5 Common Types of Retaining Rings

Retaining rings offer a simple solution to secure parts onto a shaft or bore. Also known as snap rings, they are circular-shaped fasteners. You can slide a retaining ring over a shaft or into a bore. Retaining rings can secure … Read More

4 Common Characteristics of Sheet Metal Screws

Sheet metal screws are commonly used in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Most airplanes contain few or no wooden parts. Instead, they are made of metal parts. Sheet metal screws are used to fasten these metal parts. While wood screws are … Read More

What Are Slats on an Airplane?

Airplanes are equipped with a variety of flight control surfaces. The wings, for instance, typically feature several smaller flight control surfaces, including slats. What are slats on an airplane exactly, and how do they work? Overview of Slats Slats are … Read More

5 Facts About AN Bolts

Have you heard of AN bolts? They are commonly used in airplanes. Most airplanes have thousands of fasteners, with AN bolts being one of the most common types. While they look like ordinary threaded fasteners, though, AN bolts adhere to … Read More

What Are Self-Piercing Rivets and How Do They Work?

Airplanes contain other types of fasteners besides bolts and screws. While threaded fasteners such as these are common, many airplanes also contain rivets. Rivets are permanent fasteners that, unlike most threaded fasteners, are resistant to vibrations. Rivets are used to … Read More

Internal vs External Locking Washers: What’s the Difference?

Locking washers are available in different styles. There are internal and external locking washers. They both feature teeth that allow them to bite into the surface with which they are used. The placement of these teeth, however, varies. What’s the … Read More

3 Common Uses for Pulleys in Airplanes

Airplanes contain hundreds of electrical and mechanical devices. While some of these devices are complex, others are simple. Pulleys, for instance, are simple mechanical devices that are designed to apply a pulling force. Pulleys consist of one or more wheels … Read More

Pressure Plugs: Everything You Need to Know

When shopping for aerospace fasteners, you may come across pressure plugs. They are commonly used in the construction of airplanes. Whether narrow body or wide body, countless airplanes have pressure plugs. To learn more about pressure plugs and how they … Read More

What Are Fire Sleeves and Why Do Airplanes Have Them?

Have you heard of fire sleeves? They are commonly used in airplanes. As shown in the adjacent photo, fire sleeves consist of a hollow, sleeve-like tube. For a better understanding of fire sleeves, including why airplanes have them, keep reading. … Read More