Ch01 Standard Methods and Practises
Ch01 Standard Methods and Practises
Ch01 Standard Methods and Practises
1.6 Nuts............................................................................................................................................ 9
AN310 CASTELLATED NUT ..................................................................................................... 9
AN315 PLAIN NUT .................................................................................................................. 10
AN316 CHECK NUT ................................................................................................................ 10
AN365 SELF-LOCKING FIBRENUT........................................................................................ 11
1.7 Washers................................................................................................................................... 11
1.9 Layouts.................................................................................................................................... 12
1.11 Edges..................................................................................................................................... 13
Throughout this manual various styles of “bullets” will be used to convey information, as a general rule
they will be used as follows:-
Advisory information.
• Lists of facts to be adhered to, factual information or consequences.
1) Methods or processes to be followed.
a. Sequence of steps within the Methods or Processes to be followed.
Please read the following information carefully, you will need to refer to it often throughout the
building process. It contains information on corrosion protection, drilling, deburring, gusset
building etc. Also included is a section on bolt and rivet selection to assist you in areas of the
manual where bolt or rivet sizes have not been indicated.
As a protective measure against corrosion, mating metal surfaces should be fully deburred,
cleaned with Acetone, and then coated liberally with primer. This provides a seal between the
surfaces to prevent corrosion and moisture ingress. It is a good practice to coat the end of the
rivet on the inside surface after installation.
As an optional measure, the rivets can be dipped in primer prior to installation. This provides
protection inside the hole and seals out moisture, be careful to avoid getting excess chromate
on the exterior surfaces.
Epoxy primer must be mixed in accordance with the manufacturers directions as displayed on
the containers. It is advisable to mix only the amount required at the time in a small container
for immediate use. However, it is possible to mix larger amounts for reuse but these must be
kept in a sealed container and stored in a freezer or refrigerator.
It is good practice to only use a #40 drill to make pilot holes when doing any assembly work. If
possible never drill to final hole size until assembly is complete and you are confident to do so.
This allows for any movement between parts or adjustment you may need to make which could
cause misalignment of the holes during final assembly.
Always make sure when drilling through multiple parts or layers that they are clamped together
tightly and there is no movement during drilling.
Always deburr holes on both sides of each part before final assembly.
Always keep work surfaces clean and free from swarf which can scratch and damage panels.
Note: Occasionally bolts, other than a standard bolt will be specified in the manual.
These have been specially selected to provide the necessary strength for the particular
connection, and where a standard bolt would not be strong enough. It is important that
the bolts specified are used where instructed.
Bolt Size Standard Nuts Shear Nuts Bolt Size Standard Nuts Shear Nuts
(MS20365, AN310, (MS20364, AN320, (MS20365, AN310, (MS20364, AN320,
AN315) AN316, AN23-31) AN315) AN316, AN23-31)
10-32 20-25 12-15 8-32 12-15 7-9
1/4-28 50-70 30-40 10-24 20-25 12-15
5/16-24 100-140 60-85 1/4-20 40-50 25-30
3/8-24 160-190 95-110 5/16-18 80-90 48-55
7/16-20 450-500 270-300 3/8-16 160-185 95-110
1/2-20 480-690 290-410 7/16-14 235-255 140-155
9/16-18 800-1000 480-600 1/2-13 400-480 240-290
5/8-18 1100-1300 660-740 9/16-12 500-700 300-420
* The above calculations were obtained from the Standard Aircraft Handbook.
Throughout the building process there will be instances where bolts are used to fasten parts or
materials together. Unless specified, it will be builder who determines the correct length of the
bolt to be used.
The “Rule of Thumb” for determining bolt length is that the bolt must be long enough to pass
through the parts or material being fastened together so that:
The threaded part of the bolt is never in shear [i.e. no threads are allowed inside hole].
No more than three and no less than one thread must be showing when the nut is attached and
tightened to the correct torque value.
Although it is not mandatory to use washers on steel or aluminum parts it is a good practise to
use one under the nut.
More precise determinations of Grip Length are found in a number of books including the
Standard Aircraft Worker’s Manual.
Bolt Identification
AN bolts may be obtained in the following materials:-
The coding symbols shown in the bolt identification number follow the basic AN [Dash] number and
identify the material required.
Figure 1.4.1 shows how the material of the bolt may be distinguished by bolt head markings.
