"Ernest Christley" wrote in message
. com...

But if all the corners aren't bolted securely, they will not be inline
very long.

Then use four smaller bolts with the equivalent total shear strength of the
single thru-axle bolt.

Aircraft *must* be light to perform well. One does not build a light
aircraft by ignoring details such as this. A friend of mine built an RV-4.
Before final assembly I remember him going over the airframe and examining
each bolt for proper length. All unnecessary washers were removed and bolts
replaced if they were now too long. Maybe he saved an ounce or two. That's
an ounce or two he doesn't have to cart around for the next few years. At
U.S. Postal rates, that adds up! ;o)

Rich S.

P.S. Yes, I realize that misaligned holes can throw all of the shear force
on one bolt. Drill the *&^% holes right and you won't have that problem.