Nuts

If you use or own an aircraft then you know it's not taking off if all parts aren't held together. In aviation, it's all about fasteners. And if you think you don't need nuts without your bolts, well, let's just say there's something screwy with that logic. Styles Logistics (aka SkyGeek) has secured an assortment of nuts for the various applications used in aircraft construction and maintenance.

Nuts are one of the most common pieces of hardware. Whenever a bolt is required, this threaded fastener can be found as a mating component. Nuts are composed of metal (usually steel) and often coated with a surface treatment such as cadmium. Also, there are many types of nuts including acorn, lug, plate, and wing—just to name a few. Besides material and type, when deciding on purchasing a nut, thread size and width should be considered as well.

It's important to note that nuts are given strength ratings and thus graded according to compatibility with their mating bolts. For instance, a class 8 nut corresponds to a class 8 bolt. This means that that particular nut will support that particular bolt without worry of stripping.

A great way of figuring out what nut is best is by understanding that aircraft nuts can be separated into two broad groups: nonself-locking and self-locking. Self-locking nuts offer tight connections that remain secure despite vibrational forces. Examples of self-locking nuts are flexloc nuts and elastic two-lug anchor nuts. While self-locking nuts require no assistance, nonself-locking nuts must be secured via some external locking device, e.g. cotter pins and safety wire. Castle nuts, plain hex nuts, castellated shear nuts, and wing nuts are four of the most common nonself-locking nuts around.

SkyGeek continues to increase its inventory of nuts—especially those that conform to Air Force/Navy (AN) specifications. Remember: each series consists of variations in thread size and width and your selection should be made with that in mind. So browse through our site to find the right nut for the right bolt for the right assembly.