Fasteners and hardware

[Hendoii]

Can anyone demystify the hardware on these old cubs for me? Mine seems to have one type of every fastener known to man holding inspection plates on. Where do you source all of your hardware? Is it all stainless?

While we are on the subject, how do you pros keep the heads of all of your Phillips fasteners looking so pristine? Again, all of mine are chewed up from years of abuse! I’m determined to clean them all up and standardize to the best of my ability during my annual this year. Thanks!

 

[CubCruiser]

Can anyone demystify the hardware on these old cubs for me? Mine seems to have one type of every fastener known to man holding inspection plates on. Where do you source all of your hardware? Is it all stainless?

While we are on the subject, how do you pros keep the heads of all of your Phillips fasteners looking so pristine? Again, all of mine are chewed up from years of abuse! I’m determined to clean them all up and standardize to the best of my ability during my annual this year. Thanks!

Keeping stainless screws in good shape starts with using the highest quality of screwdrivers and selecting the best fitting size for the screw. You can dress some of the burrs with a needle file. Just know that most stainless screws are soft and it’s often cheaper and quicker to replace.

As to the different sizes, I suspect that as the holes got augered out, the next size up was selected.

 

[55-PA18A]

Not a pro, but use the right sized good quality screw driver. Keep them separate to use just on the plane. They do wear out. Using a pick to clean out the slots on the screw will allow the screw driver to seat all the way in and helps prevent grinding off the slots in the screw. Get one of those special rounded screw drivers to use on the fasteners in your upper and lower cowling. They really work well and you won’t scratch your paint,…as much.

 

[skywagon8a]

Can anyone demystify the hardware on these old cubs for me? Mine seems to have one type of every fastener known to man holding inspection plates on. Where do you source all of your hardware? Is it all stainless?

Stainless and conventional AN steel hardware have different shear strengths. Do not use stainless in places which are structural. Use only the correct approved hardware in these places. Inspection plates...OK.

 

[eskimo77]

Replace inexpensive screws every couple of years and use a quality screwdriver. Put fasteners for each panel in its own ziplock bag with the panel, quick and easy to reinstall with the correct fasteners (bags are cheap, buy a bunch). Request a free catalog from Genuine Aircraft Hardware, the best catalog for finding what you need that I've come across as an A&P. Great company to deal with as well, my highest recommendation.

Genuine Aircraft Hardware Co.

 

[bob turner]

I second the Genuine recommendation. They try harder. Saved me around $400 when I changed the Dec landing gear.

 

[md11freighter]

I used to use Columbia Airmotive in Troutdale Oregon for hardware….bummed to this day the Sturgis brothers closed it down. 2 generations of small airplane guys and at one time the worlds largest cache of B17 parts!
I use the regulars in Anchorage but no one stocks the inventory they had.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Inspection plates in most Pipers are held on with PK screws that are screwed into plastic grommets. Those holes wallow out over the years through repeated use. I started making aluminum inspection grommets years ago and sell them in kits per model. They last longer and you can also install Tinnerman nut plates in them. I use small zip tie ends to install in wallowed out holes and then start the screw and cut what is sticking out off with flush cutting dikes. https://www.pierceaero.com/all-products?Price=8.00-1060.00

 

[Hendoii]

Inspection plates in most Pipers are held on with PK screws that are screwed into plastic grommets. Those holes wallow out over the years through repeated use. I started making aluminum inspection grommets years ago and sell them in kits per model. They last longer and you can also install Tinnerman nut plates in them. I use small zip tie ends to install in wallowed out holes and then start the screw and cut what is sticking out off with flush cutting dikes. https://www.pierceaero.com/all-products?Price=8.00-1060.00

Thanks Steve, I ordered a set off your website. That is exactly the issue I’m having on the inspection plates on the vertical stab of my PA-18. What tinnermans/screws do you recommend back there? Mine has such a variety that I can’t tell what is original hardware. Thanks!

 

[Hendoii]

Not a pro, but use the right sized good quality screw driver. Keep them separate to use just on the plane. They do wear out. Using a pick to clean out the slots on the screw will allow the screw driver to seat all the way in and helps prevent grinding off the slots in the screw. Get one of those special rounded screw drivers to use on the fasteners in your upper and lower cowling. They really work well and you won’t scratch your paint,…as much.

Thanks! I’m not familiar with the special rounded screwdrivers but I will do some digging. I’d like to prevent scratches for sure

 

[Hendoii]

Replace inexpensive screws every couple of years and use a quality screwdriver. Put fasteners for each panel in its own ziplock bag with the panel, quick and easy to reinstall with the correct fasteners (bags are cheap, buy a bunch). Request a free catalog from Genuine Aircraft Hardware, the best catalog for finding what you need that I've come across as an A&P. Great company to deal with as well, my highest recommendation.

Genuine Aircraft Hardware Co.

Thanks! I ordered my catalog today

 

[bcone1381]

Research JIS screwdriver vs Phillips Head screwdriver. The JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) is a game changer.

 

[skywagon8a]

Research JIS screwdriver vs Phillips Head screwdriver. The JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) is a game changer.

Learned something new today, after after 3/4 of a century of wrenching. This will make your head spin. https://rtstools.com/jis-vs-phillips-screwdrivers-and-where-to-buy-a-jis-screwdriver/

 

[Steve Pierce]

Thanks Steve, I ordered a set off your website. That is exactly the issue I’m having on the inspection plates on the vertical stab of my PA-18. What tinnermans/screws do you recommend back there? Mine has such a variety that I can’t tell what is original hardware. Thanks!

We drill #45 holes in the aluminum grommets and install with #4 sheet metal screws. We use the T4X4 on new installs but if you are glueing to the back of the old grommet you might try the T4X6 screws. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/hapages/tha.php?clickkey=3010731

We use Stewart glue to glue the grommet inside the fuselage. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/09-41195.php

My Dad riveted these #6 Tinnerman nut plates to his grommets and used #6 screws to fasten the inspection plates to the grommets. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/hapages/anchorNas444.php