Fastener Types A.

This section gives general data about the usual types of mechanical fasteners found on this airplane. Refer to Identification Marks on Boeing Standard Rivets, Figure 3/GENERAL for examples of identification marks found on Boeing standard rivets. B. Fasteners can be grouped as either permanent or removable as follows: (1) Permanent fasteners are used in the assembly of the structure that is not disassembled during usual service. Most permanent fasteners become unserviceable after they are removed and must be discarded. Some hex-drive bolts continue to be serviceable after they are removed. Inspect hex-drive bolts to see if they continue to be serviceable as given in 51-40-02. These types of fasteners are permanent: solid rivets lockbolts hex-drive bolts radius lead-in bolts blind rivets blind bolts honeycomb sandwich panel inserts

(2) Removable fasteners are used in the assembly of structure that can or must be disassembled during usual service. These types of fasteners are removable fasteners: bolts screws set-screws nuts nutplates threaded inserts washers pins

C. Solid Rivets (1) Most of the fasteners used on this airplane are solid-shank rivets made from specified aluminum alloys. Solid rivets are permanent fasteners that are used where rivets must have sufficient shear strength and where complete hole-filling is important. (2) You can use softer alloy rivets as alternative fasteners for the usual rivets in some locations. Although softer alloy rivets are permitted in some locations, a larger number of fasteners or a larger diameter of fastener can be necessary to get the same structural strength. Make sure the material

edge margin and fastener spacing are correct when you use softer alloy rivets as alternative fasteners. Refer to 51-40-03 for the data about approved fastener substitutions and to see if there are limitations on their use.

D. Lockbolts and Hex-Drive Bolts (1) Lockbolts are permanent fasteners that have a collar that is swaged onto the serrated end of the bolt. Lockbolts have a higher shear strength and a higher clamp-up force than solid rivets. (2) Hex-drive bolts are almost the same as lockbolts but use a threaded shank together with a threaded collar or nut. Some special hex-drive bolts use a fluted threaded shank together with a swage-locking collar. You can use hex-drive bolts as alternative fasteners to lockbolts if you do not have access to the lockbolt installation tools. Refer to 51-40-03 for the approved alternatives. E. Radius Lead-In Bolts (1) You can use radius lead-in bolts in highly stressed aluminum alloy structure where durability (resistance to fatigue) is necessary. Radius lead-in bolts are different from the usual fasteners as follows: (a) The shank has a radius lead-in area under the head (b) The shank is 0.006 inch diameter oversize (c) Radius lead-in bolts are driven into high interference-fit holes during installation. F. Blind Rivets and Blind Bolts (1) You can use blind fasteners when there is access to only one side of the structure. In some locations, you can use blind fasteners where access is not available to make the upset head of a head solid rivet. Blind bolts have larger manufactured heads and higher tension and shear strengths than the usual blind rivets.

Source: 737-800 STRUCTURAL REPAIR MANUAL, 51-40-01, pages 2-3