Aircraft and Aerospace Hardware Parts Catalogue

It should be noted that bearings and fasteners are key hardware types. To streamline the buying process however, bearing and fasteners each have their own section. Hardware is an extensive category that ranges from seat covers to valves. Any element of an aircraft, that is not categorized as avionics or within the turbo engine hardware, can be classified as  a piece of aircraft hardware. Below are a few other key hardware parts that are found in aircraft.

Brackets
Brackets help support the structural integrity of an aircraft by holding two components together. Aircraft brackets are classified into Class A, Class B, and Class C.  Aircraft brackets can be found throughout an aircraft.

Springs
A spring is typically a helical metal coil. When you pull on a spring, the energy will be retained, stored and released. Springs are one of the more recognizable aircraft hardware. The springs in the tray tables allow passengers to move the tables up and down for takeoff and landing. The benefit of using springs as opposed to fasteners, is the speed in which they release an object. An example of a spring system on an aircraft is spring - damper system in the landing gear.

Seals
Unlike most aircraft hardware, seals are non-metal components, usually made out of rubber. The purpose of a seal is to prevent leakage between two physical objects. Seals also maintain pressure in certain locations on an aircraft. For example, seals are found on the windowpanes of passenger windows. Different types of seals include: O ring seals, strip seals, sealed cells, and seal rings. The most common place to find a seal is in a hydraulic system.

Ropes, Chains, and Applicable Fitting Parts
Ropes and chains are defined in terms of their strength and durability. Ropes can be grouped into stationary ropes and running ropes. Typically running ropes are used in aircraft for drums. Stationary ropes are for high tension connections. Chains and cables are a similar group within this part category. Cables are used for suspension purposes and chains are used for assembly purposes.