What Aircraft Tool Supply does

Aircraft Tool Supply (ATS) is a privately held specialty distributor of aviation maintenance tools founded in 1974 and headquartered in northern lower Michigan near Lake Huron. The company operates from a 20,000 square foot facility and offers over 3,000 SKUs organized across 35+ product categories, including sheet metal tools, riveting equipment, engine timing tools, inspection instruments, and aircraft fasteners. ATS manufactures and distributes its own proprietary ATS-branded line (Time-Rite engine timing tools, ATS Pro rivet guns and squeezers, dimple dies, bucking bars, ATS Pro Mini Vac) alongside major manufacturer brands such as Champion, Cherry-Textron, 3M, PRC DeSoto/Semco, Meyer Hydraulic, Sioux, Tennsmith, General Tools, and GBP.

The company's business model is direct-to-consumer e-commerce, augmented by phone/mail order, a free printed and PDF catalog (most recent 2018-2020 edition), and worldwide shipping. ATS serves two primary customer segments: professional aviation maintenance technicians (A&P mechanics) and individual homebuilders/experimental aircraft builders (including popular kit aircraft such as Van's RV series). Pricing spans from under $10 for accessories to over $3,000 for premium kits such as the Master Builder's Riveting Kit, with a 5% email signup discount, a one-year warranty, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Distribution is exclusively direct, with no dealer or reseller network.

Aircraft Tool Supply grows its customer base through word-of-mouth, testimonials, and active community involvement — donations and sponsorships at EAA chapter events, Antique Airplane Association fly-ins, Cessna 120/140 conventions, aviation education programs, and aviation non-profits. Notable enterprise customers referenced in testimonials include Lockheed Martin and L3 Communications (Narda Satellite Networks). The company does not disclose funding, revenue, management team, or external investors, and operates as an independently owned SMB with 11-50 employees.

Name

Aircraft Tool Supply

Legal name

Aircraft Tool Supply Company

Website

https://aircraft-tool.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Aircraft Tool Supply is a privately held specialty distributor founded in 1974, selling over 3,000 aviation maintenance tools (proprietary ATS brand and major manufacturer lines) via direct e-commerce, catalog, and phone orders to A&P mechanics, homebuilders, and aviation organizations worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Maintenance Tools

NAICS

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Tooling, Jigs, Fixtures & Molds for Airframe/Composite Manufacturing (IMABAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aerospace Fasteners & Hardware (IMABANAA), Parts Distribution & Spares Management (Aftermarket) (IMABALAK)

Keywords

• Aviation maintenance tools
• Aircraft riveting equipment
• Sheet metal tools
• Engine timing tools
• Aviation inspection equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Oscoda

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales (E-commerce): The company generates revenue through direct sales of aviation maintenance tools via their e-commerce website. Products range from individual tools to comprehensive kits. The online store features over 3,000 different products with prices ranging from under $10 to over $3,000 for complete kit systems.
2. Catalog/Mail Order Sales: Sales through printed catalogs and PDF downloads. Customers can request free printed catalogs and place orders by phone, mail, or through the online system. The company maintains inventory at their Michigan facility for distribution.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Aircraft Tool Supply (ATS), founded in 1974 in Oscoda, Michigan, distributes and manufactures aviation maintenance tools and equipment. The company offers more than 3,000 SKUs spanning rivet guns, cleco fasteners, dimpling tools, video borescopes, pneumatic riveting kits, and proprietary ATS-branded product lines such as Time-Rite engine timing tools, serving aircraft homebuilders, A&P mechanics, and aviation maintenance organizations.

