Notes on Tools and Equipment Used in Aircraft Maintenance

Ball Peen Hammers

  • Weight Range: Ball peen hammers range from 1 ounce to 2-3 pounds.
  • Design: One face is flat (for pounding) while the other is rounded (for peening).
  • Uses:
    • Flat face is used for general pounding; not for driving nails.
    • Ball end primarily used for peening rivets in commercial sheet metal work, but not in aircraft.

Mallets

  • Types:
    • Soft-faced mallets
    • Hard plastic tipped mallets
  • Materials: Early mallets used rawhide; modern ones use rubber or plastic.
  • Usage: Soft mallets are for forming and shaping aluminum alloys.

Punches

  • Punch Holder: Used to minimize self-injury; grips punches/chisels tightly.
  • Types of Punches:
    • Marking punches: for location marking.
    • Drift punches: to remove bolts/rivets.
    • Indent punches: to create starting points for drills.

Transfer Punches

  • Design: Small sharp points used to transfer measurements onto sheet metal.
  • Usage: Tap the prick punch with a hammer to mark positions.
  • Caution: Not suitable for driving pins/rivets due to delicate points.

Centre Punches

  • Purpose: Creates indentations in metal to start drill bits.
  • Design: Sharp point (60-degree angle) ensures the drill doesn’t wander.
  • Method: Punch must not distort metal but should be deep enough to aid drilling.

Pin Punches

  • Function: Primarily for removing rivets.
  • Procedure: Drill through rivet heads; use pin punch to push out the shank.
  • Backing: Thin sheet metal must be supported to avoid bending.

Starting Punches

  • Usage: To drive bolts/pins from their holes; tapered shank almost fills the hole.
  • Operation: Remove and then use a pin punch to drive the pin out.

Interlocking Joint Pliers

  • Alternate Name: Water pump pliers.
  • Function: Commonly used to tighten nuts on water pump shafts.
  • Design: Features curved grooves for interlocking adjustments.

Vice Grip Pliers

  • Description: Compact action, adjustable jaws with locking mechanism.
  • Usage: Effective for gripping and holding various items; available in different styles.

Duck Bill Pliers

  • Design: Long-handled, flat-nosed for gripping and twisting.
  • Application: Used for handling safety wire.

Needle Nose Pliers

  • Use: Effective for gripping small wires/components; often employed in electrical work.
  • Design Variability: Some have angled jaws for increased access.

Wire Locking Pliers

  • Function: Used for safety wiring; includes a built-in twister to secure wires tight.
  • Application: End wires are cut and curled after securing.

Diagonal Cutters

  • Function: Allow precise cuts in tight spaces; used for wiring and electronics.
  • Specialty Variants: Flush cutters produce a smooth cut edge.

Canon Plug Pliers

  • Function: Specifically designed for working with Cannon plug connectors.

Screwdrivers/Screwguns

  • Types:
    • Reversible-blade screwdriver.
    • Solid head screwdriver for specific tasks.
  • Usage Caution: Should not be misused as punches or prybars.

Ratchet Screwdrivers

  • Function: Accept interchangeable bits and feature a ratcheting mechanism.

Cross Point Screwdrivers

  • Types: Phillips and Reed & Prince screwdrivers, differing in design and function.
  • Significance: Care must be taken to use the correct type to avoid stripping screws.

Slot Screwdrivers

  • Guidance: Blade should fill at least 75% of screw slot width; should be sharp to avoid slipping.

Open Ended Spanners

  • Design: Opening in each end for fitting onto bolts/nuts, angled for better access.

Ring Spanner

  • Purpose: Used for tightly secured nuts with a box-end fitting.

Combination Spanner

  • Utility: Combines features of both open-end and box-end wrenches for flexibility.

Ratcheting Spanner

  • Description: Features an internal ratcheting mechanism for efficiency.

Deep and Standard Sockets

  • Purpose: Standard sockets fit most nuts; deeper sockets accommodate extended bolts.

Crowsfoot Socket

  • Function: Reaches difficult locations; available in various openings.

Ratchet Handles and Adapters

  • Benefit: Versatile handles with various configurations to enhance reach and function.

Approved Scrapers

  • Usage: Only approved plastic scrapers should be used to avoid damage to surfaces.

Allen Keys

  • Definition: Hex keys used for driving hexagonal bolts or screws.

Calibrated Tools and Equipment

  • Importance: Tools must be calibrated for precision; clear labeling of calibration status required.

Picks

  • Usage: Useful for debris removal, extracting small components like rings or fuses.

Company Tooling

  • Definition: Hangar-specific tools necessary for aircraft maintenance, not part of standard toolkits.

Tripod Jacks

  • Function: Used to lift aircraft for maintenance; must be correctly positioned and operated safely.

Lifting Aircraft

  • Guidelines: Follow detailed safety protocols for lifting and handling aircraft securely.

Axle Jack

  • Designed: For lifting gear components; operates hydraulically.

Thrust Reverser Hydraulic Pump

  • Purpose: Operates thrust reversers for engine maintenance; requires safety locks during use.

Wheel/Brake Change Dolly & Strut Inflation Tool

  • Usage: Mechanical aids for lifting/transport and inflating landing gear systems.

Torque Wrenches

  • Types: Comes in various designs and must remain calibrated for accurate torque application.