My number 1 piece of advice for all new mechanics is: the toolbox doesn't make you money; the tools do. Accrue a really nice array of quality tools. Once you don't need to borrow tools from others in the shop, (and things are literally stacking up in your box) it's time to invest in the shiny professional box. Edited to add: Nice video, James. Looks like you're at a nice facility gaining great experience. I hope you continue to enjoy your occupation and that great things happen for you. We need more guys like you to join our ranks!

@JamesSullivans

3 жыл бұрын

Well put

dear new mechanics, invest in a good ratcheting screwdriver, very useful

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

yep - they are a huge help

@awadramy1

6 жыл бұрын

thanks dude

@SynysterGoose

6 жыл бұрын

Snap on for sure

@yzf3300

6 жыл бұрын

Fuck that shit, you're still gonna get carpal tunnel, USE A DRILL!

@danielcwellsjr.2761

6 жыл бұрын

YEAH!!! i got a snappon that you can change the length of the shank and i use it EVERY DAY!! that and small 90 degree ratcheting screw driver use that for the hard to reach places

I'm so glad I found this channel on Friday! The PC-12 is one my favorites and your videos show a completely different side of them especially to someone who has never seen one in person. Hope to see more from you soon!

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

Glad you are enjoying :) I have tons of other videos to keep you busy while I work on the next one

Hey James, striving aviation mechanic here, study at ATI in Chesapeake Virginia. Your channel is awesome and just wanted to say thanks for the content!

Good info for those of us still in school! Thanks James. Love the channel.

11:35 you know a really good way to stop this happening, is to make a shadow for your tool. That way instead of opening up your tool draw and trying to think of all the things that should be in there, you can actually see without effort the missing gaps.

@Moarmilk

5 жыл бұрын

Yes funny how I searched aviation toolbox and no one seems to shadow their tools, but where I work we're required to and have them set in foam

@leonardpadin869

4 жыл бұрын

That's how we do it in the military. Absolutely no aviation toolbox without a pre cut foam insert.

@justing42

2 жыл бұрын

Never had foam in my box ever

Hey just a shout out from Canada! Im learning to become an aircraft mechanic as we speak and i just wanted to say i always watch your videos for more inspiration and how the actual job gonna be! Your videos defiantly help motivate me more to be an Aircraft Mechanic! Keep it up! Ps We also watch your videos in class in groups sometimes!

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you! That is so awesome you guys watch them in class!!

@vegasmax2662

7 жыл бұрын

James Sullivan do you have a category A mechanic licence?

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

I have an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license with Inspector Authorization.

@vegasmax2662

7 жыл бұрын

James Sullivan thanks bro, keep up the sick videos!!

@awadramy1

6 жыл бұрын

best of luck bro !!! i am doing the same here in nyc

I will be referring to this video at a later date when I need to buy tools. I also think this is one of my favorite videos from you. Thank you for putting this video up and all the other ones you have inspired me to become an aircraft mechanic for which I am currently going to school for

I always love seeing tool videos. I have the same set of duckbills, love the grips on the Snap On ones.

Awesome video! Great explanation about tools and a good class for the FAA test.

Pretty cool and insightful. Very different from an auto mechanic’s box as far as the quantity of tools you’ll need. Thanks for the video.

Wow, I was expecting a lot more, I guess you could say airplane specific tools. Thank you for making these videos.

Very neat bud. I really love that custom toolbox paint job. Also good to see a younger person in the trades. You got a lot of work ahead of you, good luck!

This is the by far the best any trade tool box tour + explanation

I just got an entry level job for working on planes and this is very helpful. Thank you.

Cool ! I dream of such toolbox ! Congrats, James !

Editing deja vu at 8:31 Nice peek into your toolbox, I like the cigar

Yo James, I would totally sit through a couple of hours of your explaining each and every tool!!

Thanks James. I'm using your vids for new A&P students. Keep 'em coming!

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

No way!? Where are you showing them? If it's local I would be happy to come speak with your students about any subject you would want.

@flyingAMT

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the offer, but Oklahoma is probably a bit out of your way!

I just got my apprenticeship in Dublin Ireland these videos are so fun I can’t wait to get started 👍

Good Job James! Always enjoy the James Sullivan Show!

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

Great videos, James, I'm waiting for more maintenance stuff. Greets from fellow aircraft mechanic from Poland.

Also, the closing song/bit to new mechanics is a nice combo. Solid song choice. Luv how you edit bro

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks dude!!

Awesome video. I recently received my Airframe License and currently finishing my Powerplant course. I'm going to show my class this video tomorrow since most of us are curious of what tools we will need entering the industry.

