Isham Inc. PlaneTools.com is the #1 Supplier of high-quality RV Tool Kits. Read first-hand what our customers have to say. . . and if you need to talk to one of them let us know and we will arrange that.

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People who buy our Aircraft Tools say...

I just wanted to take a minute and say how satisfied I am with the tools purchased by Isham. I researched tools kits for about a month before ordering the tail kit. I must admit with no sheet-metal experience I had no idea what all I was getting in a tool kit. The dimplier Isham supplies as a standard in his kit is by far on of the best designed tools I seen. It's simplistic and robust in its engineering and repeats the same compression on each stroke. Besides quality tools the service has really surprised me. On a Saturday... July 4th weekend I made a call to Isham for help. My pneumatic squeezer suddenly stopped working! Isham simply explained the mechanics of the squeezer and had me back off a turn or two so the cam could fully rotated past top dead center. He was right on the mark! Back to WORK! This posting was completely unsolicited! So far this project has shown me there are still really good people out there! Between this group, Vans and tools suppliers like Isham I could very well complete this project!!!!! Rick Eleew RV-9A

I bought from Isham and have no regrets. Many people say you can build without the DRDT-2 or pneumatic squeezer, but very few people who have them would give them up! ...In the grand scheme of things tools are a small cost, but can make a huge difference in quality of build. I think one way to save money on tools is to join a local EAA chapter and borrow or rent tools from other builders that are expensive but not used much. Examples are: 37* flaring tool, electrical tools, scales, instrument hole tools etc. I know one EAA chapter that has a huge tool crib for loaning to their members. Don RV-7A

"I'm not a professional, but I am a perfectionist" and that's how I'm approaching this wonderful project. Thanks all for you inputs".. "That is the same thought process I had when looking for my tools. I was looking for the most complete kit and it appears that the general consensus was Isham. Everyone rants and raves how wonderful their DRDT-2 and pneumatic squeezer's are, so I went with the popular vote. Isham kit comes with top notch quality tools. Snap-on, Klein, Tatco, Sioux. The way I see it, you must start with quality tools to build a quality aircraft. I was not going to run the chance of buying cheap tools. The end result, you get what you pay for. Not only is their kit top notch, but the company is as well. I had constant contact through telephone, and e-mail. E-mails, most if not all, were same day response. They catered to my different payment method, gave me a wicked deal on shipping and honored an old shipping quote when the price went up! The kit comes very well labeled, and is packaged very well. The 100% guarantee, and lowest price guarantee is a tough one to beat too. Don't like what you have? Send it back. Want to try a X3 vs a X4? ... Get both, try them and send one back. Purchased a pneumatic squeezer and need a manual one? Have one sent on loan ...I haven't heard of many companies that do that. Edit: Oh one more thing. The majority of Isham tools carry a LIFETIME GUARANTEE!" Adam Oke RV-8

I wanted the ease of a pneumatic (squeezer) and DRDT-2... once I knew that the choice was simple when compared. I've yet to regret it. When I thought something was amiss, Isham answered the phone. He usually educated me on what I had and how to use it. If he was off, he very quickly fixed it. He even threw in an extra free set of cleco pliers for my trouble. Weeks later, He checked in on me and my progress. When I asked him what sort of nails he used for the pop rivet dimple die (I ground one of them down to get in a very tight spot), he mailed me, free of cost multiple extras. What more could a guy say about a 'company'. How about: Very Satisfied. check out my review: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=35512

I went with Ishams as well. You WILL NOT be sorry! The guys over there have gone well out of there way to take care of me and I am 110% satisfied! So much so, that I even endorsed Ishams on my website. danielhv RV-7A

Today, Fed Ex showed up with a 50lb box from Isham (Plane Tools). I opened it up and man, was it jammed with goodies... Now, I ordered from Isham due to their total package consisting of a pneumatic squeezer and a DRDT 2 with no substitutions needed. So, as I did the inventory, I noticed that they threw in a few items FREE! What, like "Plane Tool" stickers for my tool box???? No! Like a Tungsten bucking bar, a keyless chuck and a really nice right angle drill! Also, enclosed is a packet of info describing how to use most of the tools involved... I know that (name deleted) and (name deleted) tools are also first class outfits, now I know that Isham is at least that and maybe a little more... Cheers, Bill Benson RV-7A

