BAC #: 36-511
Paint Cutter
Description
Aircraft Paint Cutters – Sizes & Applications
BAC paint cutters are designed to reduce paint chipping around painted-over screw heads during aircraft maintenance. The cutter creates a controlled opening around the fastener head before screw removal, helping minimize damage to the surrounding paint and finish. Each cutter features a 1/4-28 threaded connection and is designed for use with the #36-666 Paint Cutter Arbor.
Five cutter sizes are available to accommodate different aircraft fastener head diameters. Select the cutter based on the diameter of the screw head and the requirements of the applicable maintenance procedure.
How Aircraft Paint Cutters Work
When aircraft fasteners are painted over during refinishing, the paint can bridge the gap between the screw head and the surrounding aircraft surface. Attempting to remove the screw without first separating the paint can cause the paint to chip, crack, or lift around the fastener.
An aircraft paint cutter is designed to create a controlled cut around the screw head. This separates the paint immediately surrounding the fastener so the screw can be removed while helping preserve the surrounding painted finish.
Paint cutters are particularly useful during aircraft inspections, component removal, maintenance, and repainting operations where maintaining the appearance and integrity of the surrounding finish is important.
Choosing the Correct Paint Cutter Size
Choose the paint cutter based on the diameter of the fastener head rather than simply selecting the largest available cutter. The goal is to create a controlled separation around the screw head while limiting unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding painted surface.
BAC offers paint cutters with opening diameters ranging from 0.254 inch to 0.462 inch, covering #4, #6, #8, #10, and #12 cutter sizes. The 36-517 #12 cutter provides the largest opening and is specifically noted for use with Gulfstream oversized titanium screw heads.
Paint Cutter Arbor
Paint cutters use a 1/4-28 thread and are designed to be used with the #36-666 Paint Cutter Arbor. The arbor provides the connection between the cutter and a standard drill chuck and is approximately 2 inches long.
The 1/4-28 threaded design allows the cutter to be used with an angle drill, making it useful for aircraft maintenance locations where access is limited.
Shop Paint Cutter Arbor #36-666
Aircraft Maintenance Note: Paint cutters are specialized maintenance tools. Always use the cutter size, procedure, and technique specified by the applicable aircraft maintenance documentation or approved procedure. Avoid cutting into the underlying aircraft structure or substrate.