Van's Aircraft RV-8 Construction Manual Download

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Protractor/Carpenters Level: A bubble protractor can measure the

angle of any surface from a horizontal or vertical reference plane. The carpenters level (2-3 ft. in length) is
useful in measuring the horizontal and vertical alignment of RV parts and structural components. A bubble
protractor mounted on a straight edge of comparable length will serve the same purpose. Either the bubble
protractor or the level should be checked for accuracy before use. This can be done by finding a level (or
nearly level) surface and laying the level on it. Note the position of the bubble, and then reverse the level
end for end. Now check the bubble position again. If not the same, loosen the adjustment screw on the
bubble and re-position. Then switch ends again and re-check. Repeat until the reading is the same
regardless of the orientation of the level. Use digital protractors and levels or "smart" levels whenever
possible.

Circle Cutter: Also known as a fly-cutter. Used for cutting lightening holes in ribs and other thin webs, plus instrument panel holes.

A wicked little tool that can cause nasty damage to hands and unguarded body parts. Should be used in drill press only, never on a

hand-held drill.

Fluting Pliers: Used for crimping rib flanges, etc. to effectively shrink them and straighten the part. Several styles are available. We
prefer pliers that leave a crisp indentation, and avoid the type with the large rubber tips. These make a wide shallow flute which
gives less flat area for rivets.

Edge Deburring Tools: A selection of tools as listed in the required parts list. Deburring tools are used for rounding and smoothing
the edges of sheet metal parts.

Hand Rivet Squeezer: Used for dimpling and setting rivets near material edges. There are cheap ones on the market, but they give
poor results. Spend the money.

Pneumatic Rivet Squeezer: Used for dimpling and setting rivets near material edges. More expensive than the hand rivet
squeezer, but much easier on the arms.

Paint Spray Gun/Respirator: Priming of internal parts of an RV requires a spray gun. Almost any quality gun will do because
primer finishes are not as critical as exterior painting. One of the biggest problems involved in priming is cleaning up. Often only a
small amount of priming is needed. Small spray guns with disposable cup reservoirs are adequate for priming. Clean up of the
spray nozzle is very simple, and the spray pattern quality is more than adequate for priming.

Respiratory protection from primers and paints should not be taken lightly. Those warnings are on paint cans for a reason! A good
respirator (not a dust mask) is essential. In the last year or two, "fresh air" spray systems, using an oil-less compressor to supply

fresh air from a remote source to a respirator or spray helmet,

have become affordable.

Hand Riveting and Dimpling Tool: This hand operated, bench
mounted riveting and dimpling tool is one of the most useful tools a
builder could have. It consists of a large "C'' shaped frame with a
driver and anvil at the open end. The driver shaft and anvil have
guides and holders for the rivet sets and dimple dies. It uses the
same dies as do the rivet guns and hand rivet squeezers previously
discussed. The force for doing the riveting or dimpling is provided
by hitting the guided tool holder with a hammer. Because the dies
and sets are held accurately in place, good quality dimpling and
setting is simple. The depth of the "C'' frame is sufficient to dimple
almost all the skins on RVs. It is rigid enough to permit setting rivets
up to 3/16 inch dia., so some builders use it even for the heavy
riveting on the main wing spar (older model kits).

Torque wrench: This is a must have tool. Get one calibrated in inch-pounds, a foot pound wrench will do you no good. Aircraft nuts

and bolts have specific torque values (see the Standard Aircraft Handbook or the table reprinted in Section 5V of this manual) that
can only be set accurately with this tool. It is very easy to over torque the small AN3 (10-32) bolts without one.

Taps: Used to add internal threads to drilled holes. See required tool list for specific sizes.

BUILDER'S TOOL REQUIREMENTS

NOTE: Tools listed as "Optional" in the following tools and materials lists make the build process easier, but are not
required to complete construction. Tools required for a specific model but optional for others will be indicated with that

aircraft model number (i.e. "REQ RV-14").

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VAN'S AIRCRAFT, INC.

04/15/13

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Tubing bender: Although there are not a lot of aluminum tubes in the RVs, those that are there need to be bent properly. Fuel

lines, pitot lines etc. need to be kink free.

Tubing Flaring Tool: Fuel lines need to have the proper 37° flare on the end in order to seal properly. Buy one or borrow one, but

don't try to use an automotive 45° tool.

Heavy soft faced hammer: Select one between 12 and 24oz.

Hollow Ground Planer Blade (Older Model Kits): Used in a table saw for cutting any aluminum sheet too thick for a hand shear.
This results in a relatively smooth cut edge which needs little clean up afterwards. Just knock off the edges with a file and smooth
the cut surface either with a fine file or a polishing wheel.

All required riveting equipment can be purchased from one of the suppliers listed in our accessories catalog. While other suppliers
are available, these have catalogs available which make shopping easier. These catalogs are also useful as a general information
source about sheet metal tools.

Studying any one or more of the tool catalogs will introduce you to many more metal working tools, some of which can also be used
to advantage in aluminum aircraft construction. Several of the larger general parts suppliers such as Aircraft Spruce and Wicks
publish extensive catalogs which are very valuable not only introducing the builder to the wide variety of hardware, tools, and parts
available, but also including useful charts and table of aircraft standards.

While we feel that those tools we have listed are sufficient, some builders (or groups of builders) might have the resources and
desire to have a super well equipped shop and should be aware that there is practically no limit to the variety of tools available.
Within reason, money spent on good tools is seldom regretted.

Following is a list of tools compiled specifically for building the RV.

CATEGORY

QTY

ITEM

Required/Optional

Clecos

125

Clecos 1/8"

350

Clecos 3/32"

Clecos 3/16"

Clecos 5/32"