Aircraft hardware kits are designed to provide maintenance and repair professionals with various parts. These components are essential for ensuring proper aircraft operation. Aircraft hardware kits’ benefits include traceability, safety, and availability. These benefits make it an excellent choice for any aviation shop or maintenance department.

Safety

Aircraft hardware kits help maintain the safety and reliability of aircraft. They are designed to withstand the stresses of flight and are built to hold up under harsh conditions, including extreme heat and turbulence. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for proper installation is essential when using aircraft hardware. For example, a standard rule for mounting bolts is to align the shank with the aircraft’s center. However, some aircraft have clearances or other considerations that require a different orientation. In this case, the owner or mechanic must follow the manufacturer’s directions when installing hardware. Besides being an essential part of any aircraft project, aircraft hardware is also used to support a wide range of mechanical and electrical components and systems. For this reason, aircraft hardware must be thoroughly inspected before and after each operation. This inspection is crucial to ensuring the aircraft’s safety and avoiding costly repairs in the future.

Availability

One of the most significant advantages of using aircraft hardware kits is their availability. Whether working on a custom aircraft project or an airplane built from existing equipment, you always want the right tools. Consider purchasing a high-quality hardware kit to help ensure you have the necessary tools. These kits are usually available in an impact-resistant plastic toolbox drawer assembly organized, labeled, and filled by the type of hardware you need. They are made of corrosion-resistant steel and heat treated to provide strength above 125,000 psi. The best parts and fasteners will withstand the pressures of flight. If you need help identifying the suitable fasteners for your application, read through an aircraft plan or assembly manual. These will list the specific hardware used for a particular design and how to use it properly. They also provide a general overview of the different types of fasteners and where they should be located on an aircraft.

Traceability

Traceability is the ability to track and monitor a product throughout its lifecycle. It allows manufacturers to understand the path of a component, allowing them to identify issues and solve problems before they cause damage. It also helps manufacturers monitor the efficiency of their production processes and value streams, enabling them to improve operations continuously. With detailed product genealogy records, traceability gives them the visibility they need to see where bottlenecks occur and how to eliminate those problems. Traceability is a crucial aspect of quality control in many industries, including aerospace. Manufacturers, suppliers, and customers need to ensure that all necessary information is recorded and can be verified as it moves through the manufacturing process.

Cost

Aircraft hardware kits provide an organized system of identifying parts by number and letter, vital to maintenance and repair. Without such a system, it would be difficult to determine which bolts or screws are required for any particular job. Aviation hardware is generally designed to withstand high temperatures and fatigue. The design, supported by extensive research and experience, allows parts to reach their full reliability potential. However, even with the best designs, equipment and component failure is often due to wear, abrasion, or corrosion. As a result, predictive maintenance is employed to monitor for deterioration and replace components at a predetermined interval.