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A complete list of tools needed for a van conversion.. every single tool we used when we built out our second campervan, a 1992 Toyota Previa.
These tools help tremendously in a van build. However, when we did our first build, it was when we were living in Scotland, and we didn’t have all our normal tools available. Instead, of going out and spending loads of money on tools, we converted our sprinter van with a hand saw, a drill, and lots of manual labor. So we’re here to say, you don’t need to go spend hundreds of dollars on power tools for your van conversion, you really can get by with very little!
With that said, obviously, any van conversion is going to be easier to do with the correct tools. That’s why we’ve created this list. This is every single tool we used in our van conversion, and what exactly we used them for.
A lot of the tools we already had or could borrow, however, ultimately we had to purchase some of the tools listed below from Amazon, Harbor Freights, and Home Depot.
Tools Needed For Van Conversion
Circular Saw | check prices here
A circular saw is one of the nicest things to have when doing a van conversion. It provides clean, straight cuts and is super easy to use. We used the circular saw when cutting wood for cabinets, angled wood for trim, and clean cuts for both the ceiling and walls.
If you’re on a super tight budget, a jig saw (listed below) is the saw you want. As it can do more jobs than the circular saw can. Again though, we cut every piece of wood for our first conversation with a hand saw, so don’t let this price point deter you from converting the van of your dreams!
Jig Saw | check prices here
If you can only afford one saw, a jig saw is the one you want to purchase. You’ll be using a jig saw to cut the awkward ceiling piece, a hole in you roof for the fan, and weird lines for shelves and it works great for rounded edges like on your wall panels.
Honestly, a jig saw is a one stop shop when looking for the perfect saw for a van build. If you get the drill/driver combo set below, you don’t need to get the battery and charger with your jig saw. Instead, grab just the Ryobi cordless jig saw here.
Jab Saw | grab one here
Who knew these things even existed?! We surely didn’t. And actually didn’t even know what the tool was called until writing about it. When our grandpa found out we were doing the van build, he let us borrow his jab saw, and boy — it was our saving grace! A jab saw is the perfect tool to use for cutting Polyiso rigid foam boards! It also works really well for cutting off the extra expanding foam too!
Drill/Driver Set | seriously the best here
We recommend purchasing this drill driver combo set. Again, you’ll be using this set for all areas of the van build, so it’s a good, cheap investment when building out a campervan! While you can get away with just a drill, an impact driver is a major game changer in a van build out. It takes off some of the muscle power you need when screwing wood together. It also ensures a much tighter connection than a regular drill. Get this set and thank us later!
The other huge benefit to getting this set is that you won’t have to keep changing from drill to screw head when building out the van. Instead, you’ll just have the drill with a drill bit (listed below) for drilling holes, and have the impact driver set up to screw in all the screws! It’s a much more efficient way to build out a van!
Drill Bits | grab some here
You’ll be using this drill bit set more times than you can count. Predrilling screws when screwing into your van walls. Drilling pivot holes in your van roof when installing your campervan fan. And even drilling holes in the wood frame of your build out to fish wire though. Time and time again, you’ll find yourself drilling holes during your van build.
Hole Saw Kit | check prices here
Oh my goodness… this hole saw kit saves the day when needed to cut a precise hole in the ceiling materials for recessed lights. At first, we didn’t know how we were going to cut the light holes, but then remembered we had this nifty little tool! It’s an absolute must tool for van conversions if you are installing recessed lights.
When using the tool, cut with the nice side of whatever campervan ceiling materials you use facing up to prevent any splintering on the seen side of the campervan ceiling.
Kreg Jig | best tools for van conversion here
If you don’t have a Kreg Jig, you seriously need one for your van build. This may be the best of all the tools for van conversion you purchase! You truly can’t beat the price of the tool for the ease of use, and the stability it offers when building out cabinets, shelves, and a bed! There’s no way we could have made our van build as durable as it is without the pocket hole a Kreg Jig makes!
Kreg Jig screws are great for screwing directly into your camper van walls. They’re self-drilling and the finish on the head of the screws is really nice. We used these screws when attaching the framing of our cabinets for a more durable and sturdy connection. We also used them when screwing our trim underneath our windows and around our van panels, but this was more for the aesthetics than anything else.
This Kreg Jig starter kit is perfect for purchasing a Kreg Jig system with a staple of Kreg Jig screws and then you can buy more of the size you need as you decide what thickness of the wood and such you’ll be using!
