Aircraft are complicated machines that require a large amount of specialized hardware and careful maintenance. Here are three important pieces of fastening hardware in aircraft.
1. Aircraft Nuts And Bolts
The most essential piece of aircraft hardware in any vehicle is a fastener. Nuts and bolts are commonly utilized fasteners in aircraft and come in many forms, but all types of nuts and bolts used in this industry must be aircraft grade. This means they must have high tensile strength, be corrosion-resistant and have a locking mechanism designed to withstand the intense vibration common in aircraft so they remain in place.
2. Aircraft Rivets
Another common piece of hardware used to fasten various parts of aircraft is the rivet, a metal pin that can bind two pieces of material together tightly. You can think of a rivet as a bolt that doesn’t require a nut to fasten it. The main way rivets are used is to fasten pieces of sheet metal together. Rivets can be used in all aircraft, from personal light aircraft to the largest of jets.
3. Self-tapping Screws
Not all parts of an aircraft are meant to be fastened together permanently. There are several options you can choose from to fasten removable parts or parts that need to move more freely. One of these options is the self-tapping screw. Self-tapping screws come in several forms, including two shank types and four head types. The shank types are sharp and blunt points. The head types are flat, oval, truss and round. Only use these screws for non-structural hardware.
Only those who have adequate training and experience should be purchasing, maintaining and using aircraft hardware and software. If you need to do something with aircraft hardware or software, make sure you know what you’re doing or have someone with you who can help.