FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe StructuresEasy

A technician is selecting a protruding-head solid rivet for a general repair on an aluminum skin where head style is not critical. The rivet has a smooth, dome-shaped head that is flatter than the old round-head style. Which AN rivet designation describes this head style?

  1. AAN426 countersunk head
  2. BAN441 flat head
  3. CAN470 universal head
  4. DAN455 round head
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. AN470 universal head

The AN470 universal head rivet has a low, flat dome shape and has replaced the round-head (AN430) and brazier-head rivets for most general sheet metal repair work. AN426 is a flush (countersunk) rivet, AN455 is the older round-head style, and AN441 is a flat-head rivet used mainly on internal structure.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. AN426 is a flush 100° countersunk rivet, not a protruding dome-shaped head.
  • B. AN441 flat head has an almost flat top, not a dome shape.
  • D. AN455 round head is an older style largely replaced by the AN470.

AN470 Universal Head Rivet

A solid aluminum rivet with a low dome-shaped head used for the majority of protruding-head sheet metal repairs.

  • Replaced round-head (AN430) and brazier-head rivets in most applications
  • Head shape is a low, flat dome
  • Identified by shank diameter and length codes stamped after AN470

Memory trick: 'Universal' rivets Uniformly replace old round heads.

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