Standoffs and Spacers!? What the heck are those?
Posted: March 28, 2023 Filed under: Electronic Hardware, Female-Female, Hex Spacers, Hex Standoffs, Inch, Male-Female, Male-Male, Metric, Panel Fasteners, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Spacers, Standoffs, Standoffs and Spacers | Tags: Electronic Hardware, Hex Spacers, Hex Standoffs, Inch Spacers, Inch Standoffs, Industrial, Lyn-tron, Metric Spacers, Metric Standoffs, NAS1829, NAS1830, NAS1831, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Spacers Hex, Spacers Round, Standoffs and Spacers, Standoffs Female, Standoffs Female-Female, Standoffs Hex, Standoffs Male, Standoffs Male-Female, Standoffs Round Leave a comment
What the heck are Standoffs and Spacers?
Welcome back to our “What the heck is that?” series, refreshed for 2023. We close out March by (re) introducing you to Standoffs and Spacers. According to the dictionary, a Standoff is defined as “a stalemate or a deadlock between two equally matched opponents”. In the world of manufacturing and assemblies, Standoffs, and their cousin the Spacer, have an altogether different meaning which we will uncover today.
What are Standoffs and Spacers?
Often classified as Electronic Hardware, or Panel Hardware, Standoffs are hex or round shaped fasteners which have a body and two threaded ends. The threaded ends can either be an internally threaded opening (female) or an externally threaded post (male). They are commonly used to mechanically support and electrically connect and position components within assemblies.
Spacers are similar to Standoffs, however, Standoffs are threaded on both ends, and Spacers are unthreaded with an inside clearance hole.
Who uses Standoffs and Spacers?
Look inside an assembled circuit board, and you may be greeted by a variety of Standoffs and Spacers. In the world of Electronic Hardware, they are the standard for connecting and mounting circuit boards, panels, doors, and gears. Both are commonly used to properly position parts within an assembly, to reduce component contact, to elevate stacked sections, to ensure enough room for heat to dissipate, and to separate or create space between two objects. These guys are workhorses!
What do I need to consider when selecting Standoffs and Spacers?
Standoffs and Spacers are available in a variety of styles based on four main attributes: 1) shape 2) outer diameter of the body 3) body length and 4) thread size or clearance hole. Standoffs have a fifth attribute, thread type (we like to call it gender), as defined below.
Standoffs and Spacers can be hex, round or square shaped. The most common diameter of the body is ¼, but many other sizes are available. Metric diameter standards are M4.5 and M6, though larger sizes are available. Standard body lengths range from ¼ x 2″. Clearance holes and thread generally range from #2 through ¼. Special lengths and sizes are available – just ask!
Standoffs come in three main styles (genders):
- Female-female: can be fully threaded or partially threaded on each end.
- Male-female: have internal female threads on one end and male threads on the other. Threads are generally the same size.
- Male-male: have external threads on both ends which may be of differing thread size.
What Materials are available?
Common materials include aluminum, brass, plastic/nylon, steel, and stainless steel. Common platings include clear anodized, nickel, gold iridite and zinc plated. There are over 20 common plating’s available! Here are some of the most common materials:
- Aluminum: It is popular because of its ratio of weight to strength. It is light, non-magnetic, performs well in severe temperatures, and has insulating properties.
- Brass: It is used in making high-quality standoffs. It is conductive, resists corrosion, and is non-magnetic. It is costlier and heavier than aluminum and is usually plated zinc or nickel. It can be soldered for grounding.
- 18-8 Stainless Steel: It is strong, conductive, and nonmagnetic. This stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance.
- Zinc plated Steel: Steel is used for its strength, but it is heavier than aluminum and does not resist corrosion like Stainless steel, aluminum or brass. It is usually zinc plated for added corrosion resistance.
- Nylon 6/6: It is superlight, nonconductive, and resistant to chemicals and solvents. Nylon absorbs moisture, which can affect dimensions and other properties.
Lesson Learned, and considerations when selecting and using Standoffs and Spacers
- Standoffs are sometimes referred to by their brand names, which can often be substituted by generic equivalents. Popular brands include: Amatom, Concord, Globe, H.H. Smith, Lyn-tron, Microplastics, Keystone, Pem, RAF, Unicorp.
- To measure a Standoff or Spacer, measure the outside diameter of the body, the length of the body and the thread size. Determine if the standoff is a female-female, male-female or male-male. A typical Standoff might measure as follows: 1/4 hex X 1/2 long X 8-32 thread male-female aluminum standoff. This exact standoff is made and branded by at least 10 manufacturers. Note: the length of the male threaded post is standard and is not called out.
