Aircraft Hardware - Comprehensive European Distribution
AN, MS, NAS Standard Hardware for General Aviation from Dublin
European Aviation Hardware Supplier
Airpart Supply Europe maintains comprehensive aircraft hardware inventory at our Dublin, Ireland distribution facility, providing European operators with rapid access to standard aviation fasteners, fittings, and hardware components conforming to AN (Army-Navy), MS (Military Standard), and NAS (National Aerospace Standard) specifications.
Aircraft hardware represents the fundamental fastening, sealing, and connecting components essential to aircraft construction, maintenance, and repair operations. These standardized parts—including bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, screws, fittings, O-rings, cotter pins, grommets, and clamps—conform to exacting aerospace specifications ensuring consistent quality, material properties, and performance characteristics required for aviation applications. European operators require reliable hardware suppliers providing traceable components from our EU-based facility eliminating post-Brexit customs complications.
Operating from Dublin, Ireland within the European Union, Airpart Supply stocks thousands of aircraft hardware part numbers supporting general aviation maintenance, modification, and repair requirements. Our comprehensive inventory spans hardware categories from precision AN bolts through specialized sealing components, with same-day shipping available for orders placed before 2 PM Irish time delivering throughout Europe within 1-3 business days.
Finding Your Required Hardware
Enter specific part numbers (AN3-5A, MS20470AD4-6, NAS1149F0363P) in the search box above for pricing and availability, or browse complete hardware categories using the links throughout this page.
Aircraft Bolts (AN Series)
AN (Army-Navy) bolts represent standardized aerospace fasteners manufactured to exacting specifications for aircraft structural and non-structural applications. These precision-machined bolts feature specific head styles, thread specifications, material requirements, and strength characteristics documented in military specifications ensuring consistent performance across aviation applications.
AN3 Through AN20 Bolt Series
The AN bolt designation system indicates bolt diameter measured in sixteenths of an inch—AN3 bolts measure 3/16 inch diameter, AN4 measure 1/4 inch, AN5 measure 5/16 inch, and so forth through AN20 (1-1/4 inch). European operators commonly utilize AN3 bolts through AN8 bolts for general aircraft hardware applications, with larger sizes supporting heavy structural requirements.
Material Specifications
AN bolts are manufactured from specific materials indicated by suffix letters. AN bolts without suffix letters are cadmium-plated steel, suffix A indicates aluminum alloy 2024, suffix C indicates corrosion-resistant steel, suffix DD indicates aluminum alloy 2024 with cadmium plating, suffix H indicates drilled hex head, and additional suffixes specify variations in head style, material treatment, or manufacturing specifications.
Ordering AN Bolts
European customers should search using complete AN bolt part numbers including diameter, dash number (length), and any material suffix letters. For example, AN3-5A specifies an AN3 aluminum bolt (A suffix) with dash number 5 indicating specific grip length. Our Dublin warehouse maintains comprehensive AN bolt inventory with same-day shipping throughout Europe. Visit our complete aircraft bolts catalog for available inventory.
Aircraft Nuts (AN & MS Series)
Aircraft nuts conform to AN and MS specifications providing precisely manufactured threaded fasteners for securing bolts and screws in aviation applications. Multiple nut types serve different operational requirements from self-locking nuts preventing loosening under vibration to castle nuts facilitating cotter pin installation for positive locking.
Self-Locking Nuts
Self-locking nuts incorporate locking features preventing loosening under aircraft vibration. AN365 all-metal self-locking nuts feature deformed threads creating interference fit, MS21042 elastic stop nuts utilize fiber or nylon inserts providing vibration resistance, and MS21083 anchor nuts combine self-locking features with mounting bases for sheet metal attachment. European operators utilize self-locking nuts extensively in aircraft maintenance where vibration resistance is essential.
Castle Nuts & Specialized Designs
AN310 castle nuts feature slotted castellations accepting cotter pins for positive locking in control systems and critical installations. Plain hex nuts (AN315, AN340) serve non-critical applications, while wing nuts (AN350) facilitate tool-free removal in access panels. Tinnerman nuts provide sheet metal attachment including both U-type Tinnerman nuts and flat-type designs.
Material & Size Range
Aircraft nuts are manufactured from steel, aluminum, or corrosion-resistant materials matching bolt material requirements. Size designations correspond to bolt diameter—nuts for AN3 bolts are designated AN365-1032, indicating 10-32 thread (matching 3/16 inch bolt diameter). Browse our complete aircraft nuts inventory for available specifications.
Aircraft Washers (AN960 & AN970 Series)
Aircraft washers distribute bolt loads, prevent surface damage, and ensure proper fastener installation in aviation applications. Standard AN washers conform to precise specifications for material, dimensions, and finish ensuring consistent performance throughout aircraft structures.
