Nicks, Scratches and Gouges
General principles for inspecting and reworking metallic nicks, scratches and gouges.
Key reference points
- Identify and measure the full damage before rework.
- Use material-compatible tools and contamination controls.
- Confirm remaining thickness, NDT and finish requirements in approved data.
Organised training notes
1Identify the damage
Clean the area and establish the damage type, location, length, width and maximum depth before any material is removed.
2Confirm the material
Aluminium, titanium, magnesium, steel and plated surfaces require different abrasives, tooling and contamination controls.
3Use a smooth transition
When blending is authorised, remove only the damaged material and make a gradual transition without sharp steps or new tool marks.
4Inspect after rework
Use the specified visual or nondestructive inspection after rework to confirm that cracking and unacceptable damage do not remain.
5Restore protection
Clean the area and restore the specified conversion coating, primer, finish or other corrosion protection.
This summary is not approved repair or maintenance data. Do not inspect, classify, select material, alter structure or perform a repair from this page alone. Use the current applicable SRM, AMM, engineering order, drawing and company procedures.