- Standoffs and Spacers sometimes show up under their Mil-spec numbers, which can be crossed to commercial equivalents. Some common Mil-spec series include NAS42, NAS43, NAS61, NAS1056, NAS1057, NAS1829, NAS1830, NAS1831.
To see if using alternative brands or functional equivalents will work for your business, refer to our handy guide.
Standoffs and Spacers at MF Supply
Here at MF Supply, we supply some of the most common and unusual Standoffs and Spacers, including:
- The full range of commercial and mil-spec parts in both inch and metric.
- Specials sizes, materials and platings. Just try to stump us!
- We are authorized distributors for Amatom, Concord, Lyn-tron, Microplastics and RAF and offer the full range of brand names and equivalents.
Visit our MF Supply website for more details or to check our Spacers and Standoffs currently in stock.
And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. Our MF Supply team of sourcing experts can help you answer any questions or concerns you might have about our products. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
Buyer’s Guide to Set Screws Updated for 2023
Posted: March 22, 2023 Filed under: Fasteners, Inch, Metric, Set Screw, Socket Products, Socket Set Screws, Socket Set Screws Cone Point, Socket Set Screws Cup Point, Socket Set Screws Flat Point, Socket Set Screws Half-Dog Point, Socket Set Screws Knurled Cup Point, Socket Set Screws Nylon Tip, Socket Set Screws Oval Point, Threaded Fasteners | Tags: ASME B18.3, Cone Point, Cup point, Fasteners, Flat Point, Half-Dog, Hardware, Knurled Cup Point, Mechanical Fasteners, Nylon Tip, Oval Point, Set Screw, Socket Set Screws, Threaded Fasteners 1 Comment
8 Things to Know When Buying Set Screws
Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes-complex category of fasteners by detailing the most critical things you must know when buying Set Screws.
1. What is a Set Screw?
A Set Screw is a fully threaded headless screw that is traditionally classified within the socket family of products. It is generally used to fasten an object within or against another object by exerting pressure rather than holding parts together with threads. It is normally used without a nut.
2. Who uses Set Screws?
Set Screws are used in many industrial and mechanical devices, particularly in assemblies with rotating items such as pulleys or wheels, where a component is locked onto a shaft. Designed to fasten one object inside another, Set Screws pass right through a threaded hole in the outer object and are tightened against the inner object. Pretty cool, right?
3. What materials and platings are available?
The most common Set Screw material options are alloy steel and stainless steel. Brass is a less popular and less available option.
The most commonly available material is hardened alloy steel with a thermal black oxide finish, as per ASME B18.3 and a Rockwell hardness of C45-53.
Stainless steel grades 18-8/303 and Metric A2 are also commonly available. Other exotic materials such as brass, 316 or A4 stainless steel, 4140 steel, 416, A286 or special finishes including zinc plating may be available for special order with a lead time.
Socket Set Screws come standard with 3A thread fit. Some sizes and materials may be available with nylon patches or pellets.
Set screws with a slotted drive are made with a 2A thread fit.
4. What sizes are available?
In our experience, Set Screws are most commonly available in sizes 2-56 through 1″ diameter in imperial and M2-M24 in metric diameters with a hex socket drive on one end and a cup point on the other.
5. What information should I provide to get an accurate quote?
The easiest way to order is by part number. The most popular manufacturers of Set Screws are Holo-Krome, Blue Devil and Misumi, along with the national catalog houses like McMaster-Carr, Grainger and MSC Industrial.
If you don’t have a part number, you’ll need to provide the diameter and thread, the body length, drive and tip type, material and plating.
6. Other than size, material and plating, what other options are available?
The other main considerations when selecting Set Screws are the drive and the point. We offer a comprehensive look at your options below.
Drives: The most common and readily available drive style is a hexagonal socket drive (think Allen wrench), however, Set Screws may also be available in slotted, six-lobe (Torx) and spline drives for certain sizes.
Points: This is where it gets interesting. The point of the Set Screw determines its function. Seven (yes, seven!) main points are available, each serving a slightly different purpose.
- Cup – The most common style, which is slightly cupped to meet the surface of the inner object. Used for permanent or semi-permanent installations, the Cup point provides a high level of security and control. (Metric DIN 916)
- Knurled Cup – A variation of the Cup point, this style has knurls for a stronger grip.
- Cone – A very sharp point wedges into the inner object to hold it permanently in place. With the highest holding power of all Set Screw styles, the Cone point is used for permanent settings. Note: Cone point Set Screws may cause damage to the inner object which might not be desirable in some applications. (DIN 914)
- Flat – Designed for flexibility when frequently resetting or relocating objects on hard steel shafts where minimal damage to the shaft is desired. Affordable and easy to install, Flat point Set Screws can be moved without damaging the inner object. (DIN 913)
- Oval – The Oval point is the inverse of the Cup point. The small rounded contact surface allows slight adjustments without loosening the screw and causes minimal surface damage to the inner object. The Oval point Set Screw is the most practical type for situations where the inner and outer objects require regular adjustments.
