AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 0056B Accredited
Posted on April 2, 2025 Bran White Fasteners
Aircraft fasteners may seem like small, inconspicuous components, but they play a critical role in aviation safety and structural integrity. Every assembly of an aircraft, from the fuselage to the landing gear, must withstand extreme forces like aerodynamic pressure, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical vibrations without failing or coming apart. To ensure reliability, engineers rely on specialized fasteners that are designed to provide secure connections while accommodating movement and stress. In this blog, we will provide an overview of why fasteners are important in aircraft and cover common types, so read on to learn more.
Fasteners play a crucial role in aircraft construction and maintenance, as they ensure structural integrity by securely joining components to prevent separation under stress. The proper selection and use of fasteners is essential to ensure that mechanical loads are distributed evenly in assemblies, reducing the risk of localized stress points that could lead to failure. Additionally, well-designed fasteners facilitate efficient maintenance and repairs, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly during inspections or part replacements. Meanwhile, their lightweight yet durable construction contributes to overall efficiency, helping to maintain performance while minimizing excess weight.
Bolts are among the most widely used fasteners in aviation due to their high strength and ability to secure a variety of critical components with ease. Unlike rivets, which create permanent joints, bolts allow for easy removal, making them ideal for areas that require regular maintenance or adjustments. Their ability to withstand both tensile and shear forces also makes them essential in load-bearing structures, such as wing assemblies, landing gear, and engine mounts.
Nuts complement bolts by providing a secure and adjustable fastening solution that benefits a range of aircraft structures. Their primary function is to hold bolts in place by tightening to their tail end after it is passed through parts, preventing loosening under vibration and external forces. Since aircraft experience constant movement and mechanical stress, specialized nuts are designed to ensure maximum security.
Rivets play a crucial role in aircraft manufacturing, providing a strong, permanent connection in structures where disassembly is not required. They are particularly effective in joining fuselage panels, wing skins, and other external surfaces together where vibrations and aerodynamic forces could weaken traditional fasteners over time. Unlike bolts, rivets do not require additional components like nuts to create a secure joint, reducing overall weight.
Screws serve as essential fasteners in aircraft assembly and maintenance, particularly in applications requiring frequent adjustments or removals. Unlike bolts, which rely on nuts for secure fastening, screws create their own threads within materials, offering a reliable hold with minimal additional hardware. Their versatility makes them suitable for securing access panels, avionics enclosures, and interior fittings that do not require the same holding power as bolts or rivets.
Machine screws are a subtype that is widely used in general assembly, coming in various head shapes to accommodate different installation requirements. Structural screws, engineered for high-strength applications, are another type that serve as an alternative to bolts in areas where weight savings are a priority. Meanwhile, self-tapping screws eliminate the need for pre-drilled holes by cutting their own threads during installation.
Washers play a supporting role in aircraft fastening systems, yet their importance cannot be overlooked. They help distribute loads evenly across surfaces, reducing localized stress that could lead to material damage or fastener failure. Additionally, washers prevent bolts and nuts from loosening over time by compensating for vibrations and movement. Plain washers act as simple spacers, preventing direct contact between fasteners and structural components. Lock washers are designed to resist loosening under continuous vibrations, enhancing the stability of critical fasteners, while shim washers provide precise spacing adjustments, ensuring proper alignment of components in aircraft assemblies.
Pins serve as crucial fastening elements for many aircraft systems, where they are often used for alignment, securing rotating parts, or providing quick-release functionality. While they may not be able to bear heavy loads like bolts or rivets, their role in ensuring proper mechanical operation is nonetheless vital.
In terms of common options, cotter pins are commonly paired with castle nuts to prevent unintentional loosening in high-stress environments. Clevis pins, which are essential in aircraft control linkages, allow for limited rotation while keeping components securely connected. As the last subtype we will cover, tapered pins are designed for precision alignment, ensuring stability in structural assemblies where accurate positioning is necessary.
For high-quality aircraft fasteners and any other aerospace components, trust Aero Bolt Solutions to meet your procurement needs. Operated by ASAP Semiconductor, an AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accredited distributor, our portal has a massive inventory of more than 2 billion parts, all thoroughly inspected for superior performance and longevity. You can contact us 24/7 throughout the year to meet your fulfillment needs, where our team will work closely with you to ensure that all requirements are addressed with care and efficiency. To begin the purchasing process, just fill out a Request for Quote (RFQ) form online. Once you successfully submit a form and we receive it, one of our representatives will connect with you within 15 minutes to provide timely fulfillment options.
We hope that you will visit us again the next time you need hardware and fasteners parts and make us your strategic purchasing partner.
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