I'm making up a kit of tools to carry with me on XC, and for general
purposes to work with a friendly A&P to accumulate A&P hours. So,
what sizes do I carry? the 1/4, 1/2, and 1 inch wrenches are a
given. As are probably the sizes in eighths. Are the sizes in
sixteenths worth carrying? How about the 32conds?

I am also considering making up two kits: a minimal one for XC
flights, and a "working with the A&P" kit that's more complete.

Yes, I can use my A&P's tools but I'd prefer to have my own handy
instead.

So, mechanics and experiences owners, what sizes are necessary?

Thanks,
Malcolm

"Malcolm" > wrote in message
...
> I'm making up a kit of tools to carry with me on XC, and for general
> purposes to work with a friendly A&P to accumulate A&P hours. So,
> what sizes do I carry? the 1/4, 1/2, and 1 inch wrenches are a
> given. As are probably the sizes in eighths. Are the sizes in
> sixteenths worth carrying? How about the 32conds?
>
> I am also considering making up two kits: a minimal one for XC
> flights, and a "working with the A&P" kit that's more complete.
>

Walk around your airplane and see what sizes you are likely to use - what
are you going to do yourself? If it's a bolt that you can't remove without
an A/P to supervise, you don't need to carry the wrench in the airplane. I
wouldn't be surprised to find a lot of 7/16 and 9/16 in addition to the
sizes above. A good socket that fits your plugs would be a good cary. Big
Channel Lock pliers are handy.

For a set of hanger tools, you are best off just buying a "set" with open
end, box end, combination, and sockets. (1/4 and 3/8 drive at a minimum).
Most starter sets now include metric stuff that you likely don't need for
your current airplane, but you do own a car, right? Figure about $100 to
$200 at Sears (I assume you are in the U.S.)

Get a philips screwdriver with the replacable tips.

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

First, I'd find the parts/maintenance manuals for your aircraft. From that,
it's easy to identify tools. For example, on a piper cherokee, there are
3 box wrenches that pretty much takes apart the entire aircraft:

two 3/8 in
two 7/16 in
9/16 in (wheel pants)

a good phillips and a good flat head screwdrivers

that's really all I have for short trips. anything longer, I probably
wouldn't be able to fix it anyway.

On 28 Oct 2008 00:41:43 GMT, Blanche > wrote:

>First, I'd find the parts/maintenance manuals for your aircraft. From that,
>it's easy to identify tools. For example, on a piper cherokee, there are
>3 box wrenches that pretty much takes apart the entire aircraft:
>
>two 3/8 in
>two 7/16 in
>9/16 in (wheel pants)
>
>a good phillips and a good flat head screwdrivers
>
>that's really all I have for short trips. anything longer, I probably
>wouldn't be able to fix it anyway.

in essence that list will take care of most aircraft.

I have found that a spark plug socket is a rare beastie in the field
(deep series 22mm socket)
I also have two good quality 6 inch adjustable spanners.

the reality is that if your maintenance is up to snuff you'll never
need them.

if you have a wooden prop then the socket size to tighten the prop
bolts is an essential addition. props do come loose in dry weather.

that and a handfull of nuts and screws.

the rest that we seem to accumulate is just weight.

Stealth Pilot