- Half-Dog – Sometimes offered as a Full-Dog point, its protruding tip locks within a mating hole or slot in the shaft, for permanent setting. Half-dog/Dog points are sometimes used instead of a dowel pin. (DIN 915)
- Nylon tip – Resembling a Half-Dog point, the soft nylon tip is used to grip curved or textured surfaces.
7. What other factors should I consider?
We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Does your project specify Inch (Imported or Domestic), Metric, OEM brand or Mil-Spec? Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:
We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:
Do you need domestic parts (i.e. Holo-Krome) or will imported screws work?
Do you require parts that conform to a specific mil-spec number, such as AN565, NAS1081, MS18063, MS18064, MS18065, MS18066, MS18067, MS18068, MS21342, MS51017, MS51021, MS51022, MS51023, MS51025, MS51026, MS51029, MS51031, MS51033,MS51038, MS51040, MS51045, MS51047, MS51053, MS51476, MS51477, MS51963, MS51964, MS51965, MS51966, MS51973,MS51974, MS51976, MS51977, MS51981, MS51982 with their exacting tolerances and traceability, or will standard commercial parts work?
Does your bill of materials call out a specific manufacturer, such as Holo-Krome or Blue Devil?
Make sure you have the correct installation hardware (Allen wrench or hex key) to go along with your Set Screws.
8. What level of certification is required?
Generally, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC is sufficient for your customer. Full certification with material certs, DFARS certification and test reports are often available for USA-made and mil-spec parts for a fee.
- The full range of commercial and Mil-spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Brand names (Holo-Krome, Blue Devil) and generic equivalents.
- Custom-made parts per print in non-standard and exotic materials and finishes.
For more detailed information about Set Screws, to request a line card, or to send an RFQ, visit our website. And if you don’t see what you need listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
Mil-Spec DFARS!? What the heck is that?
Posted: March 14, 2023 Filed under: DFARS, Fasteners, Mil-Spec, Military Standard, MS24693C | Tags: What the heck is Mi-Spec DFARS? Leave a comment
Welcome to the second edition of our “What the heck is that” series, refreshed for 2023, where we discuss some of the unique fasteners and electronic hardware that manufacturers use in the design and assembly of their products. If you sell to the military either directly or indirectly, then you are probably aware of today’s topic: “DFARS” and “Mil-spec fasteners”.
What does Mil-spec mean anyway?
Before we get into the nitty gritty of DFARS, let’s discuss what makes a “Mil-spec” fastener. Mil-spec is the informal name for the military standard the U.S. Department of Defense uses in the production of military equipment. For example, the MS24693C pictured above is a fastener produced according to strict military standards that are maintained by the DLA (Defense Logistics Agency). (https://www.dla.mil/) INSERT THIS LINK I DONT KNOW HOW
Mil-spec fasteners look a lot like their civilian cousins, but, these little guys are made to a specific standard that defines in detail, the screw’s attributes, including: dimensions, tensile strength, hardness, threads, drive type, material qualities and plating, just to name a few. Mil-spec fasteners are even traceable by lot to designated manufacturers. The government maintains a list of factories and suppliers who are qualified to manufacture Mil-spec fasteners. These suppliers have met all the government’s requirements and pass the highest quality control standards. This designation is called Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturer’s [QSLM].
AKA – Also known as…..
Mil-spec fasteners are usually designated by an AN, MS, NAS or NASM prefix followed by a part number. Each of these prefixes is an abbreviation: NAS stands for National Aerospace Standard and MS stands for Military Standard. An example of one of the most common and popular Mil-spec machine screws is the MS24693C. Its commercial equivalent is a Phillips Flat 100 degree Machine Screw in 300 series stainless steel. Below, we’ll tell you more about this popular fellow.
Who uses Mil-spec Fasteners?
Mil-spec fasteners may be used by anyone manufacturing or servicing military equipment. Often, the bill of materials calls for specific Mil-spec grade fasteners in accordance with a part number, drawing or procurement requirement. Some of the most common uses of Mil-spec fasteners include aerospace, naval vessels and weapons systems.
Now, tell me about DFARS…
Almost a decade ago, the term “DFARS Compliant Material” came to the forefront for companies supplying parts and services to the government. The original Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 252.225-7014 specified “A Preference for Domestic Specialty Metals.” What that means in our world is that for fasteners to be DFARS compliant, the metal used to fabricate them must be melted or manufactured in the United States or a qualifying country.
