sheet metal screws for Tinnerman nuts

GeorgeC

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For Tinnerman nuts, which sheet metal screw is correct, type A or type B?

It seems that whenever I remove more than one sheet metal screw, I find a mixture of type A and type B, sometimes of different sizes.

Type A:

typea.jpg
Type B:
typeb.jpg
 
Type B is typically what is specified in the IPB's of everything I deal with...
 
For Tinnerman nuts, which sheet metal screw is correct, type A or type B?
Whatever the OEM calls for. But keep in mind "tinnerman" is a brand with different types (U, J, etc) that can also require different type fasteners: machine screws, AB fine thread sheetmetal screws, etc.
 
Whatever the OEM calls for. But keep in mind "tinnerman" is a brand with different types (U, J, etc) that can also require different type fasteners: machine screws, AB fine thread sheetmetal screws, etc.
Regrettably, I seem to lack the C140A parts manual to Aircraft Spruce decoder ring; I presume "PK76X2-8-6" = truss head #8 x 3/8", but it doesn't specify A or B.
FWIW, this is for the "anchor nut" for the landing light (seems to be #8?) and for the U type for the cowl (seems to be #10?).
 
Both work the same with a tinnerman nut or clip. Type A are easier to use when hole alignment is tricky. Type B requires slightly less clearance on the backside, or if you don't want a sharp point. As Bell says, the correct answer is whatever the parts manual specifies.
 
Quoth the Spruce:

IMPORTANT: Speed nuts for aircraft are designed to fit standard AN530-AN531 type B sheet metal screws only. Do not use pointed type A sheet metal screws with aircraft Speed nuts. There is a difference in root diameter and thread pitch.
 
Regrettably, I seem to lack the C140A parts manual to Aircraft Spruce decoder ring; I presume "PK76X2-8-6" = truss head #8 x 3/8", but it doesn't specify A or B.
FWIW, this is for the "anchor nut" for the landing light (seems to be #8?) and for the U type for the cowl (seems to be #10?).
The PK76 was the brand name designator and may have indicated the A or B. But you're correct on the #8 screw and the length is usually in 1/16ths" so the 3/8" is good too. As to the thread differences, yes there is a difference between the A and B but the main issue was if a type AB screw/nut was used as it was fine threads. And they did make speed nuts for type A as well. An easier hack is to find a vender who makes screw kits for your 140 and see what type screw they include in the kits as it will usually be the best option for availability and cost. And for reference, the AN spec reference has been retired and most hardware is now classified under MS and NAS.
 
And for reference, the AN spec reference has been retired and most hardware is now classified under MS and NAS.
True, though Aircraft Spruce seems to use AN and MS numbers interchangeably. Sometimes if you type in an AN number to order you'll see the equivalent MS in your cart instead, or vice versa.
 
True, though Aircraft Spruce seems to use AN and MS numbers interchangeably.
But you need to know while MS and NAS can substitute AN, the reverse is not true in all cases. So if the parts manual shows a MS or NAS item you cannot substitute the AN item UNLESS the aircraft original configuration was certified with AN. With the OEMs revising their manuals to the MS/NAS standards it gives the impression AN is no longer permitted to use. And since there is a mountain of NOS AN hardware in the world, it has created some confusion for your average aviator when trying to replace hardware. The main issues are cost in some cases and if a person specifically orders an MS or NAS item and the vendor gives you an AN instead. For example, have found AN hardware installed in shoulder harness mounts that are required to use MS hardware due to the load factor. The vender sent AN vs MS and the installer didn't think twice on installing it.
 
But you need to know while MS and NAS can substitute AN, the reverse is not true in all cases. So if the parts manual shows a MS or NAS item you cannot substitute the AN item UNLESS the aircraft original configuration was certified with AN.
Oh yes, you guys with non-experimentals have all those silly rules... :D
 
Oh yes, you guys with non-experimentals have all those silly rules... :D
Ha. But no silly rules to follow on this one. Simply basic physics which apply to E/ABs too. For example, the reason the substitution route for bolts is AN>MS>NAS>20 Series and not the reverse is all about tensile strength and not any rule. There are exceptions within the AN/MS/NAS specifications, but to assume those bolts are all unchangeable usually will prove you wrong in an unfortunate way if you make the wrong substitution. And even on an E/AB.:)
 
Ha. But no silly rules to follow on this one. Simply basic physics which apply to E/ABs too. For example, the reason the substitution route for bolts is AN>MS>NAS>20 Series and not the reverse is all about tensile strength and not any rule. There are exceptions within the AN/MS/NAS specifications, but to assume those bolts are all unchangeable usually will prove you wrong in an unfortunate way if you make the wrong substitution. And even on an E/AB.:)
Of course, when the application requires a higher strength fastener you must use it. I was thinking more of the many cases where the strength is identical but the manufacturer uses the newer spec. Any time a substitution is made you must of course verify it's appropriate, but at least with experimentals you're allowed to do it. And I was being a bit facetious, of course. Most experimentals (all I've encountered) use the older specs anyway.

But a blanket statement that AN-MS-NAS is increasing in strength is incorrect. It may be true in some specific cases, but the spec changes reflect the changing custodians of the spec, from Army-Navy to a joint Military Standard to the industry managed National Aerospace Standards.
 
