Top products from r/aviationmaintenance

The avotek book here is kind of our default text book, but I really don't like it. It doesn't do a good job at explaining things, and there's excess stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1933189282/ref=mp_s_a_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1485311225&sr=8-26&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=avotek

This book is pretty good, but has a LOT of minor errors that can be distracting.

https://www.amazon.com/NCATT-AET-Test-Study-Guide/dp/1484094433

This book is AWESOME! Even though it's not an aviation book, it explains 90% of what's on the AET and it does a really good job at explaining it. You could definitely buy an older addition to save some cash. If you buy this book you will have to use other material for things like FOE, fund. of flight, corrosion, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1111128537/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485311149&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=introduction+to+electronics&dpPl=1&dpID=51taV6yqLTL&ref=plSrch

Finally, watch these videos on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SpqwAasxY7U

The guy is a professor at a community college and again, even though it's not aviation related, he explains 90% of what's on the AET incredibly well.

Hope that helps!

Remember 7-11 twists per inch, I think that's IAW AC-43 or this handy book that should be in your toolbox. http://www.amazon.com/Aviation-Mechanic-Handbook-The-Standard/dp/1560278986

Also your middle bolt is "neutral" and is NOT being assisted by the lock/safety wire.

It should look like this: http://image.customclassictrucks.com/f/28178941/1003cct_13_o+how_to_safety_wire+screwheads_double_twist_method.jpg So you have an "S" shape at each bolt. This is so it's always being pulled tight incase a fastener is loosened.

Other people are also right, in that you should be doing the twists counter clockwise at each interval such as: http://firetrucksandequipment.tpub.com/TM-9-254/img/TM-9-254_202_1.jpg The second picture from the top. This pushes the wire into the work so that it doesn't come up over the top of the head of the fastener.

I was also taught not to twist the wire by hand at a 180 degree angle as it might nick it causing stress raiser but as usual YMMV.

Oh yeah, before I forget, bend your tails so you don't cut the next person sticking their hand in doesn't get cut (run your finger over just to make sure). I saw it the other day, on a Cessna Conquest in the engine compartment, it wasn't nice, the guy got cut pretty bad.

Happy to help. This is my 4" block I did at trade school. https://i.imgur.com/GvV19aV.jpg All done by hand...

practice, practice, practice :)

Not quite what I think you're looking for but I'll recommend it anyway.

"To Love An Aluminum Bitch"

An ex-mechanic wrote a book of poems and stories about maintenance. There are some excellent entries in there.

To Love An Aluminum Bitch: Stories & Lyrics of Aviation Maintenance & Adventure https://www.amazon.com/dp/1499635036/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5a04CbTBWAMZC

Cost a little more but this is what you're looking for: 3M Personal Protective Equipment PELTOR Camelback Gel Sealing Rings HY80, Comfort Replacement Earmuff Cushions, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DHVXKVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_UcXVDbPMAY9ZB
They seal really well and are way more comfortable than the standard earpieces on most Peltors.

It's hard to say without knowing exactly what you're going to be doing, since it varies so much job to job. I work on the MRO side of things doing c-checks on commercial birds, and on a day to day basis my most used tools are just your basic hand tools and my 12V drill. However I have picked up some other stuff along the way that has proven invaluable:

• Skin Sppons, they're really good for cutting sealant and all prying when there's just a little bit of a gap
  
• This little ratchet, some weeks I use this thing more than my regular ratcheting screwdriver or 1/4" ratchet, it helps out in tight spots
  
• Brass Punches
  
• Spline sockets, it will really vary aircraft to aircraft how much you really need these. Craftsman has decent cheap sets, they call them universal sockets or something.
  
• Ignition wrenches, there's lots of shitty little hardware
  
• Headlamp
  
  That's all I can really think of at the moment, don't worry about having every possible tool you can think of before you start. There's no sense in spending a bunch of money on tools you won't end up using. It's much easier to figure out what you need to fill in gaps once you start rather than trying to guess now. No one is going to expect you to have everything right away and it sounds like you have a good start already.
  

Knipex are amazing. I borrowed them constantly for like a week and bought this set and recommend them to everyone.

These would be a good start:
GROL+Radar https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053606/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CgirzbRG9608Q

Avionics Training: Systems, Installation, and Troubleshooting https://www.amazon.com/dp/1885544219/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Giirzb62JVYSC

Plain-English Study Guide for the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJ9X8AA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jjirzbHP0JBY6

GROL Plus: General Radiotelephone Operator License Plus Radar Endorsement https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053142/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Mjirzb020BB3W

Shop around for these or check with libraries.