Qualifying countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Important Note: DFARS only pertains to fasteners made from “specialty metals” including: stainless steel, high alloy steel like Grade-BD, or Grade 5 Chromium steel with high chromium content.
Visit the DPC website, section 252.225, to keep up to date with DFARs requirements, which were updated January 2023. Click here: https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/current/252225.htm.
An example of a DFARS Mil-Spec Screw please!
As we’ve learned, the MS24693C is actually Phillips Flat 100 degree Machine screws in 300 series stainless steel. The MS24693-C4 is a 4-40 x 3/8 Phillips Flat 100 Degree Machine Screw in 302 Stainless Steel, and it is one of the most widely used sizes. Interestingly, the MS24693C superseded the AN662C series, so you might come across the AN662C on an older print of bill of materials. Keep in mind, with any design or manufacturing decision, the reason for using a specific screw generally rests in the hands of engineering.
Features of the MS24693C
- Strict military standards ensure performance and reliability
- Made/melted in the USA or other DFARs-approved country
- Materials and dimensions meet Federal standard FF-S-92
- Inspected per Mil-I-45208
- Full lot traceability, manufacturer’s certification and chemical and physical certification
- Available in diameters from #0 through 1/4 inch in coarse and fine thread and various lengths
Lessons Learned
Considerations when purchasing MS24693C or other Mil-spec DFARs fasteners.
- Always ask for “full certifications”. This includes part name, part description, date of manufacture, lot number, chemical composition of material, and treatment of material including plating or passivation directly from the manufacturer.
- When purchasing Specialty metal screws that qualify for DFARS, at point of purchase, make sure the screws are DFARS. If you do not specifically ask for DFARS-compliant screws, you might receive screws that don’t meet the DFARS requirements, in which case, they won’t meet military standards. We’ve learned this the hard way so hopefully you don’t have to!
MS24693C and other Mil-spec DFARS Fasteners in Stock!
Here, at MF Supply, we stock some of the most common Mil-spec Fasteners, including the following: Machine Screws, Socket Screws, Hex Head Cap screws, Nuts, Flat washers and Standoffs and Spacers. Checkout our instock Military Line of fasteners. (LINK HERE https://www.mfsupply.com/mil-spec-fasteners-s/1823.htm) . If you don’t what you need listed, send us an RFQ, as we are sourcing experts!
Visit our website for more detailed information on Mil-spec Fasteners. Also, checkout our military linecard!
And, as always, if you don’t see it listed, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
Cage Nut!? What the heck is that?
Posted: March 9, 2023 Filed under: Cage Nuts, Domestic Fasteners, Electronic Hardware, Tinnerman, What the heck is a Cage Nut? | Tags: Cage Nuts, tinnerman Leave a commentReposted: March 9, 2023
Author: Robin Lieberman
What the heck is that?
Welcome to our “what the heck is that” series, refreshed for 2023, where we discuss some of the unique fasteners and electronic hardware that manufacturers use in the design and assembly of their products. Today, we will introduce you to a fastener made of two pieces – this little guy is called the Cage Nut.
What the heck is a Cage Nut?
A Cage Nut contains a free floating threaded square Nut retained within a spring steel cage. The spring steel cage has two Mounting legs or wings that, when pressed together, allow the nut to clip into the square hole and lock the fastener in place within the rack hole.
Who uses Cage Nuts?
Cage Nuts are commonly used to mount lighting systems, electrical equipment or instruments onto rail racks. The Cage Nut clips into the rack’s square mounting hole and usually positions the Nut toward the inside of the rack. The Nut is typically loose or “floating” in the Cage to allow for adjustments when installing the screw. This configuration allows flexibility in mounting and assembling components.
AKA – Also known as…..
Cage Nut is a funny little guy and answers to a bunch of different names – some of Cage Nut’s favorite aliases are: Grip Nuts, Retainer Nuts, Rack Nuts or Floating Nuts. Lots of monikers!
Advantages of Cage Nuts
- Snap directly into square rack holes
- Easily installed with no special tools or skills, eliminating the need for special operations
- The Nut floats within the spring-steel cage which offsets normal hole misalignment
- Can be easily popped out and replaced
- Ideal when removal or installation of rack components might cause holes to strip
- Combines flexibility of spring steel cage with the strength of a threaded nut
Lessons learned- Considerations when selecting Cage Nuts
- I always recommend purchasing the corresponding screw to go with the Cage Nuts (i.e. buy the 3/8-16 Cage Nuts together with the 3/8-16 screws). This prevents you from selecting the wrong size Cage Nut. To be 100% sure, you should do a quick test to make sure the screws and Cage Nuts fit together before beginning the installation process.