But a blanket statement that AN-MS-NAS is increasing in strength is incorrect. It may be true in some specific cases, but the spec changes reflect the changing custodians of the spec, from Army-Navy to a joint Military Standard to the industry managed National Aerospace Standards.
In general, it is correct when you compare at specification level. You’ll also find the AN, MS, and NAS specs were all around during the same time period with the govt maintaining the AN/MS spec and the industry the NAS spec. So there really wasn’t a changing of the guard on the spec side. However, the specification side went through a huge renaissance in the 1980s which upended everything and created a lot of confusion on both the civil and military side as to which spec was valid on what aircraft.

So now you have revised Cessna IPCs calling for mostly NAS hardware on all aircraft yet in previous IPCs called for AN hardware. And as time goes the govt is continually getting out the specification business altogether as they move to privately maintained consensus standards for current and future requirements like the Part 23 rewrite and other standards and certification tasks. It can be quite the adventure. ;)
 
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Quoth the Spruce:

IMPORTANT: Speed nuts for aircraft are designed to fit standard AN530-AN531 type B sheet metal screws only. Do not use pointed type A sheet metal screws with aircraft Speed nuts. There is a difference in root diameter and thread pitch.
Just when I thought it was safe to back into the water... Thanks for posting - I would have never thought is would make a difference.

Granted, there are more "interesting" things you can do. Tell your A&P to put stainless steel screws into some of your plane's aluminum screw holes and see what is reaction is.
 
Tell your A&P to put stainless steel screws into some of your plane's aluminum screw holes and see what is reaction is.
Interesting. Outside of SS use in structural panels, when used properly SS screws can be a worthwhile upgrade and one I would recommend to my customers in most cases. Has there been a change that prevents their use now?
 
Interesting. Outside of SS use in structural panels, when used properly SS screws can be a worthwhile upgrade and one I would recommend to my customers in most cases. Has there been a change that prevents their use now?
Most people forget to apply some type of film lubricant to the SS hardware when reinstalling it, and it subsequently galls and becomes a tough and damaging removal the next time. Few people understand that removing and installing screws and bolts and nuts with power tools, will turn the item fast enough to generate enough heat to remove any lubricant that was on the item. Even with a speed handle, one can get a fastener hot enough to make the lubricant go away, even on steel and cres hardware.
 
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Interesting. Outside of SS use in structural panels, when used properly SS screws can be a worthwhile upgrade and one I would recommend to my customers in most cases. Has there been a change that prevents their use now?
When used properly with a plastic washer/separator, should be fine. One of our club's planes has stainless steel camlocks for the aluminum cowl. It's properly designed not to have the stainless steel in contact / touching the aluminum.

Stainless and aluminum are dissimilar enough to have a galvanic reaction and corrode. Won't catch fire, plane won't fall out of sky immediately. But they don't get along.

LMK if you think I'm being too cautious with this - appreciate your POV.

 
See it all the time with boat trailers used in salt water. People get frustrated with their zinc plated hardware corroding and switch to stainless because it's "better". Now instead of the zinc being the sacrificial anode, the expensive aluminum frame is. Frequent salt water dunks will eat a hole in an aluminum I beam in a few years, especially in the presence of electrical current such as trailer lights grounded to the frame.

That said, galvanic corrosion requires an electrolyte. Rain water is pure and non-conductive, so unless you live in a coastal area with salt spray and keep your plane outside, you are unlikely to get more than very minor surface corrosion limited to the edge of a few non-structural exterior screw holes. So in most aviation cases it is more of a theoretical problem than an actual one.
 
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LMK if you think I'm being too cautious with this - appreciate your POV.
As mentioned in the attached thread, its no problem especially when you don’t allow an electrolyte to remain in the same area which is needed for any corrosion to form. And aluminum washers, plastic washers, and even paint are all acceptable preventative barriers as well. As long as you keep your aircraft clean and maintained it shouldn’t be a problem and give you a better product. Just don’t try and paint the SS screws.
 
Just when I thought it was safe to back into the water... Thanks for posting - I would have never thought is would make a difference.

Granted, there are more "interesting" things you can do. Tell your A&P to put stainless steel screws into some of your plane's aluminum screw holes and see what is reaction is.
Funny you should ask. When replacing my taxi light, I found a mix of type A and type B, some of them rusty. Not sure if the zinc plating wore off or if it was non-aviation hardware to begin with. I ordered a bunch of SS type B to replace them.

Dan Thomas said:
Nylon washers will allow relative movement of the parts. If this occurs on the Cessna fuel tank covers, for instance, you soon have serious structural damage. That cover is part of the "box" that stiffens the wing torsionally.

My cowling has SS screws with nylon washers under the heads.

@Dan Thomas, is the implication that nylon washers are ok for non-structural applications? For both the cowling and the landing light, the screws go through painted aluminum and into steel Tinnerman nuts.
 
@Dan Thomas, is the implication that nylon washers are ok for non-structural applications? For both the cowling and the landing light, the screws go through painted aluminum and into steel Tinnerman nuts.
Landing light stuff might be OK. The cowl may work loose as the cowl tries to shift and inflate (due to the air pressure in it) and the nylon compresses. Cessna has specified nylon washers under spinner screw heads to protect the spinner.
 
Perhaps that explains why my cowling screws wander off from time to time.
 
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