Figure 1.4.1
Table 1 - Bolts
Dash AN3 AN4 AN5 AN6 AN7 AN8 AN9 AN10
Number 10-32 1/4-28 5/16-24 3/8-24 7/16-20 1/2-20 9/16/18 5/8-18
3 15/32 15/32
4 17/32 17/32 19/32
5 21/32 21/32 23/32 45/64 23/32
6 25/32 25/32 27/32 53/64 27/32 27/32 31/32
7 29/32 29/32 31/32 61/64 31/32 31/32 1-1/32 1-1/64
10 1-1/32 1-1/32 1-3/32 1-5/64 1-3/32 1-3/32 1-5/32 1-9/64
11 1-5/32 1-5/32 1-7/32 1-13/64 1-7/32 1-7/32 1-9/32 1-17/64
12 1-9/32 1-9/32 1-11/32 1-21/64 1-11/32 1-11/32 1-13/32 1-25/64
13 1-13/32 1-13/32 1-15/32 1-29/64 1-15/32 1-15/32 1-17/32 1-33/64
14 1-17/32 1-17/32 1-19/32 1-37/64 1-19/32 1-19/32 1-21/32 1-41/64
15 1-21/32 1-21/32 1-23/32 1-45/64 1-23/32 1-23/32 1-25/32 1-49/64
16 1-25/32 1-25/32 1-27/32 1-53/64 1-27/32 1-27/32 1-29/32 1-57/64
17 1-29/32 1-29/32 1-31/32 1-61/64 1-31/32 1-31/32 2-1/32 2-1/64
20 2-1/32 2-1/32 2-3/32 2-5/64 2-3/32 2-3/32 2-5/32 2-9/64
Note: To determine grip length, deduct the figure indicated below from the lengths shown in
table 1.
AN3 » 13/32 AN4 » 15/32 AN5 » 17/32 AN6 » 41/64 AN7 » 21/32
AN8 » 25/32 AN9 » 29/32 AN10 » 61/64 AN12 » 1-3/32 AN14 » 1-1/4
AN16 » 1-3/8 AN18 » 1-1/2 AN20 » 1-11/16
Table 2 - Screws
Table 3 - Clearance Drill Sizes for AN Bolts, Screws and Cotter Pins
1.6 Nuts
Figure 1.6.1
The AN310 Castle Nut is designed to be used in conjunction with a cotter pin for safe tying. The nut
may be used in tension and on assemblies that turn on the bolt or vice versa. This nut is used primarily
with the AN3 to AN20 series bolt.
An AN310 Aluminum nut [D]for use on a 1/4 in [4] bolt. Thread from table - 1/4-28NF-3.
Figure 1.6.2
The AN315 Plain Nut may be safe tied through the use of a shakeproof or lock washer, and may be
used in conjunction with the AN3 to AN16 series bolt. The nut is available in right [R] or left [L] hand
thread.
Figure 1.6.3
This nut is used as a check nut to eliminate travel of other nuts or parts on the threads of a bolt or rod.
This nut must not be used in tension or shear. The AN316 nut may be had in either right [R] or left [L]
hand thread.
Figure 1.6.4
The Fibrenut is used extensively throughout the aircraft. Because of the locking ability of the fibre in the
nut, cotter pins or lock washers are not needed. It is unsafe to use the same fibrenut more than once
or twice as the nylon wears with each tightening, eventually loosing its locking strength completely.
During build, if a step calls for repeated nut use on the same bolt always substitute a plain nut until the
final install.
1.7 Washers
Figure 1.7.1
Note: - The AN970 washer provides a greater bearing area than the AN960 plain washer, and is
used to prevent local crushing of the surface.
The protective plastic film [if present] on the aluminum should be left on for as long as possible during
the assembly of your aircraft. This helps to prevent the aluminum parts from being scratched.
1.9 Layouts
When marking out, use a ‘fine tip’ felt pen for accuracy. It will show up well and does not wipe off
easily until cleaned. Always clean off markings with a solvent [M.E.K. works well] prior to final assembly
as some inks may prove corrosive if left on.
1.10 Deburring
A cordless screwdriver with a drill bit installed can speed things up, but be very careful as it is
easy to remove too much metal! Try on a scrap piece of metal first to ‘get the feel’. Do not use a
cordless drill.
With a swivel deburring tool, insert tool into hole and turn once. Generally the tool only deburrs
one side; you may have to repeat it for the opposite side of the material.
Figure 1.10.1 shows the profile of correct and incorrect [overdone] deburred holes.
Figure 1.10.1
1.11 Edges
All edges should be filed to remove shear or tin snip marks and the corners ‘Chamfered’ with a file, as
shown in Figure 1.11.1.
Figure 1.11.1
All flange ends should have corners rounded or chamfered at 45 degrees and filed to remove sharp
edges and burrs. See Figure 1.11.2.
Figure 1.11.2
Always have the largest possible radius in the corner or bend for strength.
Figure 1.12.1
Edge distance is simply the distance from the center of the rivet or bolt hole to the edge of the skin,
flange or fitting. The proper edge distance is required to ensure that the rivets or bolts are not ripped
from their location because of inadequate shear strength.
The ‘rule of thumb’ is that the edge distance from center line of the hole to edge of material should
always equal twice the rivet/bolt diameter.
At Murphy Aircraft we normally allow and additional 1/16” allowance in case we need to drill to the next
size or trim material back. To go any greater dimension than this does not increase the strength, it just
adds extra weight and can be unsightly.