- When it comes to installation, Cage Nuts can be tough on your fingers when trying to install or uninstall them with your bare hands. Consider using a Cage Nut Tool.
- Sizing is based on 3 components: The screw thread, panel thickness and mounting hole. Double check your measurements before you make your purchase.
Cage Nuts in Stock at MF Supply
Here at MF Supply, we stock some of the most common Cage Nuts, including:
- From imperial size 6-32 up to ½-13
- Metric M5 and M6
- Stainless Steel
- Steel zinc plated
- Tinnerman alternatives
Other sizes, materials and platings are available upon request.
Visit our MF Supply website for more detailed information on Cage Nuts. And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. Finding the right screw for you is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
MS16555 Dowel Pins in Stock!
Posted: March 2, 2023 Filed under: Domestic Fasteners, dowel pin | Tags: dowel pins, Fasteners, MS16555 Leave a commentAt MF Supply, we have a large selection of Precision Dowel Pins and Mil-Spec Hardware. The product we want to highlight today is the MS16555 Dowel Pin.
What is the Mil-Spec Dowel Pin MS16555?
The MS16555 is a stainless steel, cylindrical, solid, and headless fastener. The MS16555 is classified as a Mil-spec fastener, made to a specific exacting standard that defines in detail, the screw’s attributes, including: dimensions, tensile strength, hardness, threads, drive type, material qualities and plating, just to name a few. Mil-spec is the informal name for the military standard the U.S. Department of Defense uses in the production of military equipment. Mil-spec fasteners are usually designated by an AN, MS, NAS or NASM prefix followed by a part number. Each of these prefixes is an abbreviation: NAS stands for National Aerospace Standard and MS stands for Military Standard.
Dowel Pin Uses
Dowel pins are broadly used in various applications, including aerospace, electrical motors, hydraulic equipment, instrumentation, and more.
They’re used as a hinge, shaft, or pivot, and are used to locate or hold parts together within a precision assembly or a fixture, often when things are moving within that assembly.
MS16555 Dowel Pin Options
The MS16555 series is classified as a press fit style dowel pin with a diameter tolerance -0/+ .0002 over nominal size. These Mil-spec dowel pins are DFAR & RoHS compliant & may be requested with manufacturers COC & Full material certifications.
Materials:
- 416 or 400 series hardened stainless steel
- Plain alloy steel
- Phosphate finished alloy steel
MS16555-1 through MS16555-145 are Alloy Steel plain finish
MS16555-301 through MS16555-444 are Alloy Steel phosphate finish
MS16555-601 through MS16555-744 are 410 or 416 CRES Stainless Steel hardened with passivation.
Sizes:
Diameters range from 1/16 (.0626-.0628) through 1 inch (1.0003-1.0001). Lengths range from 3/16 to 6 inched long. For price and availability, send us an RFQ directly from our product pages.
Why Choose MF Supply for MS16555 Dowel Pins?
- The MS16555 Dowel Pin is our most popular military spec dowel pin
- They are made in the USA and are DFAR compliant.
- Certification paperwork is available.
- We have extensive stock, in NJ and at our distribution centers, which means no delay in delivery.
Learn More About MF Supply and our Products
We are excited for you to know that some products lines including CRES series MS16555 are available for purchase on-line. Additional dowel pin & mil-spec resources include:
Buyer’s Guide to Mil-spec fasteners
We stock a huge selection of Mil-spec fasteners in both Alloy & Stainless Steel with full DFAR & RoHS paperwork. Factory drop ship available for thousands of parts!
If you are interested in learning more about these dowel pins or any of our other fasteners or PPE, contact us today!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
Buyer’s Guide to Metric Dowel Pins Refreshed for 2023!
Posted: February 28, 2023 Filed under: DIN 6325, DIN 7, dowel pin, ISO 2338, ISO 8734, Metric Dowel Pins, Mil-Spec, PRECISION DOWEL PIN Leave a comment
7 Things to Know When Buying Metric Dowel Pins
This guide is a follow up to our Dowel Pin Buyer’s Guide published last week, on February 23, 2023. This post is specifically written to share with you the available options when it comes to procuring precision Metric dowel pins.
Our goal is to help simplify the buying process and guide you in the critical selection factors for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.
1. What standards are Metric Dowel Pins made to?
Metric dowel pins are tricky because they fall into two buckets:
- DIN / ISO standard – These metric Dowel pins are readily available in the commercial marketplace and in addition to your suppliers, can be procured through national catalogers like Mcmaster-Carr, Grainger and Holo-Krome. They come on steel and stainless steel.
- Precision Metric Dowel Pins – These “Precision” dowel pins are manufactured by precision component brands such as Pic Design, WM Berg and Unicorp who have their own technical specifications and are not governed by DIN or ISO standards. They are usually only offered in stainless steel through distributors of precision components.