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Where do you do to school?

@johnnymedia7891

7 жыл бұрын

Delaware Technical Community College

@SteevEdits

7 жыл бұрын

I've already seen this video, Johnny. Watching again. lmao

Thanks for that important information James!

I grew up watching your videos and wanted to be a airplane mechanic because they were very cool and you made it seem fun! 4 years later I am now in A and P school, close to finishing and I have no idea what happened to you. Hope everything is okay. I will keep re watching your helpful vids. Hopefully someone can reply to me what happened to you.

@JamesSullivans

2 жыл бұрын

Happy you followed through and got your license! I'm working as a pilot now flying the 767 for ATI

@jetbrz2721

2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesSullivans What !!! That’s so cool dude! Happy for you as well. Thanks for replying, me and my buddies all know about you and all had the same question. We can now sleep in peace hahaha but seriously good for you man! 🤝💯

I love seeing those Husky Tools! They don't break, very comfortable, they are manufactured well, they'll last your whole life, they have the lifetime warranty (like you'll need it), and best of all, they are very reasonably priced. I've used Husky all my life, after heavy use, abuse and torment, I've use the warranty two times in 20 years. I still have my first half inch drive from 19 years ago, still performs like I got it from the store. Other can have their Snap-On, I'll take the Husky tools, have bigger selection and go on more trips VS paying the tool guy.

Congrats on 6k subs! killer toolbox

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much dude! I cant believe the growth ive had!

@JamesSullivans

6 жыл бұрын

We do use nylon insert self locking fasteners in limited applications in aviation. The best that I can tell mechanical locking fasteners are used in high temp applications or where the fastener may be exposed to the elements. For example you won't find a nylon locking nut on a jet engine sense the high temps would grade the nylon insert. Thanks for the question!

Incredibly helpful video! I'm just getting started and your guidance is very valuable . Thank you. Ralph.... LAX

Great video James. Thanks!

Good job nice presentation. I didn't see any hole finders I found them very handy for sheet metal repair.

This is an awesome video man, It really helps a lot and I'd like to see another video explaining what the tools are used for and what not if you wanna make one!

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

ill make it happen!

Studying for my a&p. Thanks for sharing!

My go to is definitely get a higher quality safety wire plier

@mathiasweber8772

7 жыл бұрын

Safy Faizy mibar is still the best

@smilingcopycat

7 жыл бұрын

Try Bahcos, pretty expensive (130$) but veeery good...

@smilingcopycat

7 жыл бұрын

I think you mean Milbar..?

@channelofstuff6662

7 жыл бұрын

i use my hands.

Thanks James I’m starting my first job as an A&P next week.

Love this James!!!👌👌👌👌

You are a amazing dude Sullivan

Just got my a&p! Great video!

James, Those very thin open end wrenches are called "tappet" wrenches. Before you were born valve tappets had to be adjusted with two wrenches and a thin one was needed.

Awesome demonstration

That’s awesome man I have the same box. It was given to me! I would love to do something like that.

Super helpful video!! Thank you. I just switched career courses and plan to start working on my A&P license in the fall. What do you recommend learning first? I haven't been around tools very much, and I don't want to be super behind before school even starts. Keep it up with the awesome content!

James, thanks very much!

I would love to see a video of you explaining every tool and what you use it for

That was an excellent video ,you were very descriptive .and getting the point across that a 5000,00 tool box isn't necessary ,I was a vw mech years ago and I fell into the tool truck trap . why wait you can get that tool today just sign here .thanks for. A great &educationable vid

James! I just thought I’d let you know I start my AP school in a week and I’ve been watching all your videos learning all sorts of stuff! Thank you much for putting these out, and I’m hoping you’ll start producing content again!

@JamesSullivans

Жыл бұрын

That's rad man! Where are you studying?

@andrewwilliams5844

Жыл бұрын

@@JamesSullivans TCAT in Nashville!

@JamesSullivans

Жыл бұрын

Oh crazy - I live in Nashville now. Hit me up on LinkedIn if you wanna grab a coffee sometime. I don't always check the KZread messages

@ShawnAllen615

Ай бұрын

I live in Nashville and I get my A&P in August!

@ShawnAllen615

Ай бұрын

I work on Black Hawks currently at BNA

I just got those grip super thin wrenches, they are super useful.

I just enrolled in Aviation Maintenance Technology today. I have the opportunity to go to school for free since my last job was moved out of the country. I can't wait to start at the end of the month.

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear Matthew!

In the Air Force,we used to use Comet Cleanser to use for screw extraction, as you use valve compound.