A circle template will assist you in laying out edge distance, they are cheap and easily obtainable
at most office or school supply store.
Always make sure that you have adequate edge distance on your parts.
Rule of thumb for edge distance is: Rivet or bolt diameter X 2
i.e. 1/8” rivet X 2 = 1/4” edge distance
or 3/16” bolt X 2 = 3/8” edge distance
Avoid more than 2 1/2 times edge distance
1.14 Riveting
The standard rivet used in all Murphy aircraft is the Avex rivet. Many people mistakenly refer to them
as pop rivets. “Pop” is a brand name. The correct terminology is blind rivet which simply means it can
be used from one side only. There are considerable differences between the Avex rivet and the more
common pop rivet.
Never substitute a pop type rivet for the Avex rivets.
In the kit there are three diameters of rivets, 1/8”, 5/32” and 3/16”. They come in various
lengths. There are also two head styles, countersunk and domed. In addition, there are two
materials, aluminum and stainless steel. The stainless steel rivets are used in a few locations,
normally in high shear application. In your kit you will also find a number of large head all
aluminum rivets. These rivets are non-structural and are used in installing the windows.
Always check carefully with the instructions to ensure you use the correct diameter, lengths, heads
and material of rivet for the various locations and applications.
Always check that you are using the proper grip length rivet for the job you are doing.
i.e. 1/8” X 1/8” rivet [refers to diameter x grip length] will secure only up to 1/8” of
material thickness, just as a 1/4” grip length rivet will secure only up to 1/4” of material.
Make sure the rivet is all the way into the hole and that the parts being riveted have not pulled away
from each other or separated.
Keep rivet gun square to the work when pulling rivets.
Rivet Chart
Rivet Number Rivet Diameter & Length
RV-1410 Rivet, 1/8" x 3/16" Avex
RV-1414 Rivet, 1/8" x 5/16" Avex
RV-1512 Rivet, 5/32" x 1/4" Avex Note:
RV-1521 Rivet, 5/32" x 1/2" Avex Length is the Maximum material
RV-1613 Rivet, 3/16" x 1/4" Avex thickness that can be riveted.
RV-1619 Rivet, 3/16" x 3/8" Avex
RV-1621 Rivet, 3/16" x 1/2" Avex In the Rivet chart:
RV-1631 Rivet, 3/16" x .781 Avex • LH = LARGE HEAD
RV-2621 Rivet, 3/16" x 1/2" Avex LH • CKS = COUNTERSUNK OR FLUSH
RV-2631 Rivet, 3/16" x .781 Avex LH • S.S = STAINLESS STEEL
RV-4412 Rivet, 1/8" x 3/16" CSK Avex • CLOSED END = TANK RIVET
RV-4621 Rivet, 3/16" x .500 CSK Avex • ALUM = ALL ALUMINUM
RV-4514 Rivet, 5/32" x 3/8" CSK Avex
RR-5402 Rivet, 1/8" x 1/8" S.S.
RR-5404 Rivet, 1/8" x 1/4" S.S.
RR-5406 Rivet, 1/8" x 3/8" S.S.
RR-5408 Rivet, 1/8" x 1/2" S.S.
RR-5602 Rivet, 3/16" x 1/8" S.S.
RR-5604 Rivet, 3/16" x 1/4" S.S.
RR-5606 Rivet, 3/16" x 3/8" S.S.
RR-6602 Rivet, 3/16 x 1/8 Closed End
RR-6406 Rivet, 1/8" x 3/8" Closed End
RR-6604 Rivet, 3/16 x 1/4 Closed End
RR-6606 Rivet, 3/16 x 3/8 Closed End
RV-6614 3/16" x 1/2 SS Varigrip
RR-7402L Rivet, 1/8" x 1/8" Fabric
RR-7404L Rivet, 1/8 x 1/4" Large Head Al.
RR-7408 Rivet, 1/8 x 1/2 " Aluminum
RR-8402 Rivet, 1/8 x 1/8 Al/SS
RR-6402 Rivet, 1/8 x 1/8" Closed End
RR-6403 Rivet, 1/8 x 3/16 Closed End
RR-6404 Rivet, 1/8 x 1/4 Closed End
MS2047OADS Rivet, 1/8 " Solid Shank
RR-7604 Rivet, 3/16" x 1/4" Alum
RR-5608 Rivet, 3/16" x 1/2" S/S/
riv-1 Rivet, 1/8" x 5/16" SS
riv-2 Rivet, 5/32" x 1/4" SS
Since pure aluminum weighs one-third as much as steel, aluminum alloy solid-shank rivets are
lighter than many other fasteners. Their lightness is an advantage, but it limits their usefulness:
Solid-shank rivets greater than 1/2 inch in diameter are not used. However, the allowable range,
between 3/32” and 1/2” in diameter, offers enough variety for the needs of most typical aircraft
construction or repairs.