2 . What are the specific criteria I can select for Metric dowel pins?
Here is a list of the criteria and available options available:
- Size
- Material
- Hardened or Unhardened
- End style
- Tolerances
3 . Can you list the standard and precision dowel pins available off the shelf?
- DIN 7
- DIN 6325 & DIN 6325H
- ISO 2338A & ISO 2338B
- ISO 8734
- PRECISION UNHARDENED PRESS FIT DOWEL PINS SS303
- PRECISION HARDENED DOWEL PINS SS416
4. Which types of metric dowel pins are available in which sizes and materials?
Use this handy grid to understand the sizes and materials available in each Metric dowel pin style.
Standard |
Ends |
Materials |
Tolerances / Fit |
Hardness |
Diameters |
DIN7ISO 2338ISO 2338A |
Rounded or beveled |
Steel (least common)300 Series Stainless Steel includingA1=18-8, 303, 304A4=316 |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Unhardened |
M.8-M20 |
ISO 2338B |
Rounded or beveled |
300 Series Stainless SteelA1=18-8, 303, 304 |
H8 diameter tolerance |
Unhardened |
M1.5-10 |
DIN 6325DIN 6325HISO 8734AISO 8734 |
Rounded on one endBeveled on one end |
Alloy Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Hardened toRHC 52-62 |
M1-M25 |
Precision Unhardened |
Rounded |
300 Series Stainless Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Unhardened |
M1-M12 |
Precision Hardened |
Rounded on one endBeveled on one end |
416 Stainless Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Hardened toRHC 36-42 |
M2-M10 |
Important note: All pin options may not be available in all sizes and materials.
5. When ordering, do I need to specify the dowel pin tolerance or call out attributes such as standard, undersized or oversized fit?
Metric dowel pins can show up under DINs and ISO numbers, including : DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734. When ordering DIN/ISO dowel pins it is best to include the Diameter, Length, Material, DIN or ISO and tolerance. For non DIN/ISO Precision metric dowel pins, you can order by the manufacturer part number, such as Pic (MDP series), WM Berg (DM Series), or Holo-Krome.
6. Can I specify if I need radius (round) or chamfer (bevel) on the pin ends?
The pin style will depend upon the spec and the material. Precision dowel pins may come with either a double chamfer, double radius, or a radius on one end and a chamfer on the other end. Check with the handy grid above for guidance.
Important note: The configuration of the ends of unhardened metric dowel pins are at the discretion of the manufacturer. If you have a specific style requirements, you might need to special order which usually involves a minimum and a lead time.
7. What if I need domestic or DFAR certified Metric dowel pins?
If you are ordering by a Precision Manufacturer part number, you are in luck! Most of the stainless steel pins produced by Pic, WM Berg and Unicorp qualify as DFAR compliant and full certifications with material certs and test reports are often available for USA made parts for a fee.
Metric Dowel Pins at MF Supply
We offer:
- The full range of commercial Metric Dowel pins including parts that are USA made, DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Metric sizes including ASME ANSI B18.8.2, DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734
- Metric Precision Dowel pins including Press-Fit Series and all MD series pins in 416 and 303 Stainless Steel.
- Brand names and generic equivalents.
- Custom-made parts per print in non-standard sizes and exotic materials and finishes.
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
The Buyer’s Guide to Dowel Pins You Must Have Today! Updated for 2023!
Posted: February 23, 2023 Filed under: dowel pin, Mil-Spec, MS16555, MS16556 and Mil-P-21143., PRECISION DOWEL PIN 1 Comment
MF Supply is a trusted Supplier of Precision Dowel Pins for manufacturers. Through our extensive assortment of Inch, Metric, Commercial, Mil-Spec and OEM brand names and equivalents, we offer our customers quality imported and domestic dowel options. Our products are competitively priced with fast delivery from multiple distributions centers across the USA. Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.
8 Things to Know When Buying Dowel Pins
If you are a manufacturer working with complex assemblies or fixtures, then you’re likely very familiar with precision dowel pins. Commonly used as a hinge, shaft or pivot to locate or hold assembled parts together, dowel pins can withstand frequent insertion and removal without distortion. They are broadly used across various applications in many industries, including: aerospace, electrical motors, hydraulic equipment, instrumentation, tooling and fixtures, machinery, military and many more.
Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.
1. What is a precision dowel pin?
Dowel pins are solid, headless cylindrical shaped straight metal pins with a centerless ground finish. Manufactured to precise fractional diameters and lengths, dowel pins come in a variety of sizes, styles, designs and materials. This variability can cause confusion among buyers, engineers and end-users alike.