Going through A&P school. Id note that a tool box with shallow and more drawers is more handy than fewer and deeper drawers as A&P tools arent generally bulky like auto mechanic tools. Would also shadow my tools to make it quick and easy to see if anything is missing before signing off work.

THANK YOU James ! I am a teacher and you are helping me a lot! THANKS! I will invite my mechanic students to visit and give a LIKE TO YOUR VIDEOS ! Excellent!!

Please discuss why you spot/inventory your tools. In the Air Force our tool boxes had foam cutouts and we inventoried tools after every job and shift change.

I am new to your channel and I am enjoying it a lot. Keep up the good work. I love the PC12 great aircraft. Just one thing goig through your tool box you mention a Compass 8:12 I was taught at school that a compass was an instrument to tell if you are Eg: flying North , South, East or West where as a "Pair of Compasses" is used for drawing circles.

Nice! Thanks for Sharing!!!

Thoseow profile wrenches look awesome

Seriously interesting, thanks!

Thanks men !! Very interesting video. I have a Question for u I'm graduating Aviation maintenance school so what kind tools I have to buy ? Thanks

Another awesome video James! For those of you mentioning that he needs to step up his tool game and that his tool box is small compared to your buddy's box in automotive just please stop. He was cool enough to share his set up with us all. An old boss of mine always said it's not the tools nor the tool box that makes the technician👍 and your set up is fine. You seem to be very smart about everything. I've been using my Husky and Pittsburgh 1/2 drive impact sockets since I started in the Diesel industry in 2006. Still waiting for them to break lol. Everyone else can go right ahead and purchase Snap On, I'll just keep my $20 impact socket set w/ LT warranty. Specific tooling needs to be of a higher quality but James is intelligent enough to know what and what not to get off those tool trucks.

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks man. You are totally on point. I recognize a job that needs a special tool and I'm sure to buy (or borrow) it. I am saving money while keeping safety #1.

living the dream man

You smooth out sealant with a squeegy. We put tape right up close to the gap, then fill it, then with a wooden thing that you get with coffee from McDonald's, but it's a bit bigger, use that to smooth it down. Then pull tape.

Ah yes, I love being harassed by military mechanics for using safety wire pilers instead of my hands 😂

@justing42

2 жыл бұрын

I used safety wire pliers my entire military career

Another fantastic video! Lots of great information. I just wanted to say thanks again for making all these. Yesterday I made a college decision- I'm going to a local technical school to complete their program and get my A&P. While I know your job isn't necessarily representative of the industry as a whole, your videos have been a great help with getting an idea if I'd enjoy that kind of work. You've also given great advice in this and other videos- I'm actually a bit surprised how few tools you seem to need to get started, and there were a lot of great tips in here about them. It's really fantastic that you're making videos about all this, it's a great resource for other mechanics and technicians, and people interested in the field. Did have a question- what's your opinion on and/or experience with buying used tools rather than brand new?

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

+Vlad_343 thanks for the kind words and congrats on the career choice! Used tools are fine but if you're going used make sure they have a warranty. I bought my snap on needlenose pliers from eBay and the jaws are pretty worn out. Next time I see the snap on truck I'll get them replaced free of charge though

@v-raze1823

7 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks for the advice! I keep hearing that a good warranty is one of the main things to look out for with professional tools, I'll be sure to keep it in mind.

Your CEO, Mr. Potter, used to be my CEO (Frontier) Back when Frontier was a great airline to work for... 2000-2008ish, good times... Now they're the worst ones out there... No thanks to B. Bedford and Indigo Parteners.... PC-12's are a badass plane to work on... Love 'em!!!

Your videos have gotten me hooked into becoming an aircraft mechanic. My priority goal is to become a commerxial pilot but id love to have more knowledge in the aircrafts i will be flying.....my biggest question to you is how long did it take to have a job in this field after you graduated and also is there any difference between a program that costs you $20,000 to one that costs roughly $4000? Thank you

What’s the name of the torch in your video and where did you buy it?

Love it. Pretty much love anything you upload though, James. Any plans for part 2 of the Cub annual?

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

I didn't have time to film it unfortunately. I'll try to get it the next one I do

EXCELLENT all the way thru. Your advice about the price and wuality is dead-on. I'm retired now but I seldom bought the TOOL TRUCK BRANDS because they are just super inflated and a tiny shinnyer...(NEW WORD). I have several thousands of dollars in my tools and boxes...YEAH, after almost 55yrs as a mechanic and it all adds up. HOWEVER, I didn't just go hog wild in the beginning. I bought mostly bare necessity tools from SEARS and HARBOR FREIGHT with the LIFETIME WARRANTY. I've got new for you, THEY STILL GET THE JOBS DONE JUST FINE and I kept more wage for the family and my toys, which are many. You only need to buy those SPECIALTY TOOLS of better quality from a TOOL TRUCK only because they are as stated; SPECIALTY TOOLS. I've NEVER had an issue with any warranty at Harbor Freight,,,ever. I have with a name brand tool truck tho...go figure? Another great video and keep them coming like this.

