Can E-Drill be used on curved or vertical surfaces?

Aircraft structures are rarely flat. Many fasteners are installed on curved skins, contoured fuselage panels, or vertical and overhead surfaces, making removal challenging with standard drilling methods. Manual drills can skid or wander, risking hole damage and increasing technician fatigue.

E-Drill solves this challenge using precision EDM technology combined with specialized locator tooling, including the Offset Vacuum Locator (OVL), to deliver accurate, damage-free fastener removal in virtually any orientation.

The Challenge of Non-Flat Surfaces

Traditional drills depend on operator force and a steady hand to maintain alignment. On a curved or vertical surface:

  • Drill bits often walk or skid, damaging the surrounding skin.
  • Overhead drilling increases fatigue and strain, while falling debris can obstruct vision, reduce accuracy, and potentially cause eye injuries for technicians.
  • Misalignment can lead to elongated holes or costly structural rework.

These issues make large-scale maintenance projects slower and riskier.

The Offset Vacuum Locator (OVL)

The OVL is a dedicated vacuum locator attachment for E-Drill that makes fastener removal on curved and angled surfaces simple and precise:

  1. Offset Access: The OVL’s spherical washer stackup allows technicians to access fasteners that are located on sloped or curved panels.
  2. Vacuum Hold: A vacuum seal secures the locator to the surface, locking the tool in place without requiring constant operator pressure.
  3. Perfect Centering: Once attached, the OVL keeps the E-Drill concentric to the fastener, preventing bit walking or off-center cuts.

This tooling ensures every fastener is removed quickly and accurately, even in challenging orientations.

Vertical and Overhead Applications

E-Drill requires minimal force to operate. When paired with vacuum locator tooling or button-head bushings:

  • The tool stays fixed in place, letting the EDM process do the work.
  • Fastener removal quality is consistent, regardless of gravity or operator angle.
  • Operators experience less fatigue and strain, improving safety and productivity.

Benefits of Using E-Drill on Curved or Vertical Surfaces

  • Removes fasteners safely on wing leading edges, rounded fairings, and fuselage contours.
  • Works efficiently on vertical tail assemblies and overhead structures.
  • Maintains hole integrity, reducing the risk of rework.
  • Enhances operator comfort and repeatability.

Learn More About E-Drill Tooling

E-Drill’s performance on non-flat surfaces is made possible by specialized locator tooling, such as the Offset Vacuum Locator (OVL). This solution ensures precise, damage-free fastener removal on complex geometries where traditional tools struggle.

For more information:

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