What Are Power Bits and How Do They Work?

When shopping for driver bits, you may come across power bits. They are available in many of the same drive types as insert bits. Power bits, however, feature a unique design that distinguishes them from all other types of bits. … Read More

How to Choose a Grommet

Grommets offer a simple and effective way to protect parts from friction-related damage. Also known as eyelets, they are commonly used with cables. Rather than running a cable directly over a sharp edge, such as the back of a desk, … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to Push-On Retainers

Have you heard of push-on retainers? They offer a simple and effective fastening mechanism. As their name suggests, push-on retainers are designed to be “pushed on” objects. You can use them on any cylindrical object, such as a shaft or … Read More

6 Facts About LED Lighting

Lighting is an essential component of all airplanes. From cabin and cockpit lights to navigation lights, taxi lights and even headlights, they play a key role in visibility. Rather than only using incandescent lights, however, many airplanes now use light-emitting … Read More

What Is a Rivet Compression Tool?

If you’re planning to use solid rivets, you may want to invest in a rivet compression tool. Solid rivets, of course, are mechanical fasteners consisting of a smooth cylindrical shank and a round head. They are commonly used in applications … Read More

The Pros and Cons of Solid Rivets

Solid rivets are one of the most common types of mechanical fasteners used in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Like all rivets, they are designed to resist external forces, such as vibrations. Solid rivets, however, feature a solid construction that distinguishes … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to Cupped Washers

When shopping for washers, you may come across cupped washers. They are commonly used to distribute the load of threaded fasteners. Rather than only using a nut and bolt to secure two parts, for instance, you can use a cupped … Read More

What Are High-Pressure Shock Strut Valves?

High-pressure shock strut valves play an important role in many aircraft landing gear systems. Like with other valves, they are designed to control the flow of substances. While other valves control fluids, though, high-pressure shock strut valves control gas or … Read More

7 Myths About Rivets Debunked

Rivets play an important role in the aerospace industry. From the Airbus A380 to the Cessna 172, they are found in nearly all airplanes. Rivets are fasteners that, like nuts and bolts, are used to join parts. While nuts and … Read More