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Prohibited cleaning tools on aluminum

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 31 of 36 on Cleaning and Corrosion Control. ACS element AM.I.G.K11 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA mechanic is preparing to remove light corrosion products from an aluminum skin. Which cleaning tool is prohibited on aluminum surfaces?

  1. AA fine grade nonwoven abrasive pad
  2. BA steel wire brush
  3. CAluminum oxide paper, 300 grit or finer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. A steel wire brush

  • A — incorrect Fine grade nonwoven abrasive pads are listed among the approved tools, and such pads have generally replaced aluminum wool and fiber bristle brushes for this work.
  • B — correct The use of steel wool, steel wire brushes, or harsh abrasive materials on any aluminum surface is prohibited.
  • C — incorrect Aluminum oxide paper of 300 grit or finer is safe to use on most surfaces because its abrasive does not bury itself in the base metal.

BACKGROUND

The improper use of steel cleaning products such as steel wool or a steel wire brush on aluminum or magnesium can force small pieces of steel into the metal being cleaned, causing corrosion and ruining the adjoining surface. For this reason the use of steel wool, steel wire brushes, or harsh abrasive materials on any aluminum surface is prohibited, as is producing a buffed or wire brush finish by any means. Approved tools include aluminum wool, nylon webbing impregnated with aluminum oxide abrasive, fine grade nonwoven abrasive pads, and fiber bristle brushes. Abrasive papers must not contain sharp or needlelike abrasives, so aluminum oxide paper of 300 grit or finer is acceptable while carborundum (silicon carbide) paper is avoided. Emery paper or crocus cloth on aluminum or magnesium can cause serious corrosion from imbedded iron oxide.

STUDY TIP

Remember that anything ferrous, including the pad you already used on a steel part, stays away from aluminum and magnesium; keep abrasive pads segregated by metal.

KEY POINTS

  • Steel wool, steel wire brushes, and harsh abrasives are prohibited on aluminum.
  • Embedded steel or iron oxide particles become future corrosion sites.
  • Approved options include aluminum wool, fine nonwoven pads, and 300 grit or finer aluminum oxide paper.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch08 "Anodizing"
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch08 "Dissimilar Metal Corrosion"
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch08 "Abrasive Papers"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON CLEANING AND CORROSION CONTROL

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.