I bought the full kit from Isham. I could not be happier with the tools I received. They are good quality and a great value... Customer service is A+. When I called, I received a call back right away. They answered all of my questions and gave me a quick lesson in riveting and setting up my tools. The kit was shipped that day and arrived before I expected. They even threw in several items for free. The kit comes with a printed how to guide that describes how to set up and use each tool. The kit has high quality components. The Isham kit includes the DRDT-2 and pneumatic squeezer and was still about $500 cheaper than (Brand name removed)!! I am glad I did business with the people over at Isham. He stands behind his tools and will replace them no questions asked if you have a problem. Mike's RV-7 Website

I purchased the Isham's kit several months back and have found it to be a great value. The tools are of high quality and the included tip/reference manual is very helpful. Isham shipped the kit right out to me and even followed up to ask if everything was satisfactory. That in itself let me know that I had made the right decision. JT's RV-8 Project

I have had nothing but excellent service from PlaneTools.com (a.k.a Isham Inc). He was always ready with advice, very accommodating whilst chopping and changing my order and shipped promptly after I finally settled on my modified version of his RV toolkit. Highly recommended! Gary R. Centurion, South Africa

I got started with a full tool kit from Plane Tools...Isham is very helpful...About $2500 or so...What i have really liked the best is the pnuematic squeezer and the DRDT2 dimpler (both quiet and work well)...... I took the RV class with Ken from VANS and we did not use any reamers at all. I think if you just use sharp drills that you will have no problem meeting the tolerances that were posted above. As was stated above...Aluminum likes to be drilled at faster RPM's (nicer hole) and the Sioux that came with the kit works wonderful also...(smooth and teasing trigger) Hope this helped. Jim 7A HS/VS

I purchased a lot of my tools from Planetools...I sort of built up my kit gradually as funds were appropriated....in the process of picking/choosing I found the service to be excellent, both via email and on the phone. In fact, I recently had a problem with a yoke I purchased about nine months ago. I sent an email last night, and the reply today was that a replacement is on the way, no questions asked. Top notch service from these guys. John B RV-7

I bought my tool set from Isham at PlaneTools. The kit price included the DRDT-2 dimpler and a pneumatic squeezer, both of which are the most useful tools in the kit! Customer service is top-notch. I broke a pair of fluting pliers when they fell off my bench. Isham sent a replacement without charge. Larry.

I purchased a full up ISHAM Planetool's RV kit including a DRDT-2 and pneumatic squeezer. Had an issue with the squeezer and dropped Isham an email about it and he sent a second one to me in a couple of days, no questions asked. Just asked me to send the problem squeezer to him so he could send it back to the company. They were always willing to answer questions and help with issues about their tools. Have bought other tools from them after the big kit, and always look at their site before buying additional items. Mike P.

Purchased a kit at the end of '05, with a pneumatic squeezer and DRDT-2. I was pleased at the effort made to make sure I got what I wanted (I deleted some items from the kit and added others). Customer service well after the sale is wonderful as well as has been noted. Mark L.

I have only good things to say about Isham tools (planetools.com). Great service, fast shipping, great prices. He'll take care of you after you buy your kit. Phil K. RV-9A Ottawa, Canada

I did a side by side comparison of the kit with (Brand name removed). Adding the DRDT and Pneumatic Rivet Squeezer to (Brand name removed) etc. They are pretty close except for a few minor (to me) differences. (Brand name removed) also comes with a few extra items like books, files and angle drill attachment. http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?...iu1Hs8nu8Ib49UA These are prices quoted to me and you may experience something different. (Brand name removed) quoted with shipping $2998. The 3/32 clecos are backordered and DRDT is about 2-3 weeks out. This price was including the cheaper CP drill and Pneumatic squeezer like the one from planetools.com. Isham gave me lot's of pointers and a 10 minute lesson on dimpling and threw in some extra's at no charge and came in at $2463 with shipping. All parts in stock and ready to ship the same day. Even the DRDT! After speaking to both companies, the customer service was great. With a $500 difference, I have to go with ...Isham. Mike

Letter to planetools.com from Paul Thomas (link to author's website)

To new RV builders, buying the required tools is the first big decision we make after picking our airplane. Most of us are lacking knowledge about sheet metal work and we must rely on the opinions of others. I only followed some of the advice given to rookies – which is to buy a complete RV tool kit and to add a few things. I ordered the RV tool kit from www.planetools.com, but I deleted some things and added others. Prior to even picking a tool company, thinking I’d be slick, I had picked up a pneumatic squeezer on eBay. That was a big mistake as I got one with a crack on the body which I couldn’t see due to clever picture taking. Additionally the trigger didn’t workproperly. It was not a good experience, but you live and learn. Thankfully, www.planetools.com was willing to take back the extra yoke I ordered.