2. What materials and platings are available?
Precision dowel pins are available off the shelf in alloy steel (typically hardened) and stainless steel grades 18-8/303, 316 and 416 (typically hardened). Other exotic materials or special finishes are available for special order with a lead time.
3. What sizes are available?
Standard sizes include inch from 1/16″ to 1″ diameter, and metric from M1 to M20 diameter. Length options vary by diameter. Other diameters and special lengths are available for special order and usually involve a lead time.
4. When ordering, do I need to specify the dowel pin tolerance or call out attributes such as standard, undersized or oversized fit?
Precision dowel pins often show up under their MIL-SPEC numbers, MS16555, MS16556 and Mil-P-21143. Metric dowel pins might show up under the following DINs and ISO numbers: DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734. Dowel pins might also show up under a manufacturer part number such as Pic, WM Berg, Unbrako or Holo-Krome.
If you are ordering by MIL-SPEC, manufacturer’s part number or DIN, then the general attributes including tolerance and style are known. Here are a few of the other options that will help you order the correct pin:
- The most common standard inch or imperial sized precision dowel pin is made to the ASME ANSI B18.8.2 spec and has a diameter tolerance of -0.00 / +0.0002 and length tolerance of +/-0.010. For example, a ¼” (0.25) diameter standard dowel pin will have a diameter between 0.2500–0.2502″.
- The standard metric tolerance is related to the DIN. Both DIN 7 and DIN 6325 have a standard m6 diameter tolerance of +0.012mm / +0.004mm and a length tolerance related to the specific pin length.
- Undersized series dowel pins are used for inconsistent holes. They have a basic diameter 0.0002″ under the nominal diameter. For example, a ¼” (0.25) diameter undersized dowel pin will have a diameter between 0.2500–0.2498″. The Mil-P-21143/2- falls into the undersized category.
- Important note: All pin options may not be available in all sizes and materials.
- OEM branded pins have their own tolerances and specifications.
- Finally, the Oversized series of dowel pins are usually used to fit into worn holes and are generally used in the aftermarket for repairs. These pins are only available off the shelf in steel in a small range of sizes.
5. Can I specify if I need radius or chamfer on the pin ends?
The pin style will depend upon the spec and the material. Precision dowel pins may come with either a double chamfer or a radius on one end and a chamfer on the other end. Specific style requirements are available for special order and usually involve a lead time.
6. What information do I need to request a quote?
The easiest way to order is by either the manufacturer or MIL-SPEC part number. To order by description, you need the diameter, length and material and if applicable, and any special tolerance, plating or style requirements.
7. Do I need to buy special installation tools?
Just remember, no hammers! When installing dowel pins, never drive the pin into the hole with force. Always press it in for best results. And production favors pins since they require no extra fastening hardware for insertion, no secondary operations, and no mating parts. This ease-of-use adds up to speedier production, which makes everyone in the food chain happy!
8. What level of certification is required?
Generally, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC is sufficient for your customer. Full certification with material certs and test reports are often available for USA made and MIL-SPEC parts and might have an additional fee.
Available Dowel Pins Categories
We are Dowel Pin experts, offering the full catalog of standard Dowel Pins in Inch, Metric, Military and OEM branded options in a wide selection of materials, sizes and specifications. As stocking distributors, many dowel pins are available and ready to ship today from our national distribution centers.
- The full range of commercial and MIL-SPEC parts (M21143, MS16555, MS9390), including parts that are USA made, DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Inch sizes to ASME ANSI B18.8.2 standards in Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel 18-8, 316, 400 Series and Hardened
- Metric sizes including DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734 in Alloy Steel, A2 & A4 Stainless Steel
- Precision Series and OEM branded equivalents to PIC, BERG, both Inch & Metric Precision Dowel pins including Press-Fit A, B and Slip-Fit C series and all MD series pins in 416 and 303 Stainless Steel.
In addition to our vast selections of standards, we offer Custom-made parts per print in non-standard sizes and exotic materials and finishes made here in the USA with full certifications. Minimums and lead times will apply.
Seeking parts not listed for purchase on our website? We’ve got you covered! Submit your Dowel Pin RFQ and our team of experts will return your quote quickly!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
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Check out MF Supply’s 2023 Keensert® Cross Reference Tables!
Posted: February 21, 2023 Filed under: Alloy Keenserts, Inch and Mil-Spec Keensert, keensert, Metric Keensert, Stainless Steel Keenserts | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing Leave a comment
Keensert® Equivalent Cross Reference: Find OEM brands, Mil-spec & Functional Equivalents
Although the name Keensert® is often used to describe what is generically called a Key-locking insert (like Band-Aid® or Kleenex®), Keensert® is the registered trademark of Huck Patents (its close cousin, the Keysert® is a registered trademark of Alcoa Fastening Systems). Using functional equivalents, including Mil-Spec, generics and other OEM brands’ versions of key-locking inserts, is a practice many manufacturer’s use to save money and shorten lead times.
