Kit Hardware

Sonex airframe kits do not include hardware (nuts, bolts, screws, solid rivets, etc) and some miscellaneous parts, however, both Wicks Aircraft Supply and Aircraft Spruce and Specialty offer Sonex, Waiex and Xenos hardware kits.

Why is hardware not supplied by Sonex Aircraft, LLC?

It has been our goal from the introduction of the Sonex to make aviation affordable to as many people as possible.

Towards that goal we continuously evaluate the contents of our kits and include only the items which we can provide at a competitive cost to you, the builder. Your kit includes all the pulled (“blind”) rivets needed to assemble the airframe, as Sonex Aircraft, LLC is one of the largest consumers of these rivets and our purchasing power means we can include these rivets at a cost which no one else can match.

For just the opposite reason we have chosen not to include the other hardware items needed to assemble your airframe kit. The added handling cost for Sonex to include these items would significantly increase your cost to build the airplane.

Where can builders get the Hardware they need?

As a convenience to our builders, we have compiled a list of the necessary hardware for each airframe and have provided these lists to both Wicks Aircraft Supply and Aircraft Spruce and Specialty. Using our lists each company has created their own Sonex, Waiex, and Xenos hardware kits, and each company has included the items they feel are worthwhile stocking. While none of these kits are 100% complete, they do include most of the hardware and miscellaneous items you’ll need to complete your airframe.

Items which are not included in the kits can be purchased from other sources such as McMaster-Carr, Grainger Industrial Supply, and often from your local hardware store. Brass fittings (Weatherhead brand) are common NAPA parts.

You also have the option of creating your own hardware list from the plans and purchasing the hardware from your preferred sources.

Things to keep in mind...

When it comes to hardware it is difficult to have “too much”. By purchasing extra quantities of the common-sized aircraft grade washers, cotter pins, bolts, and nuts you will be prepared for the inevitable shortages. Some homebuilder supply companies offer generic hardware kits which provide a wide range of spare hardware for a reasonable cost – nice to have to keep the project moving along instead of waiting days for a few washers to arrive in the mail and paying more for the shipping than the hardware.

Having trouble sourcing hardware?

If you cannot find a source for a hardware item while building your Sonex, Waiex, or Xenos airframe, please contact us via email and we will be happy to offer sources or acceptable alternatives.

tech@sonexaircraft.com