Damage resulting from fretting corrosion is observed in a variety of engineering components including bearings, switchgear, and bolted or riveted joints. The nature and occurrence of fretting corrosion are examined and various theories which have been proposed to explain the phenomenon are discussed. The effect of varying such factors as humidity, duration, load, etc., on the amount of damage occurring during fretting is considered. Methods of eliminating or reducing fretting damage are suggested. (auth)