a joining of parts in the subassemblies of mechanisms, machines, instruments, apparatus, and structures in such a way as to permit the subassemblies to be taken apart and put together without damage to the parts. The basic types of releasable connections are: screw and bolted connections, spline joints, connections employing keys and pins, and clamp joints. Some heavy-drive fits and bonded joints that permit disassembly without damage to the parts, for example, by heating, can also be classed as releasable connections.