Hi could you make a detailed video for someone wanting to be an a&p mechanic and the first steps to take?

Surprised you don't have a set of double open end wrenches with a 30 deg head on one side and a 60 deg on the other....helped me get loose bolts/nuts where the standard 30 deg wouldn't work. I do agree on the wood top... Been a long time since I worked in the aviation trade....and yes I have my A&P... Thanks for the video...

Currently in the process of joining the navy. Planning on going for an AME in the military which is an Aircraft Structural Mechanic Safety equipment. After my service im hoping to work at Chicago O'Hare to work on big planes!

Any tool sets you would recommend getting as a bundle or kit ? Are eBay tool sets worth the look?

I’m wondering what the best safety wire pliers you’ve used. I want a reversible set. What do you recommend.

@kk2ak14

4 жыл бұрын

I work with machines for long time, now instead of the safety pliers if the surface is not hot I use regular caulk. This keep your bolts and nuts in place and you can remove anytime.

Hey man love your channel I'm going through powerplant right now and I have safetying turnbuckles and 2 bolt patterns down pat, but I get confused on three bolt pattern? Can you help me out please?

I just found your channel and love the videos. I am starting A&P school in Southern California next month and just finished up getting my tools. It was so hard to find duck bill pliers! Just wondering what they are used for mostly and thanks for sharing these videos, love the PC-12 btw sweet airplane.

@faainspector9699

6 жыл бұрын

Bailey Black Sears sells duckbill pliers...........nice ones

@baileyblack669

6 жыл бұрын

FAA Inspector I wound up finding them there. They are very nice and A&P school is flying by super fast. :)

Just saw your video, pretty good, I use to train new hire technicians for our shop and I'd tell them to try and purchase some kind of tool every pay period I also drove home to them to get the Best possible tools they could afford especially ones with a lifetime warranty, my policy about loaning out my tools were "if you have borrow it twice you need to own one" if the won't buy one I wouldn't lend any longer period!! I warn them NOT to buy Harbor freight tools because if/when they break they aren't covered! I tell them their making their living with those tools!!!

Does the Snap-On tool truck ever come by, lol?

@aspincelaframboise5300

5 жыл бұрын

There is no need for snapsoff eh… Ü

@aspincelaframboise5300

4 жыл бұрын

@rr ch; Some S. Off tools are exellent. I have 45 yrs as an industrial mecanic and have NEVER bought these tools. I've worked with guys who own and use S.O tools but they can't/won't lend them and continually worry about theft. Kids in trade schools today are being ripped off by S.O guys. They are sold some bullshit that they will never be a REAL mecanic without S.O tools; and they leave trade school 25,000 dollars in dept with a little toolbox under their arm eh...

@Mistyfgdf

4 жыл бұрын

@@aspincelaframboise5300 So leaving school in debt by 25k is normal, but the snap on part is bs? Worried cause Corona rn and i wanna get into the industry in 3 years (Graduate highschool next year, and 2 years of aviation school)

@deltahawk1001

3 жыл бұрын

@@Mistyfgdf Aircraft mechanics don't tend to abuse their tools as much as automotive guys. (mostly because corrosion is controlled better than in automotive) As a result Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman, etc. are just fine for the majority of your tools. Some Snap-On stuff is nice to have, but there is no need for the vast majority of it, rather it is a nice thing to have that can be acquired slowly over the years. Gearwrench make great quality tools for a very reasonable price, and industrial brands like Proto, Wright, and Williams are all great options that are, in many cases, the same tool as their tool truck counterpart but much cheaper. You will find many aircraft mechanics are the least brand-picky of any mechanics.

@Mistyfgdf

3 жыл бұрын

@@deltahawk1001 Odds of finding a Aircraft mechanic now doe lol It doesnt seem good for the industry... but what do i know.

Hi James, great video. Can you please send me the link for that butane soldering iron/ torch (preferably an Amazon link)?

Hey, James. I am an aircraft maintenance engineer from Macau. How are you doing now? It has been long time you didn't upload your vlog in KZread. Your vlog is very helpful for fresh guys in Aviation.

Good tip for all new mechanics, DONT blow your money on a snap on box (unless you have the money) fill a decent box with snap on tools. You’ll thank me later.

