs and possibly landing gear. The 12 point gives a better grip than 6 point.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
15 in 1 - Ratchet- Blue
by Lutz
I probably use this tool more than any other. I have a blue one that I keep clean for inside the cabin and a yellow one for engine/outside where I get it greasy. I like this one, but any brand where the bits are stored in the handle would work. You don't want to get one that has the bits in a separate holder since they won't be available when you need a different bit.
Ships from Amazon partner—ReadyCare
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
2 Piece Stubby Screwdriver Set with Cushion Grip
by Klein Tools
These are handy for opening the cowl. You don't want to slip and scratch the pain. The short barrel and shaft give you control of the tip.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
3 piece 1/4" Drive Extension Bar Set
by Michigan Industrial Tools
Sometimes the only way to get leverage is to get away from the bolt. This set is a common size. If you can find a really long one—get it.
Ships from Amazon partner—Boston Industrial
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint, 6-Inch Long Nose, and 6-Inch Diagonal Plier Set
by Stanley
Basic pliers needed for aircraft work.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
30-Piece Combo SAE/Metric Hex Key Set
by Johnson Level and Tool
Your rarely need a hex key and never need metric. These seem like a good value. I wouldn't get the ones that are attached in a multi-tool configuration since when you need this tool, space is usually tight.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
4-Piece Pliers Set
by Stanley
These are the four pliers you'll need most when working on airplanes. Add a duckbill and you're all set. The linesman's pliers aren't used all that often, so you might want to consider the three piece set.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
6-Piece Bi-Material Mini Plier Set
by Stanley
This seems like an incredible value. I don't have this set but I have lots of Stanley tools that are of great quality.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
6-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set
by Stanley
You only need a tiny screwdriver occasionally and I get by with my dollar store set, but these look really nice.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
6.5-Inch End Cutting Plier
by Stanley
You can get by without this tool, but it is handy for making a smooth cut.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
7 Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set
by GearWrench
Item #9317 5/16-Inch to 3/4-Inch Standard
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Aerokroil Penetrating Oil
by Kano
Great stuff. See the post on penetrants.
Ships from Amazon partner—Midway.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Automatic Safety Wire Twister Pliers - 6"
by Safety Twist
Inexpensive compared to most.
Ships from Amazon partner—Bayou Bargains.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Crescent Adjustable Wrench 4 Inch
by Cooper Hand Tools
I've included this tool in the list primarily to tell you not to buy one. This tool has a tendency to strip nuts and doesn't hold bolts all that well. You should be using a good socket set for the nut and a good set of box/open end wrenches for the bolt.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Crescent Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set
by Cooper Hand Tools
7 Piece 5/16-Inch to 3/4-Inch 72 Tooth. I haven't used this brand, only GearWrench, but these are handy to have around. I think I prefer the stubby version by GearWrench
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Large Electrical and Maintenance Tool Carrier
by Custom LeatherCraft
Item #1528 23 Pocket Tool bag. Fill it up and keep this bag next to you when working on your plane and you'll save tons of time looking for tools. The tackle box on the bottom is a great way to keep commonly used screws and bolts handy.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Large Electrical and Maintenance Tool Carrier
by Custom LeatherCraft
Item #1527 23 Pocket Tool bag. I ahve this bag and I fill it up and keep it next to me when working on a plane or around the house. You'll save tons of time looking for tools.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Long Cut Straight Aviation Snip
by Stanley
Sheet metal cutters are always useful.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Long Screwdriver Set - 4 Piece
by GearWrench
The Lutz ratcheting screwdriver takes care of most of my needs. However, sometimes you need a really long screwdriver to reach inside the engine compartment. This set should do it.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Offset Screwdriver Set
by Michigan Industrial Tools
An offset screwdriver set comes in handy from time to time. This set or a ratcheting set are worth having in your bag.
Ships from Amazon partner—Boston Industrial
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Offset Screwdriver Set, Ratchet, 5 Pc
by General Tools
An offset screwdriver set comes in handy from time to time. This set is more expensive than non-ratcheting. I have one like this in my bag.
Ships from Amazon partner—Techni-Tool
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
PB Blaster Penetrating Lubricant- 12 OZ.
by Blaster Chemical
Haven't used it but lots of people swear by it. See the post on penetrants.
Ships from Amazon partner—Auto Alley.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon
Tripod LED Flashlight
by Stanley
I don't have anything like this, but I want one. Lighting is always a problem when working on interiors and engines and this looks like it would be invaluable.
Rating:
Buy From Amazon