There are three steps involved in planning and executing a solid-shank rivet joint for structural repair,
layout, installation, and inspection.
The chart below shows the rivet sizes, drill sizes, Cleco colors, bucking bar weights, minimum edge
distances, and minimum rivet pitches for layout and installation of the commonly used solid-shank
rivets.
Rivet Diameter Drill Size Cleco Color Bucking Bar Weight Edge Distance Rivet Pitch
3/32 40 Silver 2-3.0 lbs 6/32 9/32
1/8 30 Copper 3-4.0 lbs 1/4 3/8
5/32 21 Black 3-4.5 lbs 10/32 15/32
3/16 11 Gold 4-5.0 lbs 6/16 9/16
Rivet spacing is important when laying out rivets to obtain a joint which is structurally sound and
aesthetically balanced. The layout of rivets may be in rows abreast or transverse. One of the
advantages of placing rivets in transverse row is that it reduces rivet failure along the metal’s grain
structure. Rivets laid out in rows abreast have a greater tendency to fail along the grain.
Rivet Pitch
Rivet pitch is the distance between one rivet [and row of rivets] and the next rivet [or row of rivets].
Some handbooks refer to rivet pitch as gage.
Note:-
Figure 1.16.1
Edge distance [as previously described] is the distance from the edge of the metal to the center of the
first rivet or row of rivets. On aircraft, the minimum edge distance is 2D and the maximum is 4D. If an
edge distance is larger than 4D, the edges may curl upwards and not lie flat. When aircraft rivets are
installed, if using less that 2D edge distance, the bearing edge strength of the metal will be weakened.
All rivet holes must be center punched prior to drilling, this will prevent the drill from ‘walking’ over the
surface of the metal and defacing it. The indentation made by a center punch must be hard enough to
catch the point of the drill, yet light enough to prevent denting the surrounding mental.
Proper drill selection depends upon the size of the rivet being used. The hole for a solid-shank rivet is
drilled approximately .002 to .004 of an inch larger than the nominal rivet diameter.
A rivet that is driven into a properly prepared hole needs to be sized according to diameter and length
so that a correct size bucktail can be formed. Figure 1.16.2 shows the width and height of a normally
driven bucktail.
Figure 1.16.2
The use of thin skins on many light aircraft requires that the upset rivet head be 0.66 times the
diameter of the rivet height, and 1.33 inches times the diameter of the rivet wide.
To determine the rivet length for a particular job, the thickness of all the metal parts must be known.
The total thickness of all the individual thickness of the metal to be secured is referred to as the grip
length. The grip length plus 1.5D is the proper length of the rivet, see Figure 1.16.3.
Figure 1.16.3
The hand tool used to drive a rivet is called a pneumatic rivet gun or rivet hammer. Rivet guns are
normally powered by compressed air and are classified as light-, medium-, or heavy-hitting.
• A light-hitting gun is used to install 3/32 and 1/8 inch diameter rivets.
• Medium-hitting guns are used to install 5/32 and 3/16 inch diameter rivets.
• Heavy-hitting guns are used to install larger diameter rivets and some special fasteners.
There are two types of gun sets, one for universal head rivets and one for countersunk.
• The universal gun set is sized to fit the various shapes of manufactured heads on the rivet’s
driven end. The opposite end of the universal gun set fits into the rivet gun barrel and is held in
place by a beehive retainer spring.
• The countersunk gun set fits all sizes of flush head rivets. The countersunk rivet cannot use the
beehive retainer ring. The countersunk rivet set uses a specially designed retainer spring.
The tool used to form an upset head while using a pneumatic rivet gun is called a bucking bar.
Bucking bars are made in various shapes, sizes and weights. The weight of the bucking bar
must be proportional to the size of the rivet.
To obtain a proper upset head, a good technique to use is shown in Figure 1.17.1. As the gun is
firing, press the bucking bar firmly against the forming rivet shank and roll the bar slightly. This
rolling action will aid in the formation of a barrel-shaped buck tail.
If the bucking bar is too light for the size of rivet and gun, the metal will bend toward the bucktail. If the
bucking bar is not held firmly against the rivet shank, the metal will bend away from the gun.
The face of the bucking bar must be smooth with no nicks or scars. The presence of nicks or scars on
the face of the bucking bar will mark the bucktails and could lead to rivet failure.
All scarred or marked bucktails must be drilled out and replaced with fresh, unmarked rivets.
Figure 1.17.1
Figure 1.18.1
Two shorthand methods of coding are used to identify all aircraft rivets.
For example: - AN470AD4-5, or MS20470AD4-5.
• AN means Air Force-Navy and MS20 means Military Standards 20.
• 470 designate a universal style rivet head.
• AD refers to the alloy 2117T4.
• The hyphenated numbers designate the rivet diameter in thirty-seconds of an inch and the length
in sixteenths of an inch. Thus, in this example, 4 means 4/32nds-inch diameter, and 5 means
5/16ths-inch length.
