Snap-on Industrial


A diverse array of aviation maintenance tools are available to aircraft engineers to ensure an aircraft’s structural soundness.


is a major push in aviation tool advances and is even willing to test them to prove it. “Newly designed tools make it easier and safer on the operator, and produce better quality work more consistently,” he says. “Every new or different tool we sell has been tested in the field. The Yard provides tools we are considering adding to our line to customers to test and report on the quality, usefulness and ergonomics.” The marketplace is a driver of new advances in tools. “There is an


overall requirement in life-cycle management to reduce costs to stay competitive in the market,” says Jerzy Komorowski, general manager of aerospace, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. “New advances in tools can deliver these cost savings.” Komorowski believes that since many aircraft are being used beyond their original design life, their maintenance may not be supported by the OEM, hence the push for tool advances. Also, he sees environment-related damage, such as corrosion and erosion in airframes and engines that trigger or induce maintenance to prompt new tool advances because these conditions “were not adequately considered in the OEM design and full-scale testing.”


Adoption and intelligence


While, Bendell admits certain aviation maintenance procedures and their tools remain unchanged claiming, “the basics of


34 Aviation Maintenance | avm-mag.com | May 2013


GE Aviation US


Because of an extremely advanced aviation maintenance tool, this used jet engine casing is restored to prime condition during a routine maintenance inspection and overhaul.


installing and removing rivets has not changed much in 50 years,” he is not wary of new tool advances when they are applicable. For example, “The Yard Store was early to adopt the Wichita State University study that Tungsten bucking bars reduced vibration on the operator,” he says. “Many thought that rivet buckers would not pay $250 for a bucking bar shape in Tungsten they used to pay $15.00 for. Once mechanics started using our Tungsten bars, it was the beginning of widespread adoption of these superior tools.” Savannah, Ga.-based Gulfstream is a company that has realized


these Tungsten bucking bars are a tool advance that has indeed helped reduce the risk of injury for employees, and help maximize work efficiency and quality. “A typical aircraft includes thousands of rivets, which are used to fasten the skin of the aircraft to the frame and attach many aircraft parts and additional structural components,” says Paul Dellinger, director of environmental health and safety at Gulfstream. “The employees who perform this skill are more susceptible to arm, hand and wrist injuries due to the repetitive motions they make with a hand tool such as a pneumatic riveting gun. These injuries or conditions, called work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.


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