Checkout our three most popular Keylocking Insert cross reference charts to see if there is a Functional Equivalent to your Keensert® OEM brand, and start saving money and reducing lead times immediately.
Inch & Mil-Spec Keensert®
Miniature, Thinwall & Lightweight, Heavy Duty, Extra Heavy Duty, Keylocking Inserts in Stainless Steel, A286, 4140 Alloy. Includes MS51830, MS51831, MS51832, KN, KNC, KNL & KNCL Series.
Metric Keensert®
4140 Alloy, A286, & Mill-Spec
Miniature, Thinwall & Lightweight, Heavy Duty, Keylocking Inserts in A286 & 4140 Alloy. Includes NA0146, NA0147, NA0148, NA0149, NA0150, NA0151, KN, KNC, KNL & KNCL Series.
Metric Keensert®
Stainless Steel
Miniature, Thinwall & Lightweight, Heavy Duty, Keylocking Inserts in Stainless Steel, KN, KNC, KNL & KNCL Series.
MF Supply is a leading supplier of key-locking inserts including major brands and equivalents to Acme, Alcoa, Camloc, Clarendon, Fairchild, Kaynar, Microdot and Tridair Keenserts® in imperial, metric and mil-spec sizes and materials.
We stock a huge inventory including Miniature, Thinwall, Lightweight, Heavy Duty, Extra Heavy Duty, Locking, Non-Locking, Solid and Floating style Keenserts®. Our products are DFAR compliant with COC and full certifications available upon request.
If you cant find the part number you need feel free to request a quote and our sourcing experts can help you out!
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
- Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
- Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
- One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.
To learn more about our products, visit our blog, or email us at sales@mfsupply.com
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
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Ultimate Guide for Using Functional Equivalents to OEM Fastener Brands in 2023
Posted: February 16, 2023 Filed under: Functional Equivalent, Sourcing, Uncategorized | Tags: Functional Equivalents, Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing, Sourcing Leave a comment
At MF Supply, we spend a lot of time sourcing hard to find, back ordered, expensive, or out-of-stock OEM hardware brands. We do this in order to save money and to reduce long lead times for our customers, without sacrificing quality.
Just like in the pharmaceutical world, where there are brand names that everyone knows, there are also generic alternatives that are functional equivalents. This is true for the hardware industry too!
6 Things to Know when Comparing Fastener Brands to Generic Alternatives
We’ve discussed how the trademarked brand Keensert® is often available as a Mil-Spec or generic branded key-locking insert. We also reviewed how national brands of precision shoulder screws, such as Amatom, Concord, RAF and others are also offered by McMaster-Carr (tight tolerance series), MSC, Grainger and generically.
But how exactly do you determine which categories of fasteners cross to generic alternatives? This guide offers creative solutions including when to cross, and how to save money and reduce long lead times by using brand alternatives.
1. What is a functional equivalent when it comes to fasteners and precision components?
You can find hundreds of registered trademark-branded fasteners and components in the industrial marketplace. Much like brand-name pharmaceuticals such as Tylenol and Advil are available generically (as acetaminophen and ibuprofen), some brand name fasteners are also available as “generics,” “crosses,” “alternatives” or “functional equivalents.”
In the world of fasteners, a functional equivalent fastener is a part that is the same as the brand-name product in form, fit and function, including material and plating specifications.
2. How can I determine if I must use the brand name or if I can cross to a generic part?
Before you shop, check the bill of materials to see if it specifically calls out a particular brand name along with the part number. If no specific manufacturer’s name is listed, then you can typically use a functional equivalent.
Use this handy 4 point checklist as your guide:
- Does your bill of materials specifically call for the OEM brand-name fastener or component?
- Can you live with the lead time or will having parts sooner improve delivery of the final product?
- Will your supplier provide a certificate of conformance?
- Will saving money help you be more competitive?
3. What categories of fasteners are available as generic or functional equivalents?
Popular categories include adhesives and sealants, anchors, bits and nutsetters, cage nuts, flex type lock nuts, handles, Keenserts, knurled thumb screws, nylon insert stop nuts, precision shoulder screws, retaining rings, rivets & blind threaded inserts, self-clinching, fasteners, spacers and standoffs, speed clips, spring nuts, weld nuts, weld studs, and woodworking screws.
4. What brands of fasteners should I consider crossing to their generic or functional equivalent?
A sample list of brands that have generic alternatives:
3 STAR RIVETS USA, ABBATRON®, ALCOA, