Washers play an important role in protecting equipment and related parts from damage. These ring-shaped fasteners are designed to distribute the load of a threaded fastener. Rather than placing a bolt directly through the equipment or parts, you can use … Read More
Fuses play an important role in protecting electronic devices from overcurrent-related damage. From appliances and light fixtures to flight instruments and radios, most electronic devices can only handle so much electricity. Overcurrent is a phenomenon in which the current to … Read More
Have you ever looked out the window of a commercial airliner, only to discover a pattern of small cracks in the glass? Upon seeing these cracks, you may assume the window is no longer safe. After all, commercial airliners have … Read More
Cotter pins offer a simple and effective fastening solution. As shown in the adjacent photo, they consist of a narrow, U-shaped piece of metal. Cotter pins are designed for use in rods or bolts. Assuming there’s a hole through the … Read More
Ever wonder why commercial airliners have oxygen masks? Before taking off, a flight attendant will typically conduct a safety demonstration. He or she will tell passengers to fasten their seatbelt, secure their luggage and place their table trays in the … Read More
When shopping for aerospace pipe fittings, you may come across reducer bushings. They look like most other fittings. Reducer bushings have threading that allows them to connect two pipes. Only reducer bushings, however, shrink or “reduce” the diameter of the … Read More
Have you ever tried to remove a nut or bolt, only to discover that it’s stuck? Fasteners are commonly used in airplanes to hold parts together. With the exception of rivets, most fasteners are removable, meaning you can remove them … Read More
Rudders play an important role in aviation. Located on the tail assembly of airplanes, they act as a primary flight control surface. Pilots can engage the rudders to change the airplane’s yaw. Even if you’re familiar with the general purpose … Read More
Aircraft cowlings must be secured so that they don’t open or fall off during flight. Most jet-engine airplanes, of course, have removable coverings over their engines. Known as cowlings, they reduce drag, improve airflow and promote cooling. If you own … Read More