AN960 Light Series Washers
AN960 light series washers provide minimum-weight solutions for general aircraft applications where reduced mass is beneficial. These thinner washers maintain adequate strength for non-structural and light-load applications common in European general aviation aircraft.
AN960 Regular Series Washers
AN960 regular series washers feature standard thickness providing increased load distribution for general structural applications. These represent the most commonly specified washers in aircraft maintenance and modification work throughout Europe.
AN970 Steel Washers
AN970 steel washers provide maximum strength for high-load structural applications requiring superior load distribution characteristics. These thicker, stronger washers support primary structure fasteners where higher bearing loads necessitate increased washer strength.
Countersunk & Specialized Washers
Countersunk washers (NAS143) accommodate countersunk fasteners maintaining flush external surfaces essential for aerodynamic efficiency. Search our complete aircraft washers inventory for AN and NAS specifications.
Aircraft Rivets & Rivnuts
Aircraft rivets provide permanent fastening solutions for sheet metal assembly and structural attachment throughout aircraft fabrication and repair. Multiple rivet types serve different material combinations, strength requirements, and installation methods common in European general aviation maintenance operations.
Solid Rivets (AN & MS Series)
AN470 universal head solid rivets represent standard aircraft rivets for structural applications, while AN426 countersunk rivets maintain flush exterior surfaces. MS20470 rivets conform to military specifications for aluminum and aluminum alloy construction. Solid rivets require bucking during installation forming permanent connections through plastic deformation.
Blind Rivets (Cherry & Olympic)
Blind rivets facilitate installation where access to the backside is limited or impossible. CherryMAX and Olympic-style blind rivets provide structural strength approaching solid rivets while requiring access to only one side during installation. European operators utilize blind rivets extensively in airframe repairs where access limitations prevent solid rivet installation.
Rivnuts & Threaded Inserts
Rivnuts (also called rivet nuts or threaded inserts) provide removable fastening capability in sheet metal installations. These blind-installed threaded inserts accept screws or bolts enabling repeated assembly and disassembly without rivet hole degradation. Browse our complete aircraft rivets inventory for solid, blind, and specialized rivet types.
Aircraft Screws & Tapping Screws
Aircraft screws provide removable fastening solutions throughout aircraft construction facilitating maintenance access, adjustment, and component replacement. Multiple screw types serve different applications from precision machine screws through self-tapping sheet metal screws.
Machine Screws (AN & MS Series)
AN500 through AN530 machine screws conform to aerospace specifications for threaded fasteners requiring nuts or tapped holes. These precision screws feature specific head styles including round head, flat head, fillister head, and socket head designs. Material specifications include cadmium-plated steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys matching aircraft structural requirements.
Type A Tapping Screws
Type A tapping screws feature gimlet points and spaced threads designed for sheet metal installation. These self-tapping screws create mating threads during installation eliminating separate tapping operations. European operators utilize Type A screws extensively in access panel attachment and non-structural sheet metal installations.
Type B Tapping Screws
Type B tapping screws incorporate blunt points and machine screw threads providing stronger thread engagement than Type A screws. Type B screws suit heavier-gauge sheet metal and plastic installations requiring increased thread strength.
Stainless Steel Screw Kits
Pre-packaged stainless steel screw kits provide assortments of commonly-used screw sizes convenient for maintenance shops and aircraft owners. These kits typically include various head styles and sizes organized for easy identification and storage, available from our Dublin facility with rapid European delivery.
Aircraft Pipe Fittings & Hose Connections
Aircraft pipe fittings provide fluid connection systems throughout fuel, oil, hydraulic, and pneumatic installations. AN and MS standard fittings ensure leak-free connections meeting aviation safety requirements for European general aviation aircraft.
AN Flared Tube Fittings
AN818 through AN833 flared tube fittings connect rigid aluminum tubing throughout aircraft fluid systems. These precision fittings incorporate 37-degree flares creating metal-to-metal seals when properly torqued. Fitting types include unions, elbows, tees, crosses, adapters, and bulkhead fittings supporting diverse plumbing configurations.
Hose End Fittings
MS fittings accommodate flexible hose connections in applications requiring vibration isolation or component movement. These reusable fittings attach to braided stainless hoses common in Lycoming and Continental engine installations throughout European general aviation fleets.
Adapters & Specialty Fittings
Thread adapters enable connections between different fitting types, pipe thread sizes, and hose configurations. European operators require diverse fitting inventories supporting Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft plumbing systems. Browse our pipe fittings catalog for complete specifications.
