Definition
A sheet metal layout tool used to accurately locate and mark the position of a rivet hole in an upper sheet so it aligns with an existing hole in the sheet beneath it. The tool typically consists of two thin arms joined at one end, with matching pins or points that pass through the existing hole and mark the corresponding position on the new sheet.
Plain English
A simple two-armed tool that helps you find exactly where to drill a new hole in a top piece of metal so it lines up perfectly with a hole already drilled in the piece underneath.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance and sheet-metal repair when fitting a panel or patch over holes that are already in the structure below.
Why Pilots Care
A misplaced hole can weaken a repair, make parts fit poorly, or require extra rework. A hole finder helps keep drilled holes aligned with the aircraft structure underneath.
Analogy
Think of it like a hole-punch alignment guide: one arm slips into the existing hole, and the other arm marks the spot directly above it on the new sheet, so the holes line up the first time.
Intuition Check
Do not read “hole finder” as a device that searches randomly for damage or openings. In this context, it is a precise tool for locating an existing covered hole so a matching hole can be drilled.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic used a hole finder to mark the rivet locations on the new skin patch before drilling.
Example Sentence 2
After fitting the repair patch, he used the hole finder to transfer the hole pattern before drilling and riveting.