Aviation mechanics play a critical role in aircraft safety and maintenance – something we’re going to explore in more detail in this must-have tools for aircraft maintenance tools list. As a leading provider of high-quality aviation tools, our Red Box Tools and Foam team know which tools – and tool brands – are essential for aviation professionals to invest in. To make choosing your tools easier, we’ve pulled together this comprehensive aviation mechanic tool list featuring the must-have tools airline maintenance professionals need.
Why Specialized Tools Matter in Aviation Maintenance
Two of the most important factors when it comes to aviation tools are precision and reliability. After all, when the responsibility for servicing and repairing aircrafts falls on your shoulders there can be no margin for mistakes. In addition to performance, it’s vital that the tools used by airline mechanics are custom-engineered for aviation applications. Not only will this ensure you meet strict regulatory compliance around operational safety, it will also help you to complete tasks more efficiently in addition to limiting preventable errors for which you could be culpable.
Essential Tools for Aviation Mechanics
Due to the intricacy and complex nature of aircraft systems, airline mechanics rely on a wide range of precision engineered tools to perform their role. Here, we’ve outlined some of the most vital tool sets to invest in if your work involves aviation maintenance and repairs.
Hand Tools
- Wrenches & Torque Wrenches:
With hundreds of differing fasteners on every aircraft, wrenches and torque wrenches are an aviation tool kit essential. While wrenches give you the flexibly to manually adjust the tightness, torque wrenches permit you to fasten fasteners with precision accuracy by allowing you to calibrate the wrench to a specific level of torque.
- Sockets:
Sockets and socket sets, like standard sockets, swivel sockets, and deep wall sockets, are ideal for aviation applications where space is limited. 1/4” and 3/8” drive extensions and 3 and 6 inches are used most often in airline maintenance and repair, but over time you may want to expand your collection to include adapters in all sizes.
- Screwdrivers:
When it comes to screwdrivers for aviation, you need to pay attention to the size and make of your screwdriver. This is so you don’t damage the fastener or make it more difficult to adjust. Given you’ll encounter different screw types on each aircraft, we recommend investing in a set of Flathead, Phillips, and Torx screwdrivers, which will give you the versatility to work with a range of common screw styles.
- Pliers:
You’ll need pliers for installing, twisting, and trimming the essential wiring that provides power to the aircraft. Aviation pliers you should include in your aircraft mechanics tool list include needle-nose, locking, and wire-twisting pliers. We recommend purchasing the most high-quality set your budget can stretch to.
- Files:
Files are handy for propellor work, as well as for smoothing out sharp metal edges caused by fresh cuts and incisions. Most aircraft mechanics find a half round bastard file, mill file, and riffler files, service most of their needs.
- Extractors:
Extractors may not be the aviation tool you reach for all the time, but it’s still good practice to invest in at least one high-quality set, for those rare instances where you need one.
- Hammers & Mallets:
You’ll need hammers for adjusting sensitive components without damaging them. Hammer types most common in aviation maintenance include dead blow hammers, ball peen hammers, plastic tip hammers (with replacement tips) and a mallet.
Power Tools
- Cordless Drills:
Lightweight and powerful, a cordless drill is ideal for quickly removing or installing fasteners when time is against you or in instances when a traditional screwdriver, wrench, or socket set just isn’t up to the job.
- Rivet Guns:
Riveting is widely used in aviation design because it’s lightweight while still being sturdy. It’s also useful as a fastener in areas that bolts and screws can’t access. For this reason, a rivet gun is essential for aircraft skin and structural repairs.
- Grinders & Polishers:
Grinders and polishers are used by aviation mechanics for smoothing and deburring metal surfaces.
Precision Measurement Tools
- Calipers & Micrometers:
Calipers and micrometers are both useful tools for accurately measuring aircraft components.
- Measuring tape:
A measuring tape is a basic measuring device that should feature in every tool box – aviation applications included
- Feeler Gauges:
Feeler gauges are another useful type of aviation measuring tool that can help you to precisely measure the width between small gaps.
Inspection/Retrieval Tools
- Inspection Mirror:
Sometimes it’s not always possible to have a clear sight into the area you need to assess or repair for damage. An inspection mirror makes it possible for you to view and work on parts of an aircraft that are out of range or obscured.
- Pickup tools:
A loose fastener or tool can wreak havoc on an aircraft. Pick-up tools help you to avoid these types of catastrophic safety infringements, by allowing you to retrieve tools or components that have fallen into hard-to-reach places.
- Magnifying Glasses:
Magnifying glasses are another must-have aviation tool that can help you to enlarge delicate and intricate systems in the aircraft that require a steady hand and precision.
Aviation-Specific Tools
- Safety Wire Pliers:
Safety wire pliers are an aviation essential for securing bolts and fasteners with safety wire.
- Borescope:
In aviation applications a borescope is a must-have tool for inspecting internal components in hard-to-access areas. Be sure not to leave this one off your aviation tools list.
- Crimping Tools:
Crimping tools create secure connections for electrical wiring and components that are essential for maintaining critical systems within the aircraft.
Tool Control and Organization
Tool control and organization plays an important part in efficiency and tool accountability. It can also help to prevent premature damage to your tools by keeping them protected and safety stored when not in use. At Red Box Tools and Foams, we offer a wide range of tool storage solutions that can help aviation mechanics better track and care for their tools. One of the most effective tool storage solutions we offer is our custom foam tool kits – a tool control system that’s proven to prevent tool loss, reduce damage, and improve workflow. By keeping your tools neatly organized and easily identifiable in one of our custom-cut foam inserts, you’ll locate the tools you need quickly without wasting precious time rummaging in your tool box. You’ll also be able to quickly determine if any tools are missing, giving you a solid tool control system that ensures you meet with FAA tool accountability standards.
BAHCO Tools for Aviation Mechanics
When it comes to high-quality aviation tools you can trust, BAHCO are right up there with the best of them. With ergonomic features and handles that are engineered for precise control, it’s no surprise that BAHCO tools are a favorite among aviation mechanics. Wrenches, pliers, socket sets, and tool storage solutions are just the tip of the BAHCO product range we stock at Red Box Tools and Foams USA – all of which can be dispatched to any address in the United States. Click here to see our full BAHCO tool selection.
Why Choose Red Box Tools and Foam USA for Aviation Tools
At Red Box Tools and Foams USA, we pride ourselves on the highest quality and durability of our tools for aviation professionals. To assist you in keeping your tools safe and traceable, we also offer a wide choice of tool storage solutions, such as our custom foam inlays for chests, boxes, and drawers. Each of our shock-absorbent foams comes with a two-year guarantee and is custom-cut to the precise size, shape, and orientation of your tools to prevent movement and damage. We offer additional discounts for trade account holders and our experienced team is always willing to go the extra mile to assist you in any way we can. You’ll find many specialized aviation tool kits in stock and ready to dispatch, simply by ordering through our website. If, however, you need a little friendly advice or guidance, just drop us a line or pick up the phone and one of our aviation tool experts will be happy to help.
Popular Aviation Tool Kits at Red Box Tools and Foam
Looking for inspiration for your own aviation mechanic tool list? Below, you’ll find a few of our most highly-rated aviation tools that are popular with aircraft maintenance professionals.
