Building a kitplane like the RV-8 or RV-3B is an ambitious project that requires patience, precision, and—most importantly—the right tools. Having the proper equipment can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable build and one filled with frustration. In this guide, I’ll share the top 10 essential tools that I personally relied on while building my RV-8 and RV-3B. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your workshop, these tools are must-haves for quality, safety, and efficiency.
1. Pneumatic Rivet Squeezer
Riveting is the backbone of any Van’s Aircraft kit, and a good pneumatic rivet squeezer is a game-changer. It allows you to set rivets quickly and consistently without fatigue, which is especially valuable when working on long wing skins and fuselage panels.
2. Clecos and Cleco Pliers
Clecos are temporary fasteners that hold your components together during assembly. I used hundreds throughout my builds, along with Cleco pliers to insert and remove them efficiently. Having a variety of sizes (3/32″, 1/8″, etc.) ensures you’re always ready for any part of the build.
3. Tungsten Bucking Bar
For those hard-to-reach rivets, a tungsten bucking bar offers excellent mass in a compact size, making it easier to achieve clean, strong rivet sets with minimal effort. It’s heavier than a steel bar but much smaller—perfect for tight spaces.
4. Pneumatic Drill
A reliable pneumatic drill is essential for drilling precise holes in aluminum without overheating. I recommend using a lightweight model with good RPM control and keeping a set of high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits on hand.
5. Rivet Gun (3X or 4X)
Some rivets, especially on thicker parts of the airframe, require a rivet gun. I used a 3X rivet gun for most tasks and found it balanced enough for both light and heavy riveting jobs.
6. Digital Angle Finder
Achieving perfect alignment on wing ribs, stabilizers, and control surfaces is critical for proper flight characteristics. A digital angle finder lets you measure and confirm angles with precision, ensuring everything lines up perfectly.
7. Deburring Tools
Every drilled hole needs deburring to prevent cracks and ensure a smooth finish. A manual deburring tool with replaceable blades, along with a scotch-brite wheel for edge finishing, are indispensable.
8. Dimple Dies and Squeezer
Dimpling is necessary wherever countersunk rivets are used, especially on skin panels. I used a combination of hand squeezer and pneumatic squeezer with dimple dies for different thicknesses to achieve flawless dimples every time.
9. ProSeal and Applicators
If you’re building fuel tanks (especially for the RV-8), ProSeal is unavoidable. It’s messy but vital for leak-proof tanks. Make sure you have proper applicators, mixing tools, and plenty of patience.
10. Air Compressor
Many of the tools listed here are pneumatic, so a reliable air compressor with sufficient capacity (at least 20-30 gallons) is non-negotiable. I also added an inline moisture filter to keep the air clean and prevent tool corrosion.
Bonus Tools That Made My Life Easier
LED inspection light: Essential for checking inside closed-off sections Drill stop collars: To prevent over-drilling Clamping blocks: Helpful for precise alignment during assembly
Workshop Safety Essentials
Safety is just as important as precision. Make sure your workshop is equipped with: Safety glasses and gloves Hearing protection (especially when riveting) Proper ventilation, especially during priming and sealing
Final Thoughts: Investing in the Right Tools
While it might be tempting to cut costs on tools, my experience has shown that investing in high-quality equipment saves time, reduces frustration, and improves the final build quality. These tools not only made my RV-8 and RV-3B builds smoother but also gave me confidence in the structural integrity of the finished aircraft. If you’re starting your own kitplane journey, I hope this list helps you build smarter and safer!
Explore More of My Build Journey
Check out these detailed build guides to dive deeper into the construction process:
