Aircraft Bolts and Their Common Uses

Bolts are one of the most prevalent types of fasteners used for aircraft construction, playing a key role in securing everything from fuselage sections to landing gear assemblies. Unlike standard fasteners used in everyday applications like furniture or basic appliances, bolts used in aircraft must meet stringent requirements for reliably performing under extreme conditions like high stress, temperature fluctuations, and vibration that are typical in flight. Understanding the characteristics and uses of aircraft bolts is vital for ensuring the safety and performance of any aircraft, so read on as we provide a brief overview.

While coming in a number of shapes and designs to accommodate specific assembly needs, a majority of aircraft bolts will be constructed from materials like steel, titanium, and aluminum alloys that each provide specific characteristics that are advantageous for aviation options. For example, steel bolts are commonly used in structural applications where their high strength promotes integrity and stability, and these fasteners are often coated with cadmium or zinc for added corrosion resistance. Titanium bolts, meanwhile, are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion, which drives their use in areas like the fuselage and wings where weight reduction without reducing strength is critical. Aluminum alloy bolts, while not as strong as steel or titanium options, offer the advantage of being lighter despite having ample strength, ensuring they can still be dependable in less critical applications.

Aircraft bolts are generally identified and classified by individual part numbers that are assigned by manufacturers and entities to organize offerings, such information sometimes serving to indicate specific characteristics like diameter, length, thread type, and standard. To illustrate how part numbers can hold important forms of data, we will use the popular AN8-26A bolt as an example. The "AN" prefix in the part number stands for "Air Force-Navy," indicating that it meets rigorous standards set by these specific branches of the United States military. The "8" that follows the initial prefix refers to the diameter of the bolt in 1/16-inch increments, while the "26" after the dash indicates the length in 1/8-inch increments. The "A" at the end of the part number provides final information that the fastener lacks a drilled head, which is sometimes required for safety wiring in specific applications. By providing key details like these, this system of identification ensures that bolts can be accurately identified for correct and consistent use in aircraft assembly and maintenance.

While aviation bolts and fasteners are specifically designed to handle the various rigors of flight, they will still face wear and tear over time. As such, they will need to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis, following all manufacturer recommendations and mandated maintenance schedules. If any bolts are identified as damaged, faulty, or otherwise unable to be considered airworthy, they must immediately be repaired or replaced before the aircraft returns to operations.

If you find yourself in need of high-quality aircraft bolts and related fasteners, Civil Aircraft Supplies is your one-stop shop with over 2 billion in-stock items currently offered. Whether you are looking for specific part numbers or simply wish to explore, our curated catalogs and search tools will ensure that you find all operational needs quickly and easily. We also

For anyone seeking high-quality aircraft bolts and related fasteners, Civil Aircraft Supplies offers a wide range of options to meet the needs of various aviation applications. Whether you are looking for specific part numbers like AN8-26A or require assistance in selecting the right aerospace nuts and bolts for your project, Civil Aircraft Supplies provides the competitive procurement solutions necessary to ensure your aircraft remains safe and operational. To learn more about our various services and how we can specifically address your operational needs, get in touch with one of our industry experts today!