Top 10 Every-Day Carry Tools for Aircraft Mechanics

Choosing what to get first?

In the intricate and precise world of aircraft maintenance, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. For an Aircraft Mechanic, every day presents a unique set of challenges, making the Every-Day Carry (EDC) tools essential for success.

Here, we delve into the top 10 must-have EDC tools for every Aircraft Mechanic, ensuring that you’re always ready, whether you’re troubleshooting a minor issue or diving deep into a must-finish quick repair.

#1: Flashlight

What is it: A compact and powerful source of light.
Use: For illuminating dark spaces outside an aircraft, such as its fuselage or engine bays especially during nights.
Utility: Ensures mechanics can clearly see what they’re working on, particularly in low-light conditions, making their tasks both safer and more efficient.
Buying Tips: Sufficient lumen (at least 1000) | Rechargeable | LED | Waterproof (for rainy days)

#2: Multitool

What is it: A versatile tool combining multiple functions, such as pliers, wire cutters, and more.
Use: For a range of tasks like cutting, gripping, and manipulating small components.
Utility: Reduces the number of separate tools a mechanic needs to carry, saving both time and space.
Buying Tips: Stainless steel or titanium build | With at least 1 screwdriver | Scissor and knife (for hard tapes and aircraft cabin textiles) | Plier and wire cutter | Prying tool and tin can opener (for stuck parts and engine oil cans)

#3: Mini Ratchet Set

What is it: A compact ratchet set w/ most commonly used bits and sockets.
Use: For quick removal of common aircraft screws and nuts.
Utility: Essential when removing and installing Line Replaceable Units (LRU’s), small panels, and aircraft parts in tight spaces.
Buying Tips: Inches for sockets (don’t choose sizes that are in mm) | At least a socket range of 3/16" to 7/16" | Ratchet that can hold both screwdriver bits and a 1/4" drive socket (convertible or dual-faced)

#4: Multi-bit Screwdriver

What is it: A screwdriver that allows various bits to be attached to its tip.
Use: To tighten or loosen multiple types of screws.
Utility: Eliminates the need to carry a range of different screwdrivers, providing flexibility with one tool.
Buying Tips: Fine-toothed ratcheting mechanism | Good grip (avoid slippery handles) | Carries at least more than 6 different bits | Easy access point for bit holder | One-hand reach distance for direction-changer (tight, loose, neutral)

#5: Mini Pump Plier

What is it: A plier specifically for pipes, nuts, sleeves, and various types of workpieces.
Use: To initially tighten or completely loosen multiple types of nuts and couplings.
Utility: Easily remove and hold down any round fluid lines and connectors.
Buying Tips: Adjustable range | With comfort grip handles | Pocket-size if possible

#6: Mini Adjustable Wrench

What is it: A wrench for removing various sized nuts, bolts, couplings, etc.
Use: To tighten or loosen multiple types of nuts and couplings w/ specific sizes.
Utility: Greatly reduces the amount of wrenches you need to bring when working at hard-to-access areas.
Buying Tips: Wide mouth opening range | With comfort grip handle | Slim jaws for better access | Minimal jaw-movement allowance (to avoid slipping while in use)

#7: Headlamp

What is it: A light source worn on the head.
Use: Illuminates a workspace while keeping the hands free.
Utility: Perfect for tasks requiring both hands, ensuring maximum precision and safety.
Buying Tips: Splash/Water proof (for rain and sweat) | Comfortable and easy-to-adjust straps | Rechargeable | LED | Has at least flood and focus light options | With excellent back padding (when lamp becomes hot after long use) | Adjustable lighting angle

#8: Steel Ruler

What is it: A rigid measuring device.
Use: For taking quick measurements.
Utility: Ensures accurate fittings and alignments which is critical in aircraft maintenance.
Buying Tips: At least 6-inch in length | With both Metric and English units | Engraved labels (avoid printed or shallow-marked labels so it won’t get easily erased)

#9: EGG (Earplug, Goggles, Gloves)

What is it: Essential daily safety gear (consumables).
Use: Earplugs for noise protection, goggles for eye safety, and gloves for hand protection.
Utility: Prioritizes the mechanic’s safety, guarding against potential hazards in the work environment.
Buying Tips: Choose a low to mid-range priced product since these are consumables and must be regularly replaced for safety and sanitary purposes.

#10: Bag and Pen

What is it: A durable bag for tool storage and a pen for marking or note-taking.
Use: Organizing tools and making necessary annotations or logs.
Utility: Keeps tools within easy reach and allows for quick documentation of any observations or tasks.
Buying Tips: Durable and water-proof bag | Easy-to-adjust bag strap for greater mobility | Reliable and clean-writing pen for aircraft documentation and logs

Ready to collect your weapons?

Remember, the items shown in this list are the products of suggestions from all our long-time working aircraft mechanics, and is not by any means certified or mandatory for aircraft maintenance. This is a list built from years of experience under real-work environment – a true collection of practical and essential tool and supplies.

Of course, always follow your company’s guidelines when it comes to tool carrying and traceability. But if you’re still starting up, or when assigned to a “bring your own tools” job, these are definitely the best tools to start with.

In the fast-paced world of aircraft maintenance, efficiency and precision are key. With this essential Every-Day Carry list, any Aircraft Mechanic can be confident in their preparedness for the day’s challenges. So, whether you’re just starting in the industry or are a seasoned pro, ensure you’ve got these tools at your side, and soar to new heights in your profession.