Parachute Rigging Tools

A trained and licensed professional, the parachute rigger packs, maintains or repairs parachutes. You must understand fabrics, hardware, webbing, regulations, sewing, packing and other aspects related to parachutes. You constantly build, pack, repair and provide maintenance of parachutes. Riggers have kits and specialized tools to perform these duties. Tool kits weigh between 3 pounds and 20 pounds depending on repair location.

  1. Parachute Rigger's Tool Kit

    • The rigger's tool kit includes an ordinary tool like a crescent wrench

      Twenty-eight tools compose a field tool kit including everyday items like a butane lighter, 6-inch metal ruler, ink pen and crescent wrench. Twenty-four tools are specifically designed to assist you perform inspection, repair and/or repack a parachute. These are the tools within a rigger's field kit.

    Paddle, T-bar, Tab and Wire

    • Curved hemostats help the rigger clamp and pull during repairs.

      A packing paddle is a tool used for dressing the pack of the parachute when packing. Usually made from wood or aluminum, it has two rounded ends and tapers in thickness from 1/4 inch to 3/16 inch.

      The T-Bodkin or T-bar positive leverage device is used for winding up the pull-up cord and increasing leverage when closing the container. This tool must be carefully used, because too much force can damage the container or pin.

      The finger-trapping wire is used to finger trap line too small to use a needle on. It is made from a wooden or plastic dowel with a wire loop made from safety wire.

      The navy end tab is a tool used for assisting in hand-tacking thick materials. It has a dimple that allows a needle to be pushed through with material and two holes to grip the needle to assist you when pulling it through.

    Data Card , Field Guide, Flex Rod and Multi-tool

    • Tacking and seal thread help the rigger repair damaged fabrics.

      The Rigger's Field Guide Card is a 10-panel field reference designed with useful information for quick reference.

      The packing data card is used to fulfill record-keeping requirements of 14 CFR, subsection 65.131 and is kept with the parachute.

      The pilot chute flex rod is a tool used to hold the reserve pilot chute, launching disc. It is a tempered steel rod approximately 18 inches by 3/16 inches.

      The mini multiple tool is a lightweight, spring-loaded tool with 10 instruments, including a spring-action scissor, extra-small screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, nail file, cleaner, bottle opener, ruler and tweezers.

    CYPRES Disk, Hemostat, Loops and Pull Cords

    • Tacking needles assist the rigger to pin fabrics in place while sewing

      Closing loops are used to repack an emergency reserve after use or to assemble and pack a new personnel parachute assembly.

      The CYPRES disk allows the rigger to fasten the loop securely even under great pulling force. The disk provides a reliable connection and unwavering position on the loop. Its smooth edges avoid any potential damage of the loop and protect from an unintentional opening of the reserve parachute.

      The CYPRES pull-up cord is made from strong tear-resistant material used for the reserve pack.

      The main pull-up cords are used to pull up the locking loop of a parachute container during closing and pinning.

      Curved Hemostats are used for both clamping and retrieving.

    Fids, Needles, Pin and Thread

    • A multi-tool aids a rigger during field repairs.

      A packing fid is used for dressing the parachute pack and tucking in flaps. Most are made from aluminum, and riggers have both fid and paddle but usually develop a preference for one.

      Tacking and seal thread has a tensile strength of 4.75 pounds and is used in mainly for sewing.

      Tacking needles are used for general sewing. Riggers use both straight and curved needles of various sizes.

      Finger-trapping fids are made of plastic or stainless steel.

      A CYPRES temporary pin is used for temporarily pinning each flap of the reserve container during closing.

      Lead seals and seal thread are components used with the seal press to seal the parachute. The thread is made of cotton with a tensile strength of 4.7 pounds.