# Tools **URL:** https://sonexpilots.org/c/general/tools/32.md [Latest](https://sonexpilots.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://sonexpilots.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://sonexpilots.org/tags.md) --- ## [Wristpin clip tool](https://sonexpilots.org/t/wristpin-clip-tool/6131)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/wristpin-clip-tool/6131 "2026-10-21T18:37:50Z")
I’m sure every AeroVee guy has launched a clip or two when removing or installing pistons. I’ve had enough of that myself. Not everybody has a Bridgeport but I’m sure you can drill this #40 hole with more humble equi… --- ## [Brake fluid filler](https://sonexpilots.org/t/brake-fluid-filler/5929)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 6:38pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/brake-fluid-filler/5929 "2026-08-27T18:38:05Z")
I always spill fluid all over the top of the MC and the floor when I try to fill it. The master is under the panel in the center on my airplane. So I bought an oil pump can, and a single AAA cell flashlight, expended a t… --- ## [Valve spring compressor](https://sonexpilots.org/t/valve-spring-compressor/5422)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2026, 1:57pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/valve-spring-compressor/5422 "2026-08-18T13:57:43Z")
I’m on track to own every type known to man. The latest one is really awesome! --- ## [Rocker Arm Puller (VW)](https://sonexpilots.org/t/rocker-arm-puller-vw/5881)
**Author:** [@gammaxy](https://sonexpilots.org/u/gammaxy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 8:46pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/rocker-arm-puller-vw/5881 "2026-08-09T20:46:49Z")
I got my rocker assembly stuck on the head because I tried to install it with the shaft upside down. The smaller holes on that side marred the shoulders of the studs enough that, when I reinstalled the assembly correctly… --- ## [Canopy latch Drill guide](https://sonexpilots.org/t/canopy-latch-drill-guide/5784)
**Author:** [@ticega195gmail.com](https://sonexpilots.org/u/ticega195gmail.com)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2026, 6:24pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/canopy-latch-drill-guide/5784 "2026-07-06T18:24:38Z")
I have a Peter Anson canopy latch. I went to install it and have lost the drill guide. It is 15.8mm OD x 4.8mm ID x 20mm long. Anyone have one I can borrow? I’ll pay postage both ways. Thanks --- ## [Cutting Fluids](https://sonexpilots.org/t/cutting-fluids/5738)
**Author:** [@WesRagle](https://sonexpilots.org/u/WesRagle)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 3:21pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/cutting-fluids/5738 "2026-06-19T15:21:00Z")
I’ve been drilling Stainless Steel lately. I’ve tried several oils to ease the pain of working with Stainless Steel. A couple of years ago I tried Tap Magic. This stuff really helps while drilling all kinds of steel. … --- ## [Fluting tools](https://sonexpilots.org/t/fluting-tools/5705)
**Author:** [@JKS](https://sonexpilots.org/u/JKS)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2026, 11:24pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/fluting-tools/5705 "2026-06-05T23:24:03Z")
How to make a simple, cheap & effective fluting fork. --- ## [Pushrod holder](https://sonexpilots.org/t/pushrod-holder/5457)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2026, 3:20am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/pushrod-holder/5457 "2026-02-28T03:20:58Z")
For a couple of years I didn’t know what to do with my pushrods when I took them out. Oil would leak out of them slowly and make a mess. When I changed to 1.25:1 rockers I ended up swapping pushrods around until I had th… --- ## [Bridgeport](https://sonexpilots.org/t/bridgeport/5444)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/bridgeport/5444 "2026-02-23T00:53:53Z")
I’ve got my vertical mill. Note: this is NOT required to build a Sonex. --- ## [Torque Wrench](https://sonexpilots.org/t/torque-wrench/5432)
**Author:** [@dreynol](https://sonexpilots.org/u/dreynol)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2026, 7:19am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/torque-wrench/5432 "2026-02-22T07:19:54Z")
I’m planning on building a high wing and currently putting together my workshop. What torque wrench do people recommend? The low end of the range seems to be too high for most of the wrenches I’ve looked at. --- ## [Tools & Tooling](https://sonexpilots.org/t/tools-tooling/5274)
**Author:** [@JKS](https://sonexpilots.org/u/JKS)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2026, 10:44pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/tools-tooling/5274 "2026-02-21T22:44:32Z")
My fingers got tired of the abuse caused by knocking out a rivet mandrill before you drill the rivet out. I was thinking there had to be a better way when I noticed a small block (1 x 1,25 x 1.5 inch) of scrap aluminum… --- ## [VW cylinder head tester](https://sonexpilots.org/t/vw-cylinder-head-tester/5362)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 12:22pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/vw-cylinder-head-tester/5362 "2026-02-20T12:22:48Z")
Forum member ysifl2 sent me this - probably because I complain about my VW heads a lot lately! I’m going to make one. Also I’m going to try and tag it in the Firewall Forward \> Aerovee category. --- ## [Boroscope suggestions](https://sonexpilots.org/t/boroscope-suggestions/5433)
**Author:** [@ampzapper](https://sonexpilots.org/u/ampzapper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/boroscope-suggestions/5433 "2026-02-16T20:32:46Z")
Does anyone have a suggestion for a decent quality borescope? I have a older USB one that I don’t mind using with a laptop but would like something the produces a higher quality/resolution image. --- ## [Neway valve seat cutting tools](https://sonexpilots.org/t/neway-valve-seat-cutting-tools/5423)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2026, 12:29pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/neway-valve-seat-cutting-tools/5423 "2026-02-16T12:29:54Z")
Here’s an exhaust seat before. There are 3 pilots - 7.98, 8.00, and 8.02 mm. They are tapered and you pick the one that fits best. Then the cutter goes on the pilot. It has nifty carbide blades and there is a set… --- ## [Cutting/grinding valves on a lathe](https://sonexpilots.org/t/cutting-grinding-valves-on-a-lathe/5368)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2026, 12:41am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/cutting-grinding-valves-on-a-lathe/5368 "2026-02-15T00:41:11Z")
When I take the valves out of the head to lap them with the seats, they never look great. And now that I have tools to cut the seats, I’d like to clean up the valves. So in the name of science I decided to chuck up a v… --- ## [Cross-drilling Fixture for round stock](https://sonexpilots.org/t/cross-drilling-fixture-for-round-stock/5379)
**Author:** [@JKS](https://sonexpilots.org/u/JKS)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 7:08pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/cross-drilling-fixture-for-round-stock/5379 "2026-01-29T19:08:52Z")
For drilling those titanium gear legs. --- ## [Tool how to video links](https://sonexpilots.org/t/tool-how-to-video-links/5328)
**Author:** [@JKS](https://sonexpilots.org/u/JKS)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2026, 5:13am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/tool-how-to-video-links/5328 "2026-01-09T05:13:17Z")
Great tool tricks videos. Old German Machinist tricks