Although the AN and MS20 methods of cataloguing rivets are similar, it is important to be consistent in
which of the two methods are used when ordering or identifying rivets. The rivet code is also used in
blueprints, drawings, and technical manuals.
Four styles of rivet heads are used to construct an aircraft: round, flat, universal, and
countersunk. The latter two being the most commonly used.
Figure 1.19.1 is a cross-sectional view of the universal and countersunk head rivets, showing
their diameters and lengths.
Figure 1.19.1
Universal head rivets, also known as protruding head rivets, are used internally in structural
areas and on the skin surfaces of low to medium speed aircraft. A universal head rivet can with
stand a much stronger bearing load than a countersunk rivet because the head is installed flat
and binding on the surface of the riveted metal while the countersunk rivet is installed into a
machine-tapered well.
The universal head rivet is a combination of several older head styles. When rivets were first
used, various rivet head styles were available. Round head (AN430) rivets were used internally
on high strength structural areas. The flat head (AN442) rivet was used in tight areas where the
round head could not be installed. Some modern jet aircraft still use round and flat head rivets
in structural areas.
Aircraft built prior to World War II were low speed aircraft, so a smooth aerodynamic air flow
over the wing was not a major concern. As the speed of the aircraft increased, the need for
smaller protruding head rivets accounted for the development of a modified brazier head (456),
which causes less drag than larger protruding head rivets. Today, brazier head rivet styles are
likely to be found only on aircraft built before 1955. Because the rivet sets used to drive rivets
other than universals are difficult to obtain today, the older styles can be replaced by universal
head rivets. Advisory Circular 43.14-1 explains the procedure.
As aircraft speeds increased, the need for smooth airfoils led to the development of the
o o
countersunk rivet. After experimenting with head angles of 78 , 90 and on high-speed jet
o o
fighters, 110 , the aircraft industry adopted a 100 standard. All of these experiments were
attempts to increase the bearing strength of the rivet head around the skin.
The countersunk rivet has to be installed in a depression in such a way as to be flush with the
surface of the skins it is holding together. The depression in the skin is called a nest or a well.
The well can be made using a freehand or microstop countersink cutter.
Whenever the metal is cut to form a well or nest, the area around the rivet head is weakened. To
compensate for this loss of strength, aircraft manufactures must install a greater number of
rivets in order to increase bearing and shearing strengths. Figure 1.21.1 shows how
countersunk rivets re installed, by either machine or dimple methods
To remedy the loss in bearing strength caused by machine countersinking, the NACA (National
Advisory Commission for Aeronautics) developed a method of countersinking that has been
adopted by aircraft manufacturing companies.
Figure 1.21.1
o o
Two different angles may be cut into the top skin, 60 or 82 . Military aircraft were the first to use the
60o well on some of the older jet fighters. The 82o well is used when installing wing slugs on the Boeing
o
747. On some aircraft, a universal is installed from the inside of the wing and driven into an 82 well.
Installing rivets using either the 60o or 82o NACA countersink method makes them as strong as
universal head rivets. When coldworked, the bucktail formed in the 60o or 82o angle well is stronger
than the conventional countersink riveting method because the driven head is packed into its well,
creating a much stronger head than the regular countersunk rivet can produce.
1.22 Dimpling
Thin skins are never machine countersunk, because the cutter will go completely through the
thin skin into the second skin and reduce the bearing strength around the countersunk rivet
head. There is an alternative process called ‘dimpling’, which solves this problem.
Dimpling can be done in two ways, cold dimpling or hot dimpling [for thicker aluminum alloys,
not discussed in this document]. Cold dimpling of sheet metal skins is done on material less
than 0.040 of an inch thick if countersunk rivets are required. The benefit of cold dimpling is
that it produces stronger shearing and bearing strengths in the joint than would a driven
universal head rivet of the same size.
Dimpling bars or sets can be made in the shop by cutting steel stock to the same size as the
rivet to be used, and then setting a microstop countersink to cut about 0.015 of an inch deeper
than the rivet head.
To use the dimpling bar, drill a hole into the sheet metal just as you would for a universal head
rivet, place the dimpling bar under the rivet hole and insert a countersink rivet. Using a rivet
gun with a mushroom head set or a ball peen hammer, tap the rivet head into the dimpled well.
Because dimpling does not produce the flushness of a machine countersunk rivet, be careful
not to hit the area around the head too hard, or the metal surrounding the rivet will stretch,
creating a problem which could be difficult to remedy. Metal that becomes stretched must be
removed and replaced either by a patch or by changing a complete skin panel.
There are three places to check when inspecting a rivet joint: The MFG [manufactured] head,
the shop head, and the skin around the rivet heads. Any damage to either of the two rivet heads
is not critical because rivets can be drilled out and replaced.
Note: Never oversize the hole when drilling out a damaged rivet!
