What Are Grease Fittings Used For?

Grease fittings offer a simple and effective way to protect mechanical components from friction-related damage. Also known as zerk fittings, they are designed to feed lubricant. With a constant supply of lubricant, mechanical parts won’t be exposed to premature wear … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to High-Speed Steel (HSS) Drill Bits

When shopping for drill bits, you may come across high-speed steel (HSS). They are a popular choice for consumer and commercial drilling applications alike. HSS drill bits, however, aren’t the same as conventional steel drill bits. What Are HSS Drill … Read More

What Are Quarter-Turn Fasteners and How Do They Work?

Fasteners aren’t limited to traditional nuts and bolts. There are dozens of different types of fasteners, each of which features a unique design. In the aerospace industry, for instance, quarter-turn fasteners are commonly used. What Are Quarter-Turn Fasteners? Quarter-turn fasteners … Read More

5 Common Types of Rivets You Need to Know

Rivets are commonly used in the aerospace industry to secure two or more parts together. They are permanent fasteners that, once installed, won’t loosen due to vibrations or other external forces. While most rivets feature a cylindrical body, though, they … Read More

The Benefits of Toothed Washers: What You Should Know

Toothed washers have become a popular alternative to traditional washers. Like all washers, they are used in conjunction with a threaded fastener. Washers distribute the load of a threaded fastener. Only toothed washers, however, feature serrations or “teeth.” What are … Read More

How to Use a Swaging Tool

To secure a metal wire or cable, you may need to use a swaging tool. Swaging tools are handheld tools that are designed to create a loop on the end of a metal wire. In many applications — particularly aerospace … Read More

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Drain Valves

Drain valves are commonly used to remove fluid from storage tanks and systems in airplanes. Like all valves, they regulate the flow of fluid. Drain valves, however, are used specifically for draining fluid. While they are all used for the … Read More

How to Choose Lock Washers

To protect nuts and bolts from loosening, you may want to use lock washers. Washers, of course, are designed to distribute the load of a threaded fastener. You can place a washer around a threaded fastener, such as a bolt, … Read More

How to Choose Loop Clamps

Loop clamps are commonly used to secure hoses around fittings. They consist of a single, solid piece of metal that’s shaped like a loop. At the base of a loop clamp is a pair of prongs. To install a loop … Read More