What tool do you use to inspect the manufactured rivet head gap?

The use of a gap inspection shim is essential for checking the manufactured rivet head gap because it allows for precise measurement of the distance between the rivet head and the surface it's fastened to. This tool is designed to fit into the gap and helps to ensure that the rivet is properly seated and has no excessive spacing that could compromise the integrity of the assembly. Proper inspection of rivet head gaps is critical in aerospace applications to maintain structural strength and safety.

In contrast, the other tools listed serve different purposes. Rivet tape is typically used for positioning and aligning rivets prior to installation, not for measuring gaps. An H-gauge is primarily used for measuring the length of rivets or the overall height of assembled components. A spoon gauge can also measure the depth or height but lacks the specific design meant for inspecting rivet head gaps. Therefore, the gap inspection shim is the most appropriate tool for this task, as it is specifically designed for gap measurement and ensures compliance with assembly specifications.