Let’s face it—assembling aerospace components isn’t exactly a simple task. The precision, speed, and reliability required can make even the most advanced production environment face challenges. That’s where hold-and-drive solutions come into play, offering a powerful way to simplify assembly without compromising quality.
But what are they, really? And why are they indispensable in aerospace manufacturing? Let’s break it down.
Hold-and-drive fasteners are designed with an internal hex that allows the fastener to be held in place during assembly, preventing it from spinning while the nut is tightened. This feature is particularly valuable in situations where it’s impractical or impossible to hold the screw from the opposite side of the threaded end.
Such an assembly process involves engaging the internal hex of the fastener with a tool, holding it stationary, and threading the nut onto the outside of the fastener. The screw holder is always fixed and does not turn. It is the socket that moves and tightens the nut. This is why the tools are called Hold and Drive. These fasteners are used extensively across industries, from truck manufacturing—where they simplify frame assembly from a two-person task to a one-person operation—to aerospace, where their precision and reliability are critical.
Why Aerospace Manufacturing Relies on Hold-and-Drive Solutions?
Aerospace assembly presents unique challenges. Tight spaces, intricate designs, and strict quality requirements demand tools that deliver precision and efficiency. Hold-and-drive solutions are ideally suited to meet these needs.
Historically, assembling joints with these fasteners relied on manual tools. An operator uses a hex bit or wrench to engage the internal hex, and then manually turns the nut onto the threads with a hand wrench. This process requires an operator who is very experienced and skilled in the assembly of these joints to ensure quality and is also extremely time-consuming.
Enter power tools. Companies like Atlas Copco have transformed the game by integrating hold-and-drive technology into pneumatic (such as our LTV009) and battery-electric tools (such as our IxB familiy).
With these tools, the operator’s role is simplified—pressing the trigger activates the tool, completing the assembly in a consistent and precise manner. This innovation eliminates the reliance on operator experience for quality assurance, making the process faster, more efficient, and less error-prone.
Advantages of Hold-and-Drive power tools
The adoption of power tools for hold-and-drive applications delivers substantial benefits:
1. Increased Speed
Power tools significantly reduce the time required for each assembly. Operators no longer need to manually hold and secure the fastener—engaging the tool and activating it completes the process efficiently.
2. Consistent Quality
Manual assembly can be inconsistent due to operator fatigue or variability in technique and experience. Power tools ensure that each joint is secured to exact specifications, ensuring each fastener meets the same high standard.
3. Cost Efficiency
By reducing the need for multiple operators, these tools streamline labor requirements and lower costs. A single operator can efficiently handle tasks that once required two.
4. Ease of Operation
Power tools simplify the assembly process. Operators require minimal training to achieve consistent, reliable results, reducing the complexity of onboarding new team members.
5. Built for challenging tasks
Aerospace components often feature challenging designs and confined spaces. Hold-and-drive tools are specifically engineered to perform reliably in these demanding applications.
Why Choose Atlas Copco?
When it comes to hold-and-drive solutions, Atlas Copco is leading the charge. Our lineup of pneumatic and battery-powered tools is tailor-made for aerospace applications.
Curious about how these tools could fit into your production line? Reach out to Atlas Copco today. After all, when the stakes are sky-high—quite literally—you need tools that deliver every time.
Hold-and-drive solutions are more than just a clever design—they’re a critical piece of the puzzle for aerospace assembly. From speeding up production to ensuring consistent quality, these tools are helping manufacturers meet the industry’s ever-growing demands.
