In aerospace operations, the safety and reliability of countless assemblies heavily depends on the integrity of fasteners. While often seemingly simplistic, fasteners are vital in securing structures and assemblies, with aerospace variations ensuring that aircraft and their related systems all are able to endure high speeds, pressure changes, vibration, and other extreme operating conditions without fail. As even a single loose or compromised fastener can lead to significant performance issues or safety risks, routine inspection and maintenance are essential practices.
In this blog, we will introduce you to some of the most common types of aerospace fasteners on the market, discussing best practices for inspecting and maintaining them to ensure aircraft safety and operational longevity.
Aerospace fasteners come in a wide range of designs and subtypes, all of which are engineered to meet specific strength, weight, and environmental requirements. While many forms of hardware may find use on a single aircraft or assembly, the following are some of the most common types.
Bolts and screws are somewhat similar fasteners in that they are externally threaded components that can offer strong, secure connections in structural applications. While screws may be made from various substances, aerospace-grade bolts are often made from titanium or high-strength alloys to ensure durability while minimizing weight. Generally speaking, one will find bolts and screws throughout wing assemblies, fuselage sections, engine mounts, and beyond.
Nuts and washers are regularly paired with bolts and screws to secure joints, bolts in particular regularly requiring such hardware to stay tightened. While nuts are internally threaded fasteners that join with mating components, washers tend to distribute loads as they are placed between fastener heads and installation surfaces. Oftentimes, these hardware parts are used throughout airframes, landing gear systems, and hydraulic assemblies.
Rivets are notable for their ability to create permanent joints between panels and structures, driving their use for fuselage skin sections, wing panels, and tail assemblies. Solid rivets are a widely used subtype due to their strength and reliability, while blind rivets are favored for areas with limited access.
Pins are solid shafts that provide alignment and secure rotating components, often being found in landing gear joints, control linkages, and hinge assemblies. Clevis and taper pins are both examples of subtypes that are common in aircraft control systems.
Inspection of fasteners is not simply about checking for looseness, rather requiring a methodical approach to identifying wear, corrosion, and other issues.
Visual inspections for fasteners should be carried out on a regular basis, with personnel looking for surface damage in the form of cracks, scratches, dents, and beyond to ensure that structural fatigue has not occurred. Rust and discoloration is also a concern for steel fasteners, with replacements often being necessary when such issues are found. Meanwhile, all fasteners should be checked to see that they are in place, seated correctly, and properly torqued.
For torque verification, it is important to utilize proper tools to ensure that fasteners are tightened to their manufacturer-specified values. Excess torque can stretch or damage fasteners, so verifying that such thresholds are not surpassed is equally vital.
Damaged threads reduce the fastener’s ability to hold securely, so checking for wear or stripping is always useful. Additionally, be sure to verify that the fastener’s threads fit smoothly in the installation without facing excessive resistance.
Check for distortion: Misaligned fasteners may indicate structural issues in the assembly, so checking for signs of distortion is a crucial step of inspections. At this stage, ensure that fasteners are not causing or experiencing undue stress as a result of alignment issues.
Maintenance practices extend the life of fasteners and prevent premature replacement, reducing costs and improving safety. While maintenance activities are widely varied, the following are basic tasks that one may carry out for their aerospace fasteners.
Regularly clean fasteners to prevent corrosion, ensuring that debris and contaminants are removed with proper chemicals and equipment. Meanwhile, any fasteners that require lubrication should have their supply replenished as necessary to guard against wear.
It is very important that damaged fasteners are replaced immediately before operations continue, and never attempt to reuse hardware that shows visible wear or damage. Additionally, it is always useful to choose replacements that match the specifications outlined by the aircraft manufacturer.
Last but not least, it is highly advantageous to keep detailed records of inspection dates, findings, replacements, and other important information. Documentation is critical for audits and safety certifications, supporting regulatory compliance.
Aerospace maintenance teams rely on a number of specialized tools to ensure fastener integrity, with common equipment including the following:
These tools, when used correctly, allow for a range of inspection and maintenance processes to be carried out with ease.
Though small in size, aerospace fasteners play an outsized role in promoting aircraft safety and performance. From basic bolts and rivets to specialty high-performance fasteners, each component must be inspected and carefully maintained to prevent failure. Once it comes time to replace any hardware components, always ensure that you do so with a trusted partner that can meet all operational needs with ease.
For those in search of reliable aerospace fasteners, Fasteners 360 is a reliable platform where customers can secure quality-assured items that are sourced directly from dependable manufacturers and suppliers across the globe. With countless nose-to-tail solutions that meet rigorous aerospace standards and regulations, take the time to explore our website today. As you come across particular items of interest, you may always use our online Request for Quote (RFQ) service to obtain tailored options from our staff. We are also available by phone or email for assistance, so never hesitate to get in touch!
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