Sander | check prices here
No matter what kind of wood you’re using, you will certainly need a sander to sand down fresh cuts and repurposed wood for a nicer finish. This sander isn’t the best on the market, but it worked really well for our needs. And it comes at a pretty cheap price compared to other sanders.
We tried using a battery powered sander, and in our opinion there wasn’t enough juice in the battery to really get the job done effeciently. So we recommend using a sander that plugs in like this.
Don’t forget to grab some extra sand paper too.
Box Cutter | check prices here
What DIY project doesn’t use a utility knife?! A utility knife is great for shaving off extra bits of expanding spray foam and for cutting the Reflectix when insulating the wheel well. It can also be used to cut the 1/2 inch Polyiso foam board if you don’t have a jab saw… honestly, not sure how well it would work on other thicknesses though.
A box cutter also works when cutting the conduit, and the corrugated plastic that you may or may not use for above your seats in the front cab. This tool will also come in handy when removing the headliner in your van.
Shop Vac | current prices here
When we started our van build, we didn’t have a shop vac. Then our sister and brother in law gave us one they didn’t want any more… and holy smokes, I don’t think we could have finished the van build without one. A shop vac obviously vacuums up all the mess, but this is particularly useful when drilling and cutting metal — as the shavings if not cleaned up, will cause rust.
Caulking Gun | check prices here
A caulking gun will be used in multiple areas of your van build. You’ll use it to caulk any holes in your floor, to run caulking around your campervan fan, and to use construction adhesive when attaching your campervan fan as well. The one we’ve linked is more money than you need to spend. Just go to Walmart or the dollar store and grab a cheap-o one to get the job done.. this was the cheapest one we found on Amazon with good ratings.
Sharpie | find them here
A sharpie is nice to use because you don’t have to be as careful with puncturing the foam board when using it for measurements on your van insulation. It’s also really nice to write on the insulation when labeling pieces before putting them in the van. With that said, if you don’t have a sharpie at home, use a regular pen or pencil. Again.. don’t go buy one just to have.. a marker around the house will do!
Tape Measure | snag one here
Small tape measures are game-changers! We were literally fighting over the small tape measure throughout our entire build. Don’t believe me, buy one and see how much easier it is to use than the traditional big bulky ones!
Folding Saw Horse | current pricing here
Well worth the money spent to get a couple of folding sawhorses for your van conversion. These will come in handy not just for the van floor but also for the rest of your build. If you can’t squeeze these into your budget, ask around.. maybe your neighbor or family members has a couple of sawhorses you can borrow!
Framing Square | find one here
A Framing Square is used for making sure your lines are straight and your measurements are correct. This is something you do not want to mess up on.. especially when cutting a hole in your van roof! While this isn’t one of the essential tools you need for a van build, it does make life easier. If you don’t have one, just use some wood you know has the perfect right angle!
Speed Square | find it here
A Speed Square is different than the larger framing squares in that this straight edge has a little ledge that catches the wood. This is the perfect tool for cutting perfectly straight lines on small pieces of wood. And it’s rather cheap too.. making it a good purchase for the time it saves you making straight cuts as you build out your van.
Metal File | current prices here
After cutting your hole for your van fan, you need to file down the rough edges, or spots that need to be trimmed a bit more. A metal file is great for this job, but you can also use a metal grinder drill bit.
Clamps | game-changer tools for van conversion
Clamps come in handing in nearly all aspects of the van build. You’ll be using clamps to secure wood or a ruler to cut a straight line along. When you connect wood with wood glue, clamps are used. And when you need an extra set up hands to hold wood in place, clamps are that extra set for you! Grab a bundle with different size clamps, so you can get in all the areas you need!
Wire Stripper and Crimp | find pricing here
This tool is the one stop shop for cutting and crimping all the electrical wires in your campervan build. This is a much needed tool for any van electrical system! You’ll need an entire wiring/electrical box with loads of little gadgets and things to actually install any camper van electrical systems, however, this is the only special “tool” necessary! We’ll be doing an entire post on the rest of the necessary gadgets for wiring a campervan soon!
Tool Box | check prices here
Grabbing a small toolbox kit like this will be beneficial in both the van build, and as a tool kit, you take on the road. We randomly used tools in our toolbox that are similar to these. Things like pliers, screwdrivers, and even the wrenches for tightening down your battery. This tool kit comes at a pretty decent price, but again.. if you have tools like these laying around, don’t spend the extra money on something like this.
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