The procedure for removing rivets depends upon the situation. If, for example, an aircraft has extensive
damage to a wing leading edge or a section of the spar, the mechanic will remove the damaged metal
as well as some of the parts that are still useable. In removing rivets from reusable aircraft parts, it is
essential that the rivet holes do not become oversized.
The correct way to remove the rivets is as follows:-
1. File a flat spot on all protruding head rivets except the 2117 rivets.
2. Center punch each MFG head.
3. Back up each rivet with a bucking bar.
4. Select a drill ONE SIZE SMALLER THAN THE RIVET BEING REMOVED.
5. Drill each rivet to only the depth of the MFG. head.
6. Use a pin punch, the same size as the drill, to snap off the drilled MFG. heads.
7. Back up each remaining stem by tapping out the shank without stretching the metal.
A different procedure is followed in removing the occasional rivet badly driven during re-
assembly.
1. Such rivets should be removed by the same size drill as the rivets being installed.
2. Drill the depth of the MFG. head only.
3. Lightly tap off the MFG. head.
4. Gently knock out the remaining shank.
Figure 1.23.1 illustrates an assortment of faulty rivets which must be removed and replaced. The most
troublesome rivet fault is a clinched rivet, which results from improper bucking action. The rivet forms
to one side, which can lead to a corrosive condition at a later date. Rivets that crack do so because
they became too hard while the bucktail was forming. This is a result of hitting the rivet too lightly or
allowing an icebox* rivet to recover its age hardening by keeping it out of the freezer too long before
driving.
* Icebox rivet is a nickname given to rivets made of alloy 2017T4, more than 3/16 of an inch in
diameter, and all rivets of the alloy 2024T4.These two alloys are too hard to drive in their original
heat-treated condition. They must be re-heat treated and kept in a frozen condition until ready for
use.
Figure 1.23.1
Fairings, cowlings and wing tips for the aircraft are fiberglass; you will be required to work with
fibreglass to fit these parts. You will be required to purchase enough fiberglass cloth, resin and
catalyst to complete and fit these parts.
It is highly recommended that the builder review the construction of the fairing sections at this
time in order to understand the work they need to perform.
As the windshield installation involves the use of fiberglass, it is suggested that the builder install
the windshield before working on the fairings. This will give the builder practice using fiberglass.
If a builder chooses to follow our instructions, a proven fairing will result; the builder may also
employ some of his/her own creativity into the construction.
Keep the weave of the cloth straight and mark your cuts with a black felt pen. Cut the cloth with
sharp scissors.
If the fiberglass cloth lies smoothly while dry, it will easily conform to the mold when wetted out
with resin.
Keep the fiberglass cloth clean. If possible, keep it in an area away from where you will be using
the resin. Oil, dirt or solvents will deteriorate the cloth and prevent the resin from properly
bonding to the cloth.
It is much easier to handle fiberglass cloth if you spread it over a smooth slick surface. Keep the
loose ends of the fiberglass trimmed if possible.
Keep all necessary tools at hand. Ensure you have good light and work in a well ventilated area.
Keep the room temperature between 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Always abide by the instructions and warning labels provided on the resin containers.
Allow yourself plenty of time to work with the fiberglass and resin.
If more information is required about the use of fiberglass or lay-up procedures, an excellent reference
book is Sportplane Construction Techniques by Tony Bingelis. This book can be purchased at any EAA
Bookstore or EAA Chapter.
A gusset is a flat, often triangular plate, used to connect and reinforce a joint where several
members meet at different angles. In this section we show the method by which gussets can be
made easily and that will fit and function correctly.
Figure 1.25.1
1. Where a gusset is required, decide the size and number of rivet holes to be reinforced. Cut a
piece of the appropriate material to a size greater than the holes to be covered. See Figure
1.25.1.
3. If unable to backdrill, another method to transfer the hole pattern needs to be sought.
5. Draw circles around the end holes to mark out the shape of the gusset. As shown in Figure
1.25.2. The radius of the circle should be two times the hole diameter.
Figure 1.25.2
Figure 1.25.3
NOTE: This method will also work for odd shaped gussets. Follow the rivet pattern, mark out
the circles and shape by the same method as described above.
WARNING –
When using sealants:-
• Always wear good quality rubber gloves.
• Avoid getting sealant on your skin. If sealant does get on to your skin, use a brush and soapy
water to remove. – do not use solvent, M.E.K. etc. on skin.
• Always work in a well ventilated area.
To prepare surfaces ready for applying sealant, use a Scotchbrite pad and scuff surfaces well.
Immediately before applying sealant, ensure all surfaces are clean and free of dust particles.
The sealant used is a two part mixture. It is very important that the mix ratio specified by the
manufacturer is adhered to exactly and that it is used at room temperature. Improper mix ratio or
too low a temperature may slow or stop the sealant from curing.
A small inexpensive digital scale is very useful in ensuring the right mixture.