Product overview

Aircraft Tool Supply is a specialty aviation maintenance tool distributor founded in 1974, offering over 3,000 products specifically for aviation maintenance. The company operates as both a manufacturer of ATS-branded tools (rivet guns, squeezers, bucking bars, dimple dies) and a distributor of major manufacturers (Champion, Cherry-Textron, Sioux, 3M, Semco, Meyer Hydraulic). The core product portfolio centers on sheet metal and riveting tools including comprehensive riveting kits ranging from basic student kits to professional Master Builder configurations, complemented by specialized engine timing equipment (Time-Rite series), inspection tools (video borescopes, precision measuring instruments), and aircraft fasteners. The company operates a 20,000 square foot facility in northern Michigan near Lake Huron and serves customers ranging from homebuilders to professional A&P mechanics worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Time-Rite Engine Timing Tool Sets Proprietary ATS-branded chronometric engine timing tools used by homebuilders and certified mechanics to time aircraft engines accurately; prominently featured as a flagship product line on the home page.
• Aviation Maintenance Tool Kits Bundled tool kits sold in multiple price tiers, including the Starter Tool Kit ($20), Zenith Tool Kit ($120), RV Tool Kit ($200), Master Builder Kit ($500), Sheet Metal Kit ($899), and Air Drill Kit ($1,179), designed for aircraft homebuilders and sheet metal projects.
• Video Borescopes Inspection borescopes for visual examination of aircraft engine cylinders, airframes, and other inaccessible areas, marketed as a new addition to the ATS catalog.
• Sheet Metal Tooling Rivet guns, cleco fasteners, cleco pliers/cleco pullers, dimpling tools, rivet squeezers, and other sheet metal forming and fastening tools used for aircraft skin and structural work.
• Pneumatic Riveting Kits Air-powered riveting kits and accessories, including pneumatic riveters, for high-volume and professional-grade aircraft riveting applications.
• Free Print Catalog A free mailed print catalog that customers can request by submitting their address through the website, used as both a reference resource and a lead-generation/marketing tool.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% performance rating from L3 Communications supplier evaluation
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ChampioncoreOthersProduct distribution partner. Aircraft Tool Supply distributes Champion brand products as part of their 3,000+ product catalog of aviation maintenance tools.
• Cherry-TextroncoreOthersProduct distribution partner for aerospace blind rivet and fastening products.
• Meyer HydraulicminorOthersProduct distribution partner for hydraulic equipment.
• SiouxminorOthersProduct distribution partner for pneumatic tools.
• 3McoreOthersProduct distribution partner for abrasives, adhesives, and industrial products.
• TennsmithminorOthersProduct distribution partner for sheet metal machinery and equipment.
• PRC DeSoto (Semco)coreOthersProduct distribution partner for sealant and adhesive products including Semco sealant guns and cartridges.
• General ToolsminorOthersProduct distribution partner for precision measuring and marking tools.
• GBPminorOthersProduct distribution partner for aircraft hardware and fasteners.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Falconer Tool Co. Manufacturer and distributor of specialty riveting tools, including dimple dies and squeezers used in aircraft construction. Closest head-to-head peer in the proprietary sheet-metal/riveting tool category that ATS also serves with its own branded products.
• SkyGeek: E-commerce-focused aviation supplies retailer offering tools, chemicals, fasteners, and ground support equipment. Similar direct-to-customer distribution model and overlapping SKU categories targeting mechanics and small operators.
• Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. One of the largest direct-to-consumer distributors of aircraft parts, pilot supplies, and homebuilding materials in North America. Overlaps directly with Aircraft Tool Supply across sheet metal tools, riveting equipment, and engine maintenance supplies serving the same A&P mechanic and homebuilder segments.
• McFarlane Aviation: Manufacturer and distributor of aircraft parts and supplies including maintenance tools, instruments, and consumables for Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and other general aviation fleets. Comparable product breadth and customer base in the mechanic/owner-operator segment.
• Univair Aircraft Corporation: Long-established distributor of parts and supplies for vintage and certificated aircraft, including specialty tools for type-specific maintenance. Comparable heritage (decades-old specialty aviation supplier) and overlapping A&P mechanic customer base.
• Wag-Aero Group: Distributor of aircraft parts, tools, and supplies primarily serving the experimental/homebuilder market. Comparable assortment in sheet metal tools, fasteners, and shop equipment; similar customer base of individual builders and small shops.
• Micro AeroTools: Specialty manufacturer and distributor of aviation sheet metal tools, especially dimpling equipment and hand tools for homebuilders. Most directly comparable to Aircraft Tool Supply on the proprietary sheet-metal tooling side.
• Chief Aircraft: Aviation parts and accessories retailer/distributor carrying maintenance tools, sheet metal supplies, and pilot gear. Overlaps with Aircraft Tool Supply across engine tools, riveting products, and inspection equipment for the general aviation market.

Broad incumbents

• Cleveland Wheel & Brake / Crane Aerospace (Crane Co.): Major aerospace systems supplier whose MRO division sells consumables, tools, and parts into the commercial aviation aftermarket. Operates at much larger scale than ATS but competes indirectly for the same tooling budget among maintenance organizations.
• PilotMall.com (Sporty's): Large multi-category aviation retailer carrying pilot supplies, avionics, tools, and training materials. Broader pilot-focused assortment but overlaps with ATS on certain maintenance tools and shop equipment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Aircraft_Tool
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aircraft-tool-supply

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aircraft Tool Supply