I had heard of www.planetools.com because they have satisfied many customers due to their price and customer service. I dealt with Isham exclusively through e-mail, and out of all the companies I contacted, he was the quickest to answer and gives you exactly what you ask for. I wish he would have pushed me not to delete things. They put that tool kit together for a reason; they know that you’ll need these things!

The order was sent via FedEx and was well packed. Everything was there, with the exception of the DRDT2 which is on backorder (I knew that when I ordered) and the pop rivet dimple dies. I sent an e-mail to Isham and he immediately responded that some were headed my way; how’s that for customer service? I already have placed a second order. This is because I didn’t get the full kit; did I mention that you should get the full kit+ extras? Hopefully, you’ll learn from my mistake.

I’m not the type of person to write a thank you letter to a company, I think giving them money for the services rendered it enough. However, in this case, I hope that I’ll help future builders and it’s a good way to thank a business that deserves it.

Good luck with your project,
Paul Thomas
www.p-thomas.com

My (air drill) is the standard one from planetools and I'm surprised at how little air it uses. I believe my compressor is 33 gal, so that does help. I couldn't be happier with that little drill, and I was thinking of leaving it out when I ordered. It would have been a mistake as it makes drilling so much easier and leaves cleaner holes. Paul Thomas 8/22/2006

When I assembled my tool collection, I found that no single tool package includes everything you'd need (want?), and you'll always find the need to purchase additional add on tools as your project proceeds. With this in mind, I went with Isham's RV toolkit at Planetools.com, because Isham included all the essentials, as well as a couple of nice luxury items (new pneumatic squeezer, DRDT-2) for a really reasonable price. He's also been great with regard to customer service. I've purchased individual tools and supplies from Planetools, and other vendors, since then, but I'm glad that I purchased this toolkit. Just my $0.02. Rudy -9A, finishing elevators Ripon, CA 7/9/2006

I went with Planetools as well... great kit, reasonable price and service was amazing. Fast shipping and no hassles. I had a question about my pneumatic squeezer and it was answered very fast. Just an opinion,,, YMMV etc.etc. Mike Ontario http://www.mykitlog.com/bourgem 7/9/2006

I bought my tools from Isham (Plane Tools) and am very happy with the tools and service. At and after Sun -N - Fun they had a good deal on the delux RV tool kit with the free pneumatic squeezer and I added a DRDT2 for around $150. Everything arrived in good condition and they have a great service department. John 7/13/2006

We started building an RV-7A a few months back and we attended the Alexander Technical Center at the airport in Griffin, GA for the construction of our empennage kit... a move that we still appreciate and would recommend heartily for those just starting out! Further, we had the opportunity to use a wide range of tools made by different manufacturers and sold through different representatives. We chose Isham Tools for their RV tool kit and have been pleased with the quality and responsiveness of Isham to our needs.
As one good source... I'm pleased to recommend Isham. He can be reached at planetools-at-cox.net. Good luck on the RV-9A. Tom 6/19/2006

Just got my RV8 tail last week. I'm in Orleans, the tool kit I purchased was from Planetools.com... and it was awesome, nice price, great stuff... Mike 6/16/2006

I'd highly recommend Planetools.com for getting your tools and supplies. I bought the RV builder's kit from them and have been very happy with it. The tools are first-rate and the service is even better. I received everything very quickly, and I recall I got free shipping on the whole order. The free pneumatic squeezer has been wonderful as has the DRDT-2 dimple press upgrade I purchased. Since I ordered my kit, I've also ordered additional tools from both (competitors name deleted) and Planetools.com. (Competitors name deleted) did a good job, but they didn't do as well as Planetools.com. Planetools sent me an order acknowledgement and a shipping notice via e-mail. I didn't get that from (competitors name deleted) and had to call them to find out status. I'd still buy from both, but I feel that the service is much better at Planetools. D. Porter 4/24/2006