O-Rings & Sealing Components
O-rings provide critical sealing functions throughout aircraft systems preventing fluid leakage in fuel, oil, hydraulic, and pneumatic installations. These elastomeric seals conform to MS and AS specifications ensuring material compatibility with aviation fluids and operating temperatures.
MS O-Ring Standards
MS28775 O-rings represent standard aviation seals manufactured from synthetic rubber compounds compatible with aviation fuels, oils, and hydraulic fluids. Size designations follow dash number systems—MS28775-010 through MS28775-475—spanning diameters from small fitting seals through large access panel applications. European maintenance organizations require comprehensive O-ring inventories preventing aircraft downtime from seal failures.
Material Specifications
O-ring materials include Buna-N (nitrile) for general petroleum applications, Viton for high-temperature and jet fuel compatibility, silicone for extreme temperature ranges, and EPDM for specific chemical environments. Material selection depends on fluid compatibility, temperature ranges, and pressure requirements specified by aircraft manufacturers.
Backup Rings & Gaskets
Backup rings prevent O-ring extrusion in high-pressure applications, while specialized gaskets provide sealing in flanged connections and access panels. Search our O-rings and seals inventory for aviation-approved sealing components available from Dublin stock.
Cotter Pins & Safety Wire
Cotter pins (also called split pins) provide positive locking preventing castle nut loosening in aircraft control systems and critical installations. These simple yet essential hardware components ensure aviation safety through mechanical locking independent of thread friction.
MS24665 Cotter Pin Standards
MS24665 cotter pins conform to military specifications for aviation applications manufactured from cadmium-plated steel or corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Size designations indicate wire diameter and length—MS24665-132 specifies 1/32 inch diameter wire. European operators utilize cotter pins extensively in landing gear, control linkages, and engine mount installations.
Installation Requirements
Proper cotter pin installation requires inserting pins through castle nut slots and bolt holes, spreading ends to prevent withdrawal, and bending ends over nut surfaces. Cotter pins are single-use components replaced during each maintenance intervention requiring castle nut removal. Browse our cotter pins inventory for comprehensive size ranges.
Safety Wire (Lockwire)
Safety wire provides additional locking security for bolts, screws, and fittings where vibration could cause loosening. MS20995 lockwire in various diameters (.020, .032, .041) supports different fastener sizes. European maintenance shops require adequate safety wire inventory for proper maintenance tool operations.
Grommets, Clamps & Mounting Hardware
Rubber Grommets
Rubber grommets protect wire bundles, cables, and tubing passing through sheet metal openings preventing chafing and vibration damage. MS35489 grommets conform to aviation specifications for material properties, temperature resistance, and dimensional tolerances. European operators require diverse grommet sizes supporting electrical and plumbing installations. Search our grommets inventory for available specifications.
Cushioned Clamps
Cushioned clamps support tubing, hoses, and wiring throughout aircraft systems providing secure mounting with vibration isolation. MS21919 cushioned clamps incorporate rubber cushions preventing metal-to-metal contact and damping vibration transmission. Clamp sizes accommodate tube diameters from small instrument lines through large engine mount hoses.
Hose Clamps & Cable Clamps
Worm-drive hose clamps secure flexible hoses in non-critical applications, while cable clamps organize wire bundles preventing interference with moving components. Browse our clamps catalog for aviation-approved mounting and securing hardware.
Hardware Standards & Specifications
AN (Army-Navy) Standards
AN standards originated from World War II-era specifications jointly developed by the US Army and Navy establishing standardized aircraft hardware throughout military and civilian aviation. These specifications define precise dimensional tolerances, material requirements, manufacturing processes, and performance characteristics ensuring interchangeability and consistent quality. AN standards remain widely referenced throughout European general aviation despite originating decades ago.
MS (Military Standard) Specifications
MS standards superseded many AN specifications providing updated requirements reflecting manufacturing advances and material improvements. MS specifications incorporate more stringent quality requirements and expanded material options while maintaining backward compatibility with AN hardware where possible. European operators encounter MS hardware throughout aircraft systems particularly in later-production aircraft.
NAS (National Aerospace Standard)
NAS standards establish specifications for specialized aerospace hardware developed by aviation industry associations. NAS hardware often addresses specific applications requiring unique characteristics not covered by AN or MS specifications. Examples include NAS close-tolerance bolts, NAS1149 washers, and specialized fasteners for composite structures.
SAE-AS (Aerospace Standard) Specifications
The Society of Automotive Engineers Aerospace division maintains AS specifications covering modern aerospace hardware incorporating current engineering knowledge and manufacturing capabilities. AS standards address contemporary materials including composites, titanium alloys, and advanced coatings supporting European general aviation requirements.
