Getting Started: Tools

Here you will find a starter list of recommended tools and consumables that you need to get started on your van conversion project or may find helpful longer term.

When working with tools and machinery, it’s important to prioritise safety by wearing appropriate clothing and safety equipment, and taking the time to choose the right tools for the job. Cordless power tools can save time and be more flexible, while a range of saws and hand tools are essential for any van conversion project. It’s also important to choose the right supplies, including screws, bolts, nuts, and consumables like sealants, insulation, and sound deadening materials. By taking the time to properly plan and prepare for your project, you can create a comfortable and functional living space that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

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Tools for Van Conversion

When converting a van, having the right tools is essential for getting the job done efficiently and effectively. Here are some of the most commonly used tools in van conversion; read on below for more detail.

I’ve categorised their usefulness from 1 – 5, with 1 being nice to have and 5 being essential, you can sort the table to see the essentials at the top to help with a shopping list.

Safety First

When it comes to working with tools and machinery, safety should always be the top priority. In order to ensure that you stay safe while using these tools, it’s important to take the necessary precautions; you can help to ensure that you stay safe and avoid any unnecessary accidents or injuries.

Remember, when it comes to working with tools, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

• • Always prioritize safety when working with tools and machinery.
  • Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection.
  • Take time to learn about each tool and its uses to avoid accidents and injuries.
  • Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair while working with tools.
  • Choose appropriate clothing and hairstyles to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Ensure that equipment fits comfortably and is within easy reach.
  • Keep essential safety gear, such as goggles, earplugs, and gloves, near where you use certain tools.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid rushing the work.
  • Remember, your safety should always be your top priority when working with any tools. No point having a lush van you can’t enjoy because you took risks.

Cordless Power Tools

• Invest in the same ecosystem of tools if you can so that batteries can be swapped between tools.
• I use a mixture of Parkside (from Lidl) and Makita. You can pick up bare tools and batteries separately online to build a flexible set of tools that can share batteries ensuring you are never wanting for power.
• If you can get cordless tools, generally you will save time over corded ones, but if you already have corded tools they can be used for less common tasks. I have a very old hammer drill that generally gets used on the rare occasion I need to drill into masonry at home and there is no way I would use it frequently in my van conversion, but it has come in handy on the rare occasion I have neglected to charge my batteries, or I need something beefier.
• I tried to make do with my very old corded jigsaw; as soon as I relented and bought a cordless one I was much much happier. I wish I had spent that £40 sooner as it likely saved me more than that in time and dead blades!

Drivers/Drills

• You will definitely need to drill holes in metal, wood, and other materials as well as driving in screws. If your budget allows, an impact driver and a cordless screwdriver will help. While similar on the surface they have different applications and having 2 allows you to save time switching bits.
• An impact driver and a cordless screwdriver are similar in that they are both power tools used for driving screws. However, they have different applications. An impact driver is designed specifically for driving screws into tough materials like metal and hardwood, and it uses a combination of rotational force and concussive blows to do so. A cordless screwdriver, on the other hand, is designed for lighter-duty tasks and doubles as a drill for making holes. It typically has less torque and speed than an impact driver and is better suited for smaller screws and softer materials.
• If you have space and some extra budget a pillar drill can also be helpful. I got a counter top one for £75 that makes a huge difference when drilling accurate holes especially in metal that is not attached to the van. Its also good for repeated holes.

Saws

You will need a range of different saws. Depending on the extent of your conversion, you may not need all of these, so I’ve listed them in priority order.

• Jigsaw: used to cut curves and irregular shapes in wood, metal, and other materials. It is commonly used to cut panels or plywood to fit specific dimensions in the van build. To use a jigsaw, it is important to use the appropriate blade for the material being cut and to take safety precautions such as wearing eye and ear protection and securing the material being cut.
• Handsaw: used in a van conversion project for cutting wood or other materials to size where a power saw is impractical or would make too much mess. A circular saw cut often needs finishing with a handsaw to avoid overlap where the round blade cannot make a neat corner cut.
• Circular saw: used for cutting straight lines in wood, metal, and other materials. In van conversion, it can be used for cutting panels or plywood to fit specific dimensions in the van build. It can also be used for cutting framing or other structural elements. It is important to use the appropriate blade for the material being cut
• Hack saw: user for cutting through materials such as metal or plastic. It is a handheld tool with a blade that has small, sharp teeth for cutting through the material. The blade is thin and flexible, allowing it to easily manoeuvre around curves and in tight spaces.
• Pipe saw/cutter: This is a handheld tool that is used specifically to cut pipes of all materials. It uses a sharp blade to cut through the pipe, and can be adjusted to cut at different angles or depths. It is commonly used in van conversions when installing plumbing or gas lines so if you are not using either of these, then you may not need one, however they are typically only a few pounds and give a much better finish than a hacksaw so consider picking one up just in case.
• Table Saw: This is a saw used for cutting straight lines in wood, metal, and other materials. In van conversion, it can be used for cutting panels or plywood to fit specific dimensions in the van build. It can also be used for cutting framing or other structural elements. It is important to use the appropriate blade for the material being cut. It is especially good for repeated cuts, precise cuts and angled cuts.
• Band Saw: consisting of a long, thin blade with teeth along one edge that moves in a continuous loop around two wheels. The blade is held in place by the wheels and is guided through the material being cut by a table or other support. The band saw is commonly used in van conversions for cutting materials to size and for making intricate cuts or curves. It can be significantly more accurate than a jigsaw. Hobbyist models can be picked up for around £80

Reciprocating Multitool

This is a handheld power tool that can be used for a variety of cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding tasks. It has a small, oscillating blade that moves back and forth rapidly, allowing it to cut through materials like wood, metal, and plastic with precision and ease. The blade can be changed to accommodate different materials and tasks, making it a versatile tool for any van conversion project. It can also be used for removing grout, sanding in tight spaces, and cutting holes in drywall. The main benefit of this tool/saw is that it can be used in very confined spaces without too much risk of damaging neighbouring material (including body panels!)

