Abstract: A method of removing a metal sleeve from a bore formed in one or more elements is disclosed. The sleeve may be a cold-expanded sleeve secured within the bore by an interference fit. The method includes removing material from the internal surface of the sleeve by a cutter along a line to a depth less than the thickness of the sleeve, and subsequently urging the sleeve from the bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing a fastener from a component, the fastener comprising an end portion exposed from the component, the end portion having a threaded section, the method comprising the following steps; providing a cap with a threaded opening, screwing the threaded opening of the cap onto the threaded section of the exposed end portion of the fastener, and securing a percussive tool to the cap, such that repeated impacts from the percussive tool are directed onto the exposed end portion of the fastener. The present invention also provides a cap for use in removing a fastener from a component, the cap comprising a threaded opening for screwing onto a threaded section of an exposed end portion of the fastener, and an attachment portion for securing a percussive tool to the cap.

Abstract: A plastic hand-held measuring device, can measure the depth of a hole or bore or the length of a fixing, having particular application with composite aircraft components. A hook or tang, at the end of an elongate portion, can engage with the far end of the bore allowing the depth ascertained from a first measurement scale. A first formation can engage with a fixing, allowing measurement of the length of the fixing from a second measurement scale. A plastic slide can abut against a portion of the component to be measured and indicate the distance on the measurement scale that corresponds to the length of the dimension being measured. The slide may be arranged to engage with successive indexed formations along the length of the device, so that it is inclined to remain in a position corresponding to an indexed formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing a fastener from a component, the fastener comprising an end portion exposed from the component, the end portion having a threaded section, the method comprising the following steps; providing a cap with a threaded opening, screwing the threaded opening of the cap onto the threaded section of the exposed end portion of the fastener, and securing a percussive tool to the cap, such that repeated impacts from the percussive tool are directed onto the exposed end portion of the fastener. The present invention also provides a cap for use in removing a fastener from a component, the cap comprising a threaded opening for screwing onto a threaded section of an exposed end portion of the fastener, and an attachment portion for securing a percussive tool to the cap.

Abstract: A method of removing a metal sleeve from a bore formed in one or more elements is disclosed. The sleeve may be a cold-expanded sleeve secured within the bore by means of an interference fit. The method includes removing material from the internal surface of the sleeve by means of cutting along a line to a depth less than the thickness of the sleeve, and subsequently urging the sleeve from the bore.