@noblegoldheart8508

2 жыл бұрын

I wholeheartedly agree with that. When I started in the automotive industry, I had a cheap US General 5 drawer tool cart which cost me $250, that was all I needed for the experience I had at the time. Even when I upgraded I didn't go insane for an expensive snap on box, instead I got a cornwell 100 year anniversary tool cart, that only cost me $500. I still have that tool cart, and it works very well for everything I do. It'll be a very good for me whenever I go into the A&P world. A $20,000 tool box isn't always necessary.

Thank you for your video so interesting.

Nice!

dude you're pretty cool I like your videos!

Hey James what branch of aircraft work do you work in?

nice tool box, line and base maintenance should have this toolbox for aircraft better maintenance. a good technical worker should not quarrel with bad tools.

These large roll-arounds take up a lot of hangar floor space.

Do you keep your own NIOSH or dust mask, or does your company provide one when necessary?

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

They are company provided, I also have my own though.

Tanks for your video what schools you recomend aviation mechanic

"Engine was totaled because they left a rag near the inlet" ... Did all of them get fired?

at the end were you talked about checking that every tool you used is back in your box, that is the part were fitting foam inlays come in handy a friend of mine here in germany is an aircraft mechanic and he is only allowed to use the tools in the cart and nothing else (in germany you dont use private tools, the company you work for is providing the tools) every tool has its place in the foam inlay and the inlay is designed with a black top layer and a bright yellow bottom layer so you can easily spot a missing tool companys like stahlwille even sell ready to use sets for aircraft mechnics with this system

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

Yeah I plan to foam my box when I think I have all the tools I need. My last company provided the tooling which was really nice

GRIP, just what I've been looking for at that price point. They look better than the more expensive Park Tool eq.

Hi James what brand is that hanging lamp and where can I get it

Badass video man! I was just looking at beginner tool sets online yesterday in class and kinda got blown away by the price! 😂 and I have a quick question about school, When you were in A&P school did you memorize what your instructors were telling you easily?Sometimes I have a little difficulty and was it kinda hard for you to remember all the different names of the saws and wrenches and what not? theirs so many I keep forgetting the names and I wanna know them all 😂 Thanks for the awesome encouraging videos man!

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

Take thorough notes and study them. That's how I got through

@colton9149

7 жыл бұрын

James Sullivan Then I'm on the right path because that's what I've been doing the whole time 😈

I have a saftywire plier that i use to my motocross, supernice tool! Otherwise i have a addiction to tools, so i have to many of them...

we used to use soldering irons that heated by shotgun blanks hen working in remote places

You should try parallel jaw pliers some time, they're amazing.

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

Vince has a set that i've used. Very nice but still not at the top of my list - I have a lot of other things I need to get before I can justify those.

James, you might consider a set of Knipex parallel pliers. Great for holding or turning streamlined wires. Way better than channel locks any time you need such a tool.

@JamesSullivans

3 жыл бұрын

Great tool, already got em!

@Ukowyeslo

3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesSullivans dudeeee!! Can you post more? Please I love your content

@Ukowyeslo

3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesSullivans post more please

So compared to most other aircraft mechanics, is this rather comparable at least in what tools you have to others? I ask because I'm thinking of switching from an auto tech and this is near nothing what I would have expected.

@JamesSullivans

7 жыл бұрын

I would say I have less tools than average. I'm also pretty new in my career (4yrs) and my first job provided tools so I haven't been collecting them for very long. The average mechanic probably has a bit more but not a ton.

Tools are made from Chrome Vanadium case hardened but brittle inside the shell no matter who the maker is,the thinner the tool the more likely it is to snap one day and snap they do ! it only takes one flaw to weaken them and any overload will spell disaster,you have to work out whether it is worth spending the extra on Snap On,do they offer replacements for life ? heard so many stories when things go wrong and the tool breaks so this is important to take this into consideration,the problem with ratchet tools is they have to be made to high tolerances to be any good,if they are sloppily made then they will not last long and you will gash your hand too as the thing explodes,buying tools today must be a nightmare for aircraft workers,as regards lost tools in aircraft then adopt what the RAF do and make a shadow board set up,check it at the end of the working day to make sure every tool is accounted for,another great video James offering food for thought,love your tool box decor too !

@mybumbrash

6 жыл бұрын

Angel Reading Yea a shadowed tool box is mandatory in Australia.

@Moarmilk

5 жыл бұрын

In NZ mandatory and where I work policy is tools set in contrasting foam

Hey I am from Brazil and I'm an AMT as well, just to understand the way things are over there, the companies in USA do not provide you tools. Do you have to buy your own tools to work? By the way, enjoying your videos!