In my tool box: Parkside Cordless 20v Multi-Purpose Tool

Router

A router is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways for your van conversion project. Its primary function is to cut and shape wood, but it can also be used on other materials such as plastic (and in certain cases metal!). It works by spinning a bit or blade at high speed, allowing it to remove material with precision and ease, but with the addition of having guides and bearings that provide an exceptionally accurate finish. Think of it like the love-child of a drill and a saw!

When choosing a router, consider the type and size of projects you will be working on. There are two main types of routers: fixed-base and plunge. Fixed-base routers are easier to use and are great for beginners, while plunge routers are more versatile and allow you to make adjustments while the router is in use. You’ll also want to consider the size of the router, as larger models can be more powerful but may be more difficult to handle.

If you’re new to using a router, consider taking a class or workshop and of course watching YouTube to learn more about how to use this powerful tool safely and effectively. With a little practice and patience, you can create custom cabinetry and furniture for your van conversion project that will be both functional and beautiful. I always advocate a hands on approach so why not make something small or just play with it to see how it can help you. Be safe, but dont be afraid.

In my tool box:

• Bosch Router (POF 1200 AE) – Used for bigger jobs as the plunge is smoother but its heavy to work with, but it does have a nice large base for following templates.
• KATSU Electric Wood Hand Trimmer – much easier to use but not as powerful as the Bosch. I use it mostly for edge trimming.

Hand Tools

Having a selection of hand tools is an important part of any van conversion project. While power tools are essential for certain tasks, there are times when hand tools are the best choice for the job. The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to get started. You can pick up many of the most commonly used hand tools for a reasonable price, and then upgrade to higher-quality tools over time as needed. It’s important to have a good selection of hand tools on hand to ensure that you can tackle any task that comes your way during your van conversion project. With the right tools, you can work more efficiently and safely, and achieve the results you want.

• Handheld Screwdrivers (Phillips, flathead): Screwdrivers are a must-have tool for any van conversion project, not just for their primary purpose. I keep one in my trouser leg pocket within easy reach, its know as the pokey stick and is used for anything from cleaning gunk out of my fingernails at the end of the day to holding bolts in a tight space while I get a nut on and just anything in between than needs a pokey action.
• Wrenches (adjustable, socket): Wrenches are used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. An adjustable wrench can be used for a wide range of sizes, while a socket wrench is more precise. Invest in a decent set but for the first time converter you don’t need to spend mega bucks. I keep a four way ratchet spanner in my trouser leg pocket.
• Pliers (needle-nose, regular): Pliers are useful for gripping and bending wires, as well as other small parts. Needle-nose pliers are great for getting into tight spaces, while regular pliers are useful for larger jobs.
• Wire cutters/strippers: Wire cutters are essential for cutting wires to the right length, while wire strippers are used to remove the insulation from the wire. If doing any level of electrical work, you will save time and blood on using a proper stripper.
• Level: A level is usually necessary for making sure everything is straight and level, however may be of limited use in a van… unless you can ensure your van is perfectly level on a level surface every time you work on it. However, a 1m+ level will be helpful as a straight edge. Available for less than £20 its worth having one.
• Automotive Trim Kit: This kit includes various tools used for removing and installing automotive trim pieces, such as door panels, dashboards, and headliners. These tools are designed to pry and pop these pieces off without causing damage to the surrounding areas. The kit typically includes a variety of plastic and metal tools in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different trim pieces and angles. With an automotive trim kit, you can make repairs or modifications to your van’s interior without causing unnecessary damage or frustration.
• Measuring tape: A measuring tape is essential for measuring the length and width of various components to ensure a proper fit. Get a good quality one. 3 – 5 metres is ideal depending on the size of your van. Anything above a MWB Crafter might need something longer but will be too big for everyday use so have a longer one available but keep a shorter one in your pocket/belt for normal use
• Ruler: I have a 12”/30cm steel rule in my pocket at all times. Its useful for precision measuring, and straight lines both with a pencil and a knife.
• Pencil / Sharpie / Ballpoint Pen: All have different applications. You’ll benefit from having them all in your pocket/behind your ear.
• Utility knife: A utility knife is useful for cutting materials like carpet and vinyl flooring.
• Chisels: Chisels are used for cutting and shaping wood and other materials. Even a small set will come in handy. Look for ones with metal striking caps so you can use a hammer not a mallet.
• Hammer: A hammer is essential for driving nails and other fasteners into wood or metal.
• Staple gun: A staple gun is useful for attaching fabric and other materials to the interior of the van.
• Clamps: Clamps are useful for holding pieces of wood or metal together while glue or other fasteners dry. A few cheap ones of different styles will serve you well.
• Angle grinder: An angle grinder is useful for cutting and grinding metal.
• Sander: A sander is useful for smoothing out rough edges and surfaces.

In conclusion, starting a van conversion project requires a range of tools to get the job done safely and effectively. From cordless power tools to hand tools, it’s important to have the right equipment and materials on hand for each stage of the project. Prioritising safety is essential when working with tools and machinery, and taking the time to learn about each tool and its uses can help you avoid accidents and injury. By using the recommended tools and supplies and following best practices for safety, you can create a van that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Remember that this is just a starting point, and you will find what works best for you in time.