Definition
A flat, narrow projection extending from the end of a tool, blade, or metal part that fits into a handle, socket, or mating component to hold it in place or transmit force.
Plain English
The flat tongue of metal that sticks out of one part so it can slot into another part and stay locked together.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance manuals, parts drawings, and airframe repair instructions when describing brackets, fittings, hinges, or other attachment points.
Derivation
From Old Norse 'tangi', meaning a pointed projection or spit of land. The same root gave us 'tongue'. The image is of a narrow piece sticking out — which is exactly what a tang does on a tool or fitting.
Why Pilots Care
When inspecting or using hand tools during maintenance, a loose or damaged tang means the tool can fail under load, which is a safety issue for both the technician and the aircraft being worked on.
Analogy
Think of the small tab on a wall bracket where a screw goes through. The tab is not the whole bracket; it is the projecting part that gives another item a place to attach.
Intuition Check
Tang does not mean a taste or flavor here. In this context, it means a projecting piece of metal or structure used as an attachment or support point.
Example Sentence 1
The technician rejected the file because its tang was bent and would no longer seat properly in the handle.
Example Sentence 2
Correct seating of the tang prevents the blade from slipping under rotation loads.