I highly recommend going with the deals at Planetools. . . an absolute pleasure to do business with, and I'm quite satisfied with the quality of the products he sells. I purchased an RV kit with a free squeezer, and am glad I purchased this kit from Isham. The squeezer is a new high quality CP 214 clone, and I love it. I have found the kit to be comprehensive and very reasonably priced. Often, the customer service of some tool vendors is proportionate to their prices; not so with Planetools. For example, my 3X rivet gun stopped working. I informed the staff at Planetools, and they FedExed a new gun out to me ASAP, even before I had a chance to return the defective rivet gun. Now that's service! Rudy -9A, Ripon, CA Riveting rudder 4/23/2006

I dealt with Isham. . . I went thru their list in the deluxe kit and deleted the items I didn't want. I sent them an email with my own list asking for a discounted price with the squeezer and the DTRT dimpler. I got a quick response and a fair price, and the items were shipped the following day. I would deal with him again anytime. Chappyd 4/19/2006 Aircraft website www.davesrv7.com .

I bought my tools from Isham's in Jan. He shipped when he said he would and received the tools in less than 10 days. Not bad, coming to Canada. I phoned him and substituted and deleted some tools. Received the pneumatic riveter, DRDT-2, and sioux drill. Price was right and great service. Russell

I had the same experience with Isham - all communication was prompt and shipping was excellent. Matt

I have ordered some things from Isham's and their service was as advertised. I received them in good time and was pleased with what I got.

I have had the same good experience.

I emailed them with some questions the morning of Nov 30. I received a phone call a few hours later. I told them what I was looking for and we hashed out the details via email over the next day (I needed the RV-10 upgrade, and made 8-10 mods to the kit). My order was finalized on Dec 1st, and the main kit arrived at my door yesterday. The DRDT-2 is coming from a different location and will be here tomorrow. The order is accurate with only a rivet shop head gauge being back ordered. I haven't had a chance to test any of the air tools yet, but will post later if any issues. The main reason I initially went with them was price. Most of the major items are significantly cheaper than others I've seen. I've only found a few of the smaller items to be slightly more expensive. So far I've been impressed! Mark

Got the tools and the DRDT-2 Saturday evening...Pretty decent deal when you consider that you get a DRDT included. All the hand tools are decent quality and the dimpling and riveting dies and sets are top notch Snap On industrial. Klein snips work well also. The rivet gun and drill are imports, but they are decent imports and work well...VERY good customer service from Isham's and very nice to talk to on the phone. I'd recommend this place. Bearair

I got my tool kit for them also. After I got it, I decided to upgrade the drill to a Sioux. I called them and they shipped the Sioux drill out immediately on good faith that I would return the one that came in the kit (which I did).

I had a problem with the pop riveter, and they replaced it with a quick phone call. Jim

Was going to buy the (deleted company name) with all the tools minus the 22 inch deep throat and adding the DRDT-2 and the # 214 copy pneumatic rivet squeezer with the longeron yoke. It will run around $2,950 with S&H to my door. Isham (click here) is selling the same kit for approximately $2,600.

I'm happy with my kit from Isham's...

Thanks for all the input. I ended up making a list and getting them from Isham. I did get the air squeezer and the drdt-2. I used an air squeezer at my A&P's shop last year. way cool. and the drdt-2 is highly recommended. I'm sure, like the rest of you, I'll be ordering much more in the coming months/years. Chappyd

"My RV aircraft tools just arrived. I'm impressed. I am letting Van's know about your high quality, excellent service and LOW price! Thanks for the deal."

"I am a student in BC Canada that ordered a rivet gun kit a while ago and I
just wanted to say thanks for the deal on the aircraft tools kit you sent me. It got to
me on time and all the goodies inside are very helpful. Everyone who has
one is impressed. As a student on a budget I need to get the best quality
at a reasonable price, so thanks again for the quality product and with a
deal."

"You are highly recommended by other RV builder's I have spoken to and by Van's."

"This is my third order. I wouldn't buy tools for my RV from anyone else."

"When I started building I purchased a used rivet gun at auction. It looked almost new but I had a lot of trouble riveting with it. The new gun you sent me installs perfect rivets every time. Thanks."

"The tools got here yesterday and everything looks GREAT!"

"I write to Van's that you are a very good tool supplier and you know the RV. Many Greetings."

"I received the order and everything was perfect. Thank you."

"Thank you for your quick response in sending my tool kit. People at the airport have been asking me where I got my tools. I need more of your business cards to give them the course to your web site. Thanks very much."

"You come highly recommended from several builders."

"Other tool companies won't tell me where the tools are made."

Our customers like our tools and our service! We also provide tools for the Thatcher CX4 airplane.