Reaction tool and method for forming openings in an aircraft fuselage joint

A method of making fastener openings at a plurality of opening locations in an aircraft fuselage joint, the joint including a first side and an opposing second side, said method comprising:

• coupling a plurality of clamping surfaces of a reaction tool to the joint second side, such that each clamping surface at least partially surrounds a corresponding one of the plurality of opening locations, wherein each clamping surface is disposed on a reaction member of the reaction tool;
• and
• forming the fastener openings at the plurality of opening locations, wherein said forming the fastener openings comprises receiving a forming tool by the reaction member as the forming tool extends from the joint first side through the joint second side.

A method of making a reaction tool for forming openings in an aircraft fuselage joint, the joint including (i) a first side from which a forming tool is to be applied at a plurality of opening locations and (ii) an opposing second side, said method comprising:

• coupling a plurality of reaction members to a reaction bar, the reaction bar configured to extend across the plurality of opening locations, wherein each of the reaction members comprises a clamping surface configured to couple to the joint second side such that each clamping surface at least partially surrounds a corresponding one of the plurality of opening locations;
• and
• coupling a plurality of connectors to the reaction bar, each of the plurality of connectors configured to couple to the joint second side.