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16 Tools Needed For A Van Conversion
Doing a van conversion is a HUGE undertaking, especially if you are entirely new to DIY like I was. One of the first steps you will need to take before starting your van conversion is making sure that you have the right tools to get the job done. If you have had prior experience with construction or DIY projects, you may already have some of these tools. But if you are completely new, chances are you will have to go out and purchase some of these essentials.
- A drill gun is an important tool that you will need throughout your van conversion for drilling pilot holes and securing materials with screws
- You will use this bodywork, flooring, framing, bed construction, cabinets, etc
- ***Must Have***
- You will need a circular saw for making most of your straight cuts.
- It will be used in any part of the job that involves woodworking including bed construction, subflooring, and framing.
- ***Must Have***
- A Jigsaw is another essential cutting tool for your van conversion that is used for cutting curved edges to fit material around tight corners.
- You will need a jigsaw for many different stages of your van conversion, including bodywork, subflooring, vinyl flooring, and wood paneling.
- ***Must Have***
- Along with your jigsaw, you need a variety of blades for the different types of materials you will be cutting during your van conversion.
- Some of these materials include wood, metal, and plastic.
- ***Must Have***
- A tape measure is a fundamental hand tool that you likely already have lying around your house
- You will use this for every aspect of your van build.
- Remember to measure twice cut once!
- ***Must Have***
- Important when doing flooring and cabinets to ensure they are installed level.
- ***Must Have***
- This is another fundamental hand tool that you will need to help mark out straight lines for your cuts.
- ***Must Have***
- You will use this to help cut board insulation and open boxes and materials throughout the project.
- ***Must Have***
- Will be needed throughout the job to place glue, silicone, and sealant during the floor construction, bodywork, and wood paneling phases of the build.
- ***Must Have***
- You will use this kit to install your vinyl or laminate flooring.
- You may be able to get away without using this kit and making your own jig. But this product was well worth the money and saved me a ton of time.
- You need a nail gun to install your wood paneling quickly and efficiently.
- Make sure you also get the correct size nails for the thickness of paneling you plan on installing.
- ***Must Have***
- It is needed to make circular holes for installing wiring, lights, plumbing, and some types of outlets.
- ***Must Have***
- Very helpful for cutting wood paneling and vinyl quickly and accurately.
- You can do the conversion without this tool, but it definitely will speed up certain parts of the job, such as cutting vinyl flooring and wood paneling.
- Needed to strip insulation of wiring before making connections in the electrical stage of your van conversion.
- ***Must Have***
- Needed to create connections on shrink terminals during the electrical phase of the van conversion.
- ***Must Have***
- Make soldered connections when doing electrical work
- ***Must Have***
How To Get Tools If You Are On A Tight Budget.
If many of you are like me and are trying to do your van conversion on a budget all of these tools may add up. Fortunately there are a few ways you can go about saving money on some of these tools which include.
- See if you can borrow tools from neighbors, friends or family.
- Rent tools from a local hardware store or Home Depot.
- Purchase tools used on online market places such as, ebay, craigslist, or facebook marketplace.