Only mix enough sealant to do the job, it cannot be stored. It is better to under estimate and run out
before completing an assembly. You can always mix a little more to finish up. Working time is
about 2 hrs.
The best way to mix the sealant is on a flat sheet of material, such as aluminum. Use a putty knife
or a piece of aluminum to mix.
When mixing, scrape sealant upwards from mixing surface to make ensure a complete and smooth
and even mix.
How much do I use? - After riveting you should see a small amount of sealer being squeezed out
all along the joint.
Don’t -use a brown sulphite sand paper -this paper, when wet, will cause corrosion
Follow the instructions that come with the nico press tools you use. It is very important that a
GO-NO gauge or callipers are used after crimping to ensure the crimping is complete.
The following is a standard practice for manufacturing the push pull tubes used throughout the aircraft.
The example shown is for the 1/4” (HM-4M) Rod End Bearing in 3/4” x .035 tubing. Other combinations
are:
• 1/4” HM-4M Rod End Bearing, AN316-4 Jam Nut and CC-28 End Plug for 1” x .058 tubing
• 5/16” HM-5M Rod End Bearing, AN316-5 Jam Nut and CC-30 End Plug for 1” x .058 tubing.
To determine the length of the tubing between the two Rod End Bearings:-
Figure 1.29.1
Calculate or measure the total length required between centers of the rod end bearings.
Add together: 2 x the head of the end plugs and 2 x [the thickness of the jam nut plus 3 to 5
threads plus distance from top thread to center of the rod end].
On the tube draw a line 3/8” in from both ends and layout an equally spaced rivet pattern of 6
holes
Drill #30 holes. Remove the End Plugs. Deburr, zinc chromate and re-install the parts
1.30 Reamers
The reamer is a tool used to produce holes of very close tolerances. Reamers are available in a range
of sizes and types to cover the various hole diameters.
In using the reamer there are several pointers that bear mentioning:
Be sure the reamer is lined up perfectly with the hole.
Never remove more than 0.012 of material in one operation.
A reamer should never be turned backward after the reaming operation has been started.
ELASTIC LIMIT The maximum stress that a metal will withstand without permanent
deformation.
FATIGUE A term used to describe the progressive failure of a metal part under
conditions of cyclic loading.
MALLEABILITY The ease with which a metal may be hammered or deformed under
compression without cracking or fracturing.
TENSILE STRENGTH The maximum unit stress that a material can be stretched to
fracture-sometimes referred to as “ultimate strength”.
WORKABILITY A general term applied to metals which refers to the ease with which
a metal may be formed (worked).
YIELD POINT The minimum unit loading which will produce permanent
deformation.
Turnbuckle assemblies are used with control cables to provide desired cable tension. They are made in
a range of sizes and in both long “L” and short “S” assemblies. The long assembly is indicated by the
letter “L” and the short assembly is indicated by the letter “S” following the dash number. The size is
given by the dash number indicating the rated strength of the assembly in hundreds of pounds. The
assemblies are made up of three parts (1 barrel and 2 ends). The barrel is made of brass and the ends
of 2330 nickel steel heat treated by 125,000 lbs / sq. in. and cadmium plated. The threads on all parts
are Class 3NF
Figure 1.32.1
General: Make safe all turnbuckles with safety wire using either the double or single wrap
method, or by using any appropriately approved special ‘safe-tying’ device complying with the
requirements of FAA Technical Standard Order TSO-C21. The swaged and unswaged
turnbuckle assemblies are covered by AN Standard Drawings.
Ensure the correct safety wire sizes and materials are used.
Do not reuse safety wire.
Adjust the turnbuckle to the correct cable tension so that no more than three threads are exposed
on either side of the turnbuckle barrel.
Do not lubricate turnbuckles.
Double Wrap Method of using safety wire for ‘safe-tying’ turnbuckles, this is the preferred
method, although either of the other methods described is satisfactory.
The method of double wrap ‘safe-tying’ is shown in Figure 1.33.1.
1. Use two separate lengths of the proper wire.
2. Run one end of the wire through the hole in the barrel of the turnbuckle and bend the end of the
wire towards opposite ends of the turnbuckle.
3. Pass the second length of the wire into the hole in the barrel and bend the ends along the barrel on
the side opposite the first.
4. Spiral the two wires in opposite directions around the barrel to cross each other twice between the
center hole and the ends.
5. Pass the wires at the end of the turnbuckle in opposite directions through the holes in the
turnbuckle eyes or between the jaws of the turnbuckle fork.
6. Lay one wire along the barrel and wrapping the other at least four times around the shank of the
turnbuckle, binding the laid wires in place before cutting the wrapped wire off.
7. Wrap the remaining length of safety wire at least four turns around the shank and cut it off.
8. Repeat the procedure at the opposite end of the turnbuckle.
Note: If it is not possible to enlarge the hole enough to allow passage of both wires, pass one
wire through the hole and loop it over the free end of the other wire, and then wrap both ends
around the shank as described.