If he's an older guy. Look at the Bifocal Safety Glasses.

https://www.amazon.com/DPG59-115C-Reinforcer-Rx-Bifocal-Performance-Protective/dp/B000646VF8/ref=pd_bxgy_469_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000646VF8&pd_rd_r=fbbb5399-ebd1-11e8-b0e1-cb0baae9fd4f&pd_rd_w=kK7sv&pd_rd_wg=xpDG6&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=R8974SMVVGA3TG0CC050&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=R8974SMVVGA3TG0CC050

Basically reading glasses in a safety frame.

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-85035-35-MicroDriver-Set/dp/B0062FSAVI/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=gearwrench+85035&qid=1573185704&sr=8-2

Something like this. It's basically a ratchet that just takes he's bits that is low profile. Great for interior work and inboard flap actuator fairings on CRJs

I take a tool bag in the plane and I always put the tool back in the bag and never leave them laying elsewhere. Tool inventory before going in and after leaving will help like /u/ruminatingroy said.

I love these - https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Earmuff-Protectors-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00009LI4K/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1510080043&sr=1-4&keywords=3m+ear+protection

custom fitted with these -
https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-Camelback-Sealing-HY80/dp/B00DHVXKVA/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1510080212&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=3m+ear+protection+gel+pads

The Gel pads last for years and years where as the regular ones last only a few months. Plus the gel pads are insanely more comfortable and form fitting giving you better sound protections. The pads are a bit spendy but mine are going on 5 years with no sign of slowing down. I made a custom soft nylon elastic cover to slip over the gels as the gels can get a bit sweaty.

IRWIN makes the best one IMO.
Take a stubby #30 and drill 1/4” in.
Use this on a 1/2” socket and viola.
Use the 1/8” with a #30.
IRWIN HANSON 53227 Hex Head Multi-Spline Screw Extractor Set, 25 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRG66/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yCuVAb89CXJ6H

Not OP, but it looks like one of these sets https://amzn.to/2BLUt9B. Basically combined U-joint+socket so that there is less stack-up.

Not sure if these are any good, I just make my own..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRIX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NHmMBbFVPVQZ4

Avotek has a few books in the avionics series that are relevant to the endorsements. You can skip the fundamentals book if you already have your AET. Just focus on the material that NCATT has in thier study guides.

https://www.avotek.com/shop/category/avionics-series-2/

I found this book to be relevant as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Communications-Navigation-Systems-Maintenance/dp/0750681373/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=communication+and+navigation&qid=1572311248&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/Homak-Industrial-22-Inch-Cantilever-BW00210220/dp/B001CM27N8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535844986&sr=8-3&keywords=homak

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https://www.amazon.com/Army-Universe-Heavy-Military-Mechanics/dp/B000BFNJFW

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Those above hold all my tools I need for work. I work for an airline which provides all of the measurement tools, specialty tools or really large stuff. I keep the essentials in the small bag and 95% of the time it has all I need. With most planes, you don't need metric. Only metric I have in my box is a set of metric allen keys ( CRJ map light set screws and Airbus Faucet set screws) and a 13mm socket (some Airbus contactors). Only 1/2 drive I have is one long rachet and a 25/32 deep socket for brake nuts. Most big boxes I see are either half empty, have a dedicated spare parts drawer, or portable locker. I have seen some sheet metal guys with huge boxes and needed every bit of it for stuff.

Check out “lab spatulas” they use them in chemistry labs. https://www.amazon.com/Boao-Pieces-Spatula-Stainless-Powders/dp/B07J698CSZ/ref=asc_df_B07J698CSZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312135717511&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1272931081310645696&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1015464&hvtargid=pla-564310586347&psc=1

You could probably bend to get the angle you want.

This is the tool.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-48-32-2100-OFF-SET-Power-Screwdriver/dp/B0000224AW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474247477&sr=8-2&keywords=milwaukee+angle+driver

Add a electric screwdriver on the end. A 1/4 drive bit socket holder on the other and it starts bolts all day.

Grease pencil?

https://www.amazon.ca/Sharpie-PEEL-OFF-Marker-China-Bullet/dp/B00006IFGI

GearWrench 85035 35 Pc MicroDriver Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062FSAVI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_uzM8Bb8WFMFF1

My Knipex plier set.

https://www.amazon.com/NCATT-AET-Test-Study-Guide/dp/1484094433

I used this. was a breeze

https://www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-80310-Piece-4-Inch-Socket/dp/B000UH2QNM