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Rivet shank length from an AN470AD3-5 part number

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 6 of 33 on Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes. ACS element AM.I.E.K11 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA rivet is identified by the part number AN470AD3-5. What is the length of the rivet shank?

  1. A5/8 inch
  2. B5/16 inch
  3. C5/32 inch, the same units as the diameter
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 5/16 inch

  • A — incorrect Eighths of an inch are used for bolt length in AN bolt part numbers, not for rivet length; rivet length is given in 16ths.
  • B — correct The last number, separated by a dash, expresses the shank length in 16ths of an inch, so 5 indicates 5/16 inch.
  • C — incorrect Rivet diameter is expressed in 32nds of an inch, but rivet length uses 16ths, so the 5 means 5/16 inch.

BACKGROUND

Each type of rivet is identified by a part number. The AN or MS standard number identifies the head type; for example, AN470 or MS20470 is a universal head rivet and AN426 or MS20426 is a 100-degree countersunk head rivet. Letters after the standard number designate the alloy: A for 1100 or 3003, AD for 2117-T, D for 2017-T, DD for 2024-T, B for 5056, C for copper, and M for Monel. The first number following the letters expresses the shank diameter in 32nds of an inch, and the last number, separated by a dash, expresses the shank length in 16ths of an inch. Thus AN470AD3-5 is a universal head 2117-T rivet, 3/32 inch in diameter and 5/16 inch long.

STUDY TIP

Decode rivet numbers from left to right: head style, alloy letters, diameter in 32nds, then length in 16ths after the dash.

KEY POINTS

  • Rivet diameter is coded in 32nds of an inch.
  • Rivet length, after the dash, is coded in 16ths of an inch.
  • AN470AD3-5 is a universal head 2117-T rivet, 3/32 by 5/16 inch.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch07 "Solid Shank Rivets" (rivet part number example AN470AD3-5)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.