Figure 1.40.1
Figure 1.34.1
The last page of this section contains instructions for building a work table, if you do not have one. Any
table will do as long as it is sufficient in size and robust enough to build all the components on. The
most important and critical thing is to ensure that the table is absolutely flat, containing no twists. Any
twist in the table will translate into twisted aircraft sections, which usually results in an aircraft that
doesn’t fly straight hands off.
When you are reading the drawings, you will see both solid and dashed lines. This is standard drawing
practice and the solid lines denote the top most [visible] layer of material while dashed lines denote a
part or material layer hidden [non visible] beneath another.
A common request throughout the manual is for you to draw a center line down the flange of parts.
This center line is used for lining up the part with a pre-punched hole in another part. This line, drawn
with a felt pen, is for reference only and does not to be 100% accurate.
We have heard many stories of builders spending numerous hours measuring and drawing lines
or creating apparatus to do the same. Such extremes are not necessary. At Murphy Aircraft, we
simply hold the felt pen between the thumb and forefinger and use the middle finger as a gauge.
By eyeball estimating only, put the tip of the pen in the center of the flange and using the middle
finger as a slider, run the pen along the part, drawing your middle line.
Cleco, Cleco pliers, #40 holes, #30 holes. If these are strange sounding words, about a thousand
hours from now they will be second nature to you.
A Cleco is a temporary “clamp” that utilizes existing pre-punched holes to secure parts to each
other.
Cleco pliers are used to install/remove Clecos.
Clecos come in four colors to help differentiate between sizes.
• Silver Clecos are 3/32” and are used in #40 holes.
• Brass Clecos are 1/8” and are used in #30 holes.
• Gold Clecos are 3/16” and are used in #11 holes.
• Black Clecos are 5/32” and are used in #21 holes.
The majority of holes in the pre-punched panels are #40. These are pilot holes, and using 3/32” Clecos
(silver) allow for aligning of parts for final drilling. As you drill out the holes to the required size, try to
place Cleco every forth or fifth hole to ensure proper part alignment. When the #40 holes are drilled out
to #30, to maintain correct location, drill the first hole then fit a 1/8” Cleco (brass) into it before
removing the next 3/32” Cleco ready to drill, repeat hole by hole, replacing the small for the large
Clecos as you go.
Before beginning construction of each component, read the relevant manual section to gain a full
understanding of what is required before starting, it may mean reading more than once and be referred
to again during building.
Whenever possible, lay the all the parts out in order on the table as per the exploded drawings at the
beginning of the section. This will help to gain a better understanding of what you are building and the
route you have to take to do so. Also errors are less likely to occur.
To build your kit safely, you require a sturdy worktable of a suitable size, as stated before:-
“The most important and critical thing is to ensure that the table is absolutely flat, containing no
twists. Any twist in the table will translate into twisted aircraft sections, which usually results in an
aircraft that doesn’t fly straight hands off”.
Bear this in mind as it is worth taking the time and effort to ensure the trueness when constructing your
work table.
Material requirements
Fig 1.36.1
Fig 1.36.2
Fig 1.36.3
Fig 1.36.4
Fig 1.36.5
Material requirements
Top Asssembly:
1. Lay down flat 2 sheets of min. 3/4" plywood end to end. Surface should be flat and true to provide
the best table surface.
2. Layout 9 pieces A and 4 pieces B as shown in Top plan view. There should be a 2" offset from the
edge of plywood to the face of the top frame assembly (pieces A and pieces B ).
3. Assemble end piece A and leg pieces E with 2x2 corner piece. Glue and screw as shown in Figure
1.37.1.
5. Install intermediate support table legs as shown in Top plan view. Secure with glue and 4 screws at
each connection location.
Base Assembly:
7. Assemble pieces F and pieces G to leg pieces E with 2x2 corner piece. Glue and screw as shown in
Figure 1.37.3.
9. Turn table top assembly upside down. Put base assembly in place on leg pieces E and support in
place with blocks or scrap pieces.
MODEL: COMMON 17/08/2007 Page 42
©1997-2006 Murphy Aircraft Mfg. Ltd. All rights reserved
Chap. 1 Standard Methods and Practises
Glue and install 4 screws at all connecting locations. See isometric view.
Table Surface:
10. With assembled top frame sitting on plywood sheets mark a pencil line along edges of all frame
pieces. Lift frame about 2" off plywood and hold up with temporary blocks. Lay down a bead of glue
between all pencil lines, and let frame down onto plywood sheets. Clamp plywood sheets to top frame
assembly.
11. Flip entire top assembly and plywood over to right side up with clamps secured in place. Snap a
chalk line along centerlines of pieces A and pieces B on top side of plywood.
12. Drill, countersink and install screws at 12" o/c through plywood to all pieces A and pieces B .
13. Attach stiffener pieces C to o/s face of pieces B and install a double row of screws at 12" o/c.