(Part 3) Top products from r/aviationmaintenance

I’m an mechanic and and owner as well so I see both sides. Your intuition is right to get it out, it’s going to suck but the peace of mind is worth it.

Not sure if you already have some but some mechanical fingers will help you as it gets closer to getting it out.

The fuel will be a double edge sword, it will enable the float to float, but once it’s floating it’s going to move all over. My recommendation is once you get a visual on the float, try to grab it a bit with the fingers. If that doesn’t work get it positioned within the ribbed compartment of where the fuel cap is and drain the tank. Once the fuel is out of the compartment the float won’t be so easily moved and will be easier to grab with mechanical fingers, a bent coat hanger, what ever it takes to try to get the float close to the fuel cap.

In regards to draining the tank, obviously you can use the fuel drains but that will take forever and is kinda messy. I’d recommend purchase a siphon to speed it up. My favorite go to is the super siphon because it’s got a glass marble on the end to prime the line you just shake it up and down so there’s no drinking fuel and it has great flow once started. It comes in handy for jobs like this or say you decide to bring the extra person but your tanks are topped you can cleanly drain fuel into 5 gallon cans to shed the excess fuel. I know it says unavailable but look around the farm supply stores, home improvement stores, etc and you’ll be able to find one if you want that brand.

Not sure about the waterproof on the borescope you have. Depending on the unit it might not be waterproof but I’d check with the manufacturers specs to get an idea.

So the bad news will be if that float doesn’t float your going to have to go even deeper and remove sheet metal to find it. I imagine if your fuel tank indications were normal or at least somewhat working(at least reads full or close to it when full) it will float. This is rare but can happen.

Good luck, happy fishing!

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

For cold weather I just go to a local hardware store and try some on since I want something that doesn't fit too snug in the winter. I try not to get the winter ones dirty so that they last longer especially getting oil based liquids in them.This are what I use for general use. If it's decent outside these are my go to. The cut resistant seems to let them last longer. These have been the best rubber gloves I've used. I worked an airline that had them free stock and we dealt with skydrol and they worked like a charm. They fit tight so you could grip things easily. I use these currently for general use and they work okay. 5606 won't cause issues but fuel, skydrol, and solvent cleaner melts them. I used these when I was a fueler And I still have them in my garage. They worked well.

OP did say angle wrenches already but this was my go-to answer as well. TEKTON sells a 14 piece set for about $40 on Amazon if you're not ready to sell your soul to the Snap-On guy. My set has held up very well so far. Crow's foot attachments are really useful too.

I've used so many different soaps. Uncle Sam tried cutting corners, I tried pinching pennies, but ultimately cocoscrub is by far my favorite. It cleans better than gojo and your hands smell like piña coladas when you're done.

If you have needle fittings and a little bit of room to work, these hand pumps are great. Got 1 on a whim to try since it was cheap, and I was so impressed I now have one for each type of grease I regularly use.

https://www.amazon.com/Astro-101-Grease-Needle-Nozzle/dp/B000FMK7FG

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.

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

what about oil pastels? like these? you can widdle them down to size.

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

Casio g-shock. Lasted through five years of Marine Corps and F-18 maintenance. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GAYQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_g066BbW78K41M

I work in the PNW, so take that as you will;
Boots
Summer Weight Pants
Winter Weight Pants

I also came across this. Looks quite handy

Motion Pro 08-0380 Adjustable Torque Wrench Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GZND2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rkaKybY0HV16Y

What about lumocolor?
https://www.amazon.ca/Lumocolor-STAEDTLER-Medium-Permanent-WP4/dp/B0007OEDTI/ref=asc_df_B0007OEDTI/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292949943083&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7519204589404555918&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000806&hvtargid=pla-318346758646&psc=1

No, a Ford wrench is not the same as a pipe wrench. It looks similar in shape, but it's more closely related to an adjustable wrench. If they're asking for a Ford wrench, you need a Ford wrench.