MS hardware in an aircraft is a must quality. Bolts provide strength to certain areas of the aircraft. Other places do not require the same level of strength, and screws are appropriate substitutes. Because strength is so important to bolts, they are typically created using ingredients such as, alloy steel, stainless steel (also called corrosion resistant steel), titanium and aluminum alloys.
MS hardware is marked, and the marks appear on the heads of aircraft bolts. Do not use unmarked bolts for an aircraft because they are more than likely commercial grade. Each manufacturer has a unique marking. Normally, there is an asterisk or an X located on each bolt as well as a name. There is a single raised dash on the heads of stainless steel bolts, and aluminum bolts have two raised dashes on their heads. Aluminum bolts should be used carefully. They are not suitable for tension applications, and they are not made to be removed regularly for inspection.
Other MS hardware such as NAS bolts has greater tensile strength. They have a distinct cupped out head, and usually have a 160,000 psi. NAS or AN bolts may be close tolerance bolts. They have a recessed or raised triangle on their heads, and more care is placed into creating them. Close tolerance bolts are made to fit snuggly into certain applications.
AN20 and AN3 are the MS fasteners usually used in basic aircraft construction.
Both bolts have heads that are shaped like hexagons, and the shanks easily fit into the hole. The part of the bolt that is not threaded is called a grip. The threaded end of the bolt is called the shank. The width of a bolt’s grip is the diameter of the MS fastener. A shank is either drilled or undrilled. If it is drilled, it is to accept a cotter pin. When the heads of bolts are drilled, they are able to accept safety wires. There are also clevis bolts. They are manufactured for use in control cable applications, and they have slotted heads. The AN number indicates what material the bolt is made from as well as the size. AN bolts indicates that the bolt is created according to Air Force-Navy specs.
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