Chapter Objective: Upon completion of this chapter, you will have a working knowledge of the tools and special equipment needed for aircraft metallic repair You will be able to recognize the terms and the basic procedures in the fabrication of sheet metal parts and aircraft metallic repairs.

Before performing aircraft metallic repair, you must be familiar with the tools, special equipment, terms, and techniques used to accomplish this type of maintenance. In the following text, we will discuss these subjects and basic sheet metal fabrication procedures as well as several different types of aircraft structural metallic repair procedures. Before you perform any type of structural repair to an aircraft, always consult the applicable aircraft MIMs.

Learning Objective: Identify the various structural tools used for sheet metal fabrication and aircraft structural repair. As an AM you must have a thorough knowledge of the tools of your trade. This will enable you to increase the quality of maintenance on your squadrons aircraft. One of the most important skills that you can have is the ability to use the tools that are required to complete any given task in a timely and professional manner.

Before discussing the tools individually, a few comments on the care and handling of hand tools are appropriate. The condition in which you maintain your tools determines your efficiency as well as how your superiors view your day-to-day work.

Each mechanic should keep all assigned tools in the toolbox when they are not being used. Every tool should have a place, and every tool should be kept in its place. All tools should be cleaned after every use and before being placed in the toolbox. If they are not to be used again the same day, they should be oiled with a light preservative oil to prevent rusting. Tools that are being used at a workbench or at a machine should be kept within easy reach of the mechanic, but should be kept where they will not fall or be knocked to the deck. Tools should not be placed on finished parts or machines.

There are many different types of hand tools used for aircraft metallic repair and sheet metal fabrication. In the following text, we will discuss a few of the more common types used for sheet metal fabrication. For a more detailed explanation of all of the various hand tools associated with aircraft metallic repair and sheet metal fabrication, refer to and Measuring Devices, NAVEDTRA 12085.

Hammers are used to apply a striking force where the force of the hand alone is insufficient. Each of the hammers discussed in this section is composed of a head and a handle, even though these parts differ greatly from hammer to hammer.