"Temporary nuts"?

[gregsrv14]

When temporarily attaching the vertical stabilizer to the aft fuselage on page 10-28 of the RV-14 plans, it says to use "temporary nuts". What are these???

Is it adequate to just put in the cleco and bolts then clamp the VS in place to ensure it's in the proper position before drilling the two #12 holes?


Page 10-28

 

[Mark Dickens]

They're talking about hardware store nuts

 

[lipper03]

Yep, I just used some hardware store wing nuts to make it easy, and no way I could leave it on accident. I should have painted them pink or something as well. I've seen that from others that temp bolts they paint so they are hard to miss.

 

[wirejock]

I used 310 castle nuts, but hardware store are fine too.

 

[lipper03]

I don't think you can get a clamp down there at the bottom at this point, but it's been a bit since I did that. I'd do the temporary nut of some sort.

 

[fl-mike]

I use castellated nuts, as they are pretty obviously not final and go on easy.

 

[Fenderbean]

Man was literally thinking about this today since the AN bolt nuts are one time use. Good ideas

 

[wirejock]

Man was literally thinking about this today since the AN bolt nuts are one time use. Good ideas

Technically, they aren't. But it's a good practice.
I have a bag of marked nuts because they were used once. I use them for test assembly or for stuff around the house.

 

[Ironflight]

Man was literally thinking about this today since the AN bolt nuts are one time use. Good ideas

I’m guessing that you got that idea off the internet, but go to the sources (AC43.13…) for actual answers. They can be re-used multiple times, and generally are in the real world of aircraft maintenance.

 

[David Z]

If I use hardware store hardware, they get a quick blast of red spray paint. Good practice to hang a red flag off it too. Something to make it real obvious.

Yes nylocks can be reused, but it's often more hassle than it's worth. I also have a bin of "used nylocks" and use them as such.

 

[cvairwerks]

Typically we can reuse lock nuts for up to 5 times, based on the locking feature still working. The exception is where engineering calls out mandatory hardware replacement on removal, or is specified as a one time use only. Eddie bolts are a good example of one time use only.

 

[Fenderbean]

In my former life I was a crew chief in the military, before I started flying them. We didnt use nuts once removed because the nut locking function is due to the oval shape, this also gives a run on torq factor. Using the nuts after the first use reduces all of the specs, I understand GA is not the military, but I personally will not stick to one time use unless nuts are not available. Just a personal thing

 

[BruceW]

Hardware store nuts and marked with orange 'hey dummy' masking tape nearby.

 

[jrs14855]

In my former life I was a crew chief in the military, before I started flying them. We didnt use nuts once removed because the nut locking function is due to the oval shape, this also gives a run on torq factor. Using the nuts after the first use reduces all of the specs, I understand GA is not the military, but I personally will not stick to one time use unless nuts are not available. Just a personal thing

There are multiple styles of all metal lock nuts. The only ones I use are the ones with multiple NARROW slots(NOT CASTLE NUTS) They can also be identified by the gold cadmium plating.

 

[Fenderbean]

There are multiple styles of all metal lock nuts. The only ones I use are the ones with multiple NARROW slots(NOT CASTLE NUTS) They can also be identified by the gold cadmium plating.

Understand, the nuts I am referring to came with my SB-00002 kit, the all the nuts in the kit look like footballs.

 

[rockyfatcat]

Typically we can reuse lock nuts for up to 5 times, based on the locking feature still working. The exception is where engineering calls out mandatory hardware replacement on removal, or is specified as a one time use only. Eddie bolts are a good example of one time use only.

I learned the hard way to NEVER REUSE nylock nuts. I almost lost my nose tire coming back from Sun N Fun in ‘24

 

[RV7A Flyer]

DO NOT reuse a fiber or nylon locknut, if the nut cannot meet the minimum prevailing torque values.

AC43-13, emphasis added.

 

[RV6_flyer]

I learned the hard way to NEVER REUSE nylock nuts. I almost lost my nose tire coming back from Sun N Fun in ‘24


View attachment 113397View attachment 113399View attachment 113396View attachment 113398

One never uses nylock nuts in that application. Should have had a castle nut and cotter pin.

 

[rockyfatcat]

One never uses nylock nuts in that application. Should have had a castle nut and cotter pin.

Won’t fit in the recess.

 

[RV7A Flyer]

Won’t fit in the recess.

Which model RV is this on?

 

[rockyfatcat]

Which model RV is this on?

This is the nosegear of my other aircraft. 65 Alon A2 Aircoupe.

A hard lesson. I lost about $100 in certified hardware. I disassembled inpected and re-lubed everything.

It could have been a really bad day if that wheel had departed the aircraft.

 

[RV7A Flyer]

Are you sure the plans for that called for a Nylock and not an all-metal lock nut?

 

[rockyfatcat]

Are you sure the plans for that called for a Nylock and not an all-metal lock nut?

Absolutely.

 

[Ironflight]

Folks, this thread is about “Temporary nuts” and hopefully about RV’s because that is what VAF is for….. let’s not muddy the waters for people coming on with searches in the future!