Quality Assurance & Material Traceability
Aviation-Grade Hardware Requirements
Aircraft hardware differs fundamentally from commercial-grade fasteners through stringent material specifications, dimensional tolerances, heat treatment requirements, and surface finish standards. Aviation hardware undergoes rigorous quality control including material certification, dimensional inspection, and performance testing ensuring compliance with aerospace specifications. European operators must never substitute commercial-grade hardware for specified aviation components regardless of apparent similarity.
Material Certification & Traceability
Airpart Supply maintains comprehensive material traceability for aviation hardware ensuring each component traces to certified manufacturers and raw material sources. Material certifications document alloy composition, heat treatment processes, and quality control procedures satisfying EASA requirements for European aircraft maintenance. This traceability provides legal documentation supporting airworthiness compliance throughout aircraft service life.
Counterfeit Hardware Prevention
The aviation industry faces ongoing challenges from counterfeit hardware entering supply chains threatening aircraft safety. Airpart Supply sources hardware exclusively from approved manufacturers and authorized distributors maintaining chain-of-custody documentation preventing counterfeit components. European customers receive properly marked, certified hardware with complete documentation supporting regulatory compliance.
European Distribution Advantages
Dublin Warehouse Operations
Airpart Supply operates a comprehensive aircraft hardware distribution facility in Dublin, Ireland within the European Union providing European operators with rapid access to thousands of hardware part numbers. Our EU-based operations eliminate post-Brexit customs complications and administrative delays affecting UK-sourced hardware following Britain's departure from the European Union. Orders ship same-day for customers placing orders before 2 PM Irish time with delivery throughout Europe within 1-3 business days.
Simplified VAT & Customs Procedures
European customers benefit from simplified VAT handling and streamlined customs procedures when sourcing hardware from our Dublin facility. All pricing displays in euros including applicable VAT for EU destinations eliminating currency exchange uncertainties and customs duty calculations. This administrative simplification reduces procurement complexity for European maintenance organizations and aircraft owners.
Technical Support & Application Assistance
Our European technical team assists customers with hardware selection, specification verification, and application questions. Whether identifying correct bolt types for specific installations, confirming washer specifications, or sourcing specialized hardware for European aircraft models, Airpart Supply provides comprehensive support ensuring customers receive appropriate components for their requirements.
Ordering Aircraft Hardware from European Stock
Part Number Search
European customers can verify hardware availability and pricing using the search function at the top of our website. Enter specific part numbers (AN3-5A, MS20470AD4-6, NAS1149F0363P, MS28775-133) to view current stock status, pricing in euros including VAT, and delivery timeframes. Our real-time inventory system provides accurate availability information supporting efficient procurement planning.
Category Browsing
Alternatively, browse complete hardware categories using links provided throughout this page or the main navigation menu. Category browsing helps identify appropriate hardware when part numbers are unknown or when surveying available options for specific applications. Each category displays available inventory with specifications, pricing, and ordering information.
Bulk Orders & Account Services
Maintenance organizations, flight schools, and fleet operators requiring regular hardware supplies benefit from Airpart Supply's account services providing volume pricing, consolidated billing, and priority allocation of high-demand items. European customers can establish trading accounts streamlining procurement operations and reducing administrative overhead.
Related Aircraft Components & Tools
Aircraft hardware installations often require complementary components and specialized tools available through Airpart Supply's comprehensive inventory. When procuring hardware, European operators should consider maintenance tools including rivet guns, bucking bars, drill bits, and fastener installation equipment. Safety wire and lockwire tools support proper installation practices.
European general aviation operators also require lubricants for hardware installation including anti-seize compounds, thread lubricants, and assembly greases. Corrosion prevention products protect hardware and surrounding structures throughout aircraft service life particularly in coastal European environments.
For comprehensive aircraft parts beyond hardware, explore our airframe components, engine parts, electrical systems, and landing gear components serving European general aviation requirements.
Contact Airpart Supply for Aircraft Hardware
Our European sales and technical teams provide comprehensive support for aircraft hardware inquiries, stock availability verification, specification questions, and order placement. Whether you need single hardware components for owner-performed maintenance or regular hardware supplies for European maintenance organizations, Airpart Supply delivers the inventory depth, technical expertise, and service quality European operators require.
For comprehensive information about additional aircraft components and systems, visit our main aircraft hardware suppliers category page or contact our team directly for personalized assistance with your European aircraft hardware requirements.
Order Aircraft Hardware from European Stock
AN, MS, NAS standard hardware from Dublin warehouse. Same-day shipping throughout Europe. Certified quality and complete traceability.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 1 699 4406
