You may be wondering what tools have come into play for this trailer build. Here’s a handy list of everything I’m using in my tiny 3rd-floor apartment workspace to git ‘er done.
Each item includes a link to a corresponding HomeDepot.ca or Amazon.ca page (no affiliate nonsense, no worries) so you can check it out & order if needed for your kit. You can likely find everything at other online sources or your local hardware outlet too.
Workbench (duh)
I wanted something compact & portable that could be moved around & stowed away if needed in my apartment. This thing fits the bill.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/black-decker-workmate-425-30-inch-folding-portable-workbench-and-vise/1000105450
Mitre saw (cordless) & aluminum blade
Cutting square tubing perfectly straight with a hacksaw or cutting wheel on a Dremel is no easy task, so I got a proper tool to ensure clean 45 & 90deg cuts.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-18v-one-cordless-7-1-4-inch-compound-mitre-saw-tool-only-/1000734787
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/diablo-7-1-4-inch-x-56-tooth-carbide-tipped-circular-saw-blade-for-aluminum-cutting/1001048909
Cordless drill
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-18v-one-cordless-3-8-inch-drill-driver-kit-with-1-5-ah-battery-and-charger/1001534805
Titanium drill bits
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-titanium-drill-bit-set-21-piece-/1000740754
Dremel rotary cutting tool
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/dremel-4300-series-120v-corded-rotary-tool-kit-with-variable-speed-and-accessory-case-45-accessories-/1000753260
Propane/MAP torch
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/bernzomatic-ts8000kc-max-heat-torch-kit/1000539664
Aluminum brazing rods
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0000CBJGI/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00012Y0FS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Heat blocking putty
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B017T23T18/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Rivet gun
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/arrow-rt187shk-1-handed-swivel-riveter-kit/1001200625
Assorted files
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/husky-multi-purpose-file-set-10-piece-/1000681029
Sheet metal snips
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/milwaukee-tool-10-inch-left-cut-aviation-snips/1000730460
Edge folding brake
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/wiss-hvac-folding-tool-12-/1000682232
Hacksaw
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/stanley-solid-frame-high-tension-hacksaw/1001534010
Steel wire brushes
I got the same set as this at my local dollar+ store for $4CAN; lol.
https://www.amazon.ca/Stainless-Masonry-Bristle-Scratch-Cleaning/dp/B08D6WVCBH
Safety goggles
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/workhorse-frameless-safety-glass-clear-lens/1000432786
Cut-resistant gloves
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/firm-grip-cut-resistant-hi-vis-l-/1001412140
Clamps, clamps & clamps
Various clamp types come in handy, as with any project.
2″ spring: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/anvil-2-inch-spring-clamp/1001127536
2½” C: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/bessey-bessey-2-1-2-inch-900-lb-drop-forged-c-clamp-with-1-3-8-inch-throat-depth/1000816966
6″ bar: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/bessey-bessey-6-in-600-lb-clutch-style-bar-clamp-w-2-1-2-inch-throat-depth/1001200657
36″ bar: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/bessey-bessey-36-in-600-lb-clutch-style-bar-clamp-w-2-1-2-inch-throat-depth/1001200652
90° square angle: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/bessey-90-degree-corner-clamp/1000816604
Vibration absorbing pads
The hardwood floors in my apartment building are like amplifiers for the downstairs neighbors, so something is needed to attenuate vibration & noise while using power tools to cut & polish metal parts. These work fine.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/connect-a-mat-connect-a-mat-24-x24-anti-fatigue-foam-mats-black-white/1001028401
J-B Weld marine epoxy
In case I need to bond stuff to the telescoping frame members where neither brazing nor rivets are appropriate.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/j-b-weld-marineweld-mfr-part-8272f/1000723654