Tools for the Build
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Impossible Airplane will no longer be built in Tucson thanks to very generous volunteers. Please see further updates!
Any further tools sent to RFI will be used for aircraft maintenance when the finished airplane arrives in Tucson.
Van’s recommends a list of tools for their kits plus a few special tools for the RV-10. We have duplicated their list below as of November 18, 2021 (please check their website for any updates). If you would like to donate a tool, items marked with a bold “+” are still needed. Items marked with ** are needed soon in order to complete the remaining practice kits.
Donation instructions are at the bottom of the page.
If you know of a special tool that will help with the build, let us know!
The list of needed tools is current as of June 15, 2022.
Shop Tools
- Drill (Air or Cordless) ** [We are still open for more modifications for Jessica. If you find one, let us know.]
- Metal Snips: Left & Right **
- Pop Rivet Tool **
- 24″ Stainless Rule
+ Slow, Lightweight, Cordless Screwdriver (for deburring)
- Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Markers **
- Removable Scotch Magic Tape & Tape Dispenser
+ Hearing Protector
- Safety Glasses
- File Card / Brush
- Standard files (We are still open for more modifications for Jessica.)
- Standard Sockets, Wrenches, Screwdrivers
- Steel and Composite Hammers
+ Air Tool Oil
+ Air compressor (3-5cfm @ 90 psi) & Hose
Optional Shop Tools
+ Drill Press
+ Band Saw
+ Belt or Disc Sander
+ Vise
We are happy to return larger shop tools if you’d prefer to lend them for the build.
Base Kit Tools
+ 3X Rivet Gun**
+ Non-Swivel Click-type Air Regulator
+ 1″ Dia. Flush Set **
+ 1/8″ Cupped Set 3.5″ **
+ 1/8″ Double Offset Cupped Set
+ Back Rivet Set **
- Bucking bar (Tungsten or multiple shapes) [We have some coming, but more are still welcome. If you have a specialty one you think will work better for Jessica’s feet, let us know!]
+ Microstop Countersink Cage**
+ #40 Countersink – 3/32″ Rivet **
+ #30 Countersink – 1/8″ Rivet
+ #6 Countersink – #6 Screw
+ #8 Countersink – #8 Screw
+ #10 Countersink – #10 Screw
+ #40 Straight Flute Reamer
+ #30 Straight Flute Reamer
+ ¼” Straight Flute Reamer
+ 7.9mm Straight Flute Reamer
+ 5-10 #40 Jobber Drill Bits (for 3/32″ rivets) **
+ 5-10 #30 Jobber Drill Bits (for 1/8″ rivets) **
+ #19 Jobber Drill Bit
+ #12 Jobber Drill Bit
+ #10 Jobber Drill Bit
+ #21 Jobber Drill Bit
+ #28 Jobber Drill Bit
+ ¼” Jobber Drill Bit
+ “D” Jobber Drill Bit
+ “N” Jobber Drill Bit
+ 12″ #40 Drill Bit
+ 12″ #30 Drill Bit
+ Deburring Set – Large Holes
+ Hex Shank Deburring Bit – Small Holes
- 3M Cut & Polishing Wheel 6″
+ 3M hand pads
- Cleco Pliers ** (hand powered model received. We are still open for more modifications for Jessica.)
+ 500 Cleco Fasteners – 3/32″ (14 received. 486 remaining)
+ 175 Cleco Fasteners – 1/8″ ** (50 received. 125 remaining)
+ 10 Cleco Fasteners – 3/16″
- 4 Cleco Clamps – 1/2″ Jaws
+ 4 Cleco Clamps – 1″ Jaws
- Hand or Pneumatic Squeezer and 3″ Yoke (Hand squeezer received. We are still open for more modifications for Jessica.)
+ 1/8″ Universal Cupped Set
+ Flat Set 1/2″ x 1/8″ **
+ Flat Set 3/8″ x 1/8″
- 3/32″ Rivet Dimple Die **
+ 3/32″ Rivet Small Dia. Female Die
+ 3/32” Rivet Close Quarters Dies (pop rivet operated)
- 1/8″ Rivet Dimple Die
+ #6 Countersink – #6 Screw
+ #8 Screw Dimple Die
+ #10 Screw Dimple Die
- Unibit 1/4″ – 3/4″ by 1/16ths
+ Fluting Pliers
+ 10″ Curved tool File
+ 22″ Reach Skin Dimpling Tool (C-frame)
+ Back Rivet Plate
+ Hand Seamer Pliers
Specialty RV-10 Tools
+ 3/32″ Squeezer Cup Set
+ 3/32″ Cup Rivet Set 3.5″
+ Special Bar for RV-10 & RV-14
+ Jobber Drill 5/16″
+ Jobber Drill #17
+ Jobber Drill #34
+ 6″ Drill #27
+ 6″ Drill #33
+ Countersink Cutter – #12 Pilot
Optional Specialty Tools
+ Angle Drill Attachment & Threaded Drill Set 6 pc.
+ Dimple Die Organizer
+ Rivet Measuring Gauge
- 3/32” Pin Punch
- 1/8” Pin Punch
+ Edge Former Tool
+ In-Lb Torque Wrench
Where / how to donate?
The Impossible Airplane is a project of Rightfooted Foundation International, a US registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Keep your receipts and speak with your tax professional about possible tax deductions.
You can mail tools to:
Jessica Cox
1910 W Magic Pl
Tucson, AZ 85704
USA
You can also purchase tools and ship them to us. Specialty kits are available in numerous places online.
Aircraft Spruce (a supporter of Rightfooted Foundation): https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/averyrvtools.php
Cleveland Tools: https://www.cleavelandtool.com/collections/rv10-kit
Isham’s Plane Tools: https://planetools.com/rv-tool-kit
Brown Tool: https://www.browntool.com/Listview/tabid/344/CategoryID/426/Level/a/ProductID/2586/Default.aspx
Aircraft Tool Supply Company: https://aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?id=RVK-3X&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Of course, you can also make a cash donation so our team can purchase any needed tools.
After the project
What happens to the tools after The Impossible Airplane is built? Great question!
Some tools will be kept for ongoing maintenance. Others will be free to go to a new home. Let us know in the comments what you would like to see us do with the tools!
Thank you, tool Donors!
Tim Treat
Eric Leuty
