What must be done with lock tabs during disassembly?

• A. They are not reused.
• B. They must be reinstalled after inspection.
• C. They are discarded and replaced with new tabs.
• D. They are bent and reused.

Answer: (A)

Lock tabs are designed for one-time use. When a tab is bent to lock a fastener, its shape and integrity are altered, which means it can no longer provide a secure, reliable lock if reused. Therefore, they are not reused after disassembly. Upon reassembly, you install new lock tabs to ensure proper locking and to prevent the fastener from loosening in service. Reinstalling or reusing a tab would compromise security and risk failure.