CHAPTER 13
AIRCRAFT METALLIC REPAIR
Chapter Objective: Upon completion of this chapter, you will have a working
knowledge of the tools and special equipment needed for aircraft metallic repair
You will be able to recognize the terms and the basic procedures in the fabrication
of sheet metal parts and aircraft metallic repairs.
Before performing aircraft metallic repair, you
must be familiar with the tools, special equipment,
terms, and techniques used to accomplish this type of
maintenance. In the following text, we will discuss
these subjects and basic sheet metal fabrication
procedures as well as several different types of
aircraft structural metallic repair procedures. Before
you perform any type of structural repair to an
aircraft, always consult the applicable aircraft MIMs.
STRUCTURAL TOOLS
Learning Objective:
Identify the various
structural tools used for sheet metal
fabrication and aircraft structural repair.
As an AM you must have a thorough knowledge
of the tools of your trade. This will enable you to
increase the quality of maintenance on your
squadron’s aircraft. One of the most important skills
that you can have is the ability to use the tools that are
required to complete any given task in a timely and
professional manner.
HAND TOOLS
Before discussing the tools individually, a few
comments on the care and handling of hand tools are
appropriate. The condition in which you maintain
your tools determines your efficiency as well as how
your superiors view your day-to-day work.
Each mechanic should keep all assigned tools in
the toolbox when they are not being used. Every tool
should have a place, and every tool should be kept in
its place. All tools should be cleaned after every use
and before being placed in the toolbox. If they are not
to be used again the same day, they should be oiled
with a light preservative oil to prevent rusting. Tools
that are being used at a workbench or at a machine
should be kept within easy reach of the mechanic, but
should be kept where they will not fall or be knocked
to the deck. Tools should not be placed on finished
parts or machines.
There are many different types of hand tools used
for aircraft metallic repair and sheet metal fabrication.
In the following text, we will discuss a few of the more
common types used for sheet metal fabrication. For a
more detailed explanation of all of the various hand
tools associated with aircraft metallic repair and sheet
metal fabrication, refer to Use and Care of Hand Tools
and Measuring Devices, NAVEDTRA 12085.
Hammers
Hammers are used to apply a striking force where
the force of the hand alone is insufficient. Each of the
hammers discussed in this section is composed of a
head and a handle, even though these parts differ
greatly from hammer to hammer.
BALL PEEN HAMMER.—The ball peen
hammer is sometimes referred to as a machinist’s
hammer. It is a hard-faced hammer made of forged
tool steel. See figure 13-1.
Figure 13-1.—Hammers.
13-1
