A Technical Guide to Selecting Bolts, Screws, and Rivets for Aircraft Structures

Aviation systems rely on a wide range of structural fasteners and aircraft hardware component solutions to securely join assemblies while maintaining strength and alignment under demanding operating conditions. Within this broader category, commonly used fasteners like bolts, screws, and rivets are selected for their distinct mechanical characteristics, which influence how they perform across different maintenance environments. In this blog, we will explore where these fasteners are routinely utilized in aircraft structures and outline key considerations that can guide effective selection across diverse aerospace applications.

Common Areas in Aircraft Employing Fastening Hardware

Where bolts, screws, and rivets are used in aircraft structures is shaped by differences in requirements across assemblies. As a result, each fastener type is typically associated with distinct structural roles within an airframe.

Bolts: Frequently used in primary and secondary structural joints like wing attachments, landing gear assemblies, and aircraft engine mounts, bolts are often selected for their ability to generate high clamping force.
Screws: Commonly found in access panels, avionics enclosures, and interior assemblies, screws are generally used in applications that require repeated removal for inspection or servicing tasks.
Rivets: Widely used throughout fuselage skins, wing structures, and other airframe assemblies, rivets are typically chosen for their ability to resist shear loads and withstand cyclic stress conditions over time.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Selecting Aircraft Fasteners?

Whether sourcing bolts, screws, rivets, or other fastener types, buyers should evaluate several key considerations to determine the most appropriate option for a given aircraft, including:

Dimensional Match: Aircraft fasteners should meet specified dimensional tolerances to ensure proper fit, alignment, and reliable load transfer within the assembled structure.
Material Compatibility: Materials that aircraft fasteners are made of should be carefully evaluated against adjacent components to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion and other adverse interactions.
Traceability Verification: Each aircraft fastener should be accompanied by applicable certifications and manufacturing trace documentation to confirm origin, quality, and conformance to airworthiness standards.
Standard Compliance: Selected fasteners should meet applicable regulatory requirements established by authorities like the FAA or EASA, ensuring approval for installation within certified aircraft environments.
Part Identification Accuracy: Part numbers, National Stock Numbers (NSNs), and other official reference data should be cross-checked during sourcing so that the correct fastener variant is identified before procurement takes place.

Where Can You Source Reliable Bolts, Screws, and Rivets for Aircraft Applications?

Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, Aerospace Aviation 360 is a reputable procurement platform for those seeking affordable options on new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find fasteners that are commonly used in aerospace applications. While other channels may ask you to decide between reliability, pricing, and timely delivery, we strike an optimal balance where you can routinely accommodate budgets and constraints without ever forgoing quality. Knowing how we intend to meet and exceed customer expectations with our wide range of offerings and services, do not hesitate to start perusing through our database at your earliest convenience.