Why Use a Large OD Washer Beside a Rod End?
Mounting Hardware and Assembly Details This is one of the most commonly misunderstood pieces of hardware in rod end assemblies. The large OD washer sitting flush against the face of the rod end housing looks like it is there to distribute the clamping load of the nut. That is a secondary effect. Its primary purpose […]
What Hardware Is Commonly Used With Rod Ends in Aircraft Linkages?
Mounting Hardware and Assembly Details Aircraft control linkages demand retention against vibration, controlled fatigue life, and documented traceability. The hardware stack around a rod end in aircraft service reflects those requirements directly. AN bolts (clevis bolts). Aircraft rod end installations typically use AN bolts. These bolts have a close-tolerance shank, a drilled end, and an […]
Single Shear vs Double Shear Rod End Mounts
Mounting Hardware and Assembly Details The difference between single and double shear is structural, not just geometric. Single shear means the rod end eye is supported on one side only. The pin or bolt spans from the bracket face, through the rod end bore, and terminates with a nut on the far side. The load […]
Why Do Rod End Installations Use Spacers?
Mounting Hardware and Assembly Details Spacers in rod end installations serve four distinct engineering functions. Understanding which one applies to your setup tells you which spacer type you actually need. Centering the rod end in the mount. When the bracket or clevis gap is wider than the rod end housing, spacers fill the difference on each […]
What Hardware Prevents Rod End Mounts from Wearing Out?
Mounting Hardware and Assembly Details The rod end itself gets replaced when worn. The bracket, pin, and surrounding structure are often harder to replace. In some cases, they cannot be replaced without major disassembly. The hardware choices at installation determine whether wear concentrates in the replaceable parts or the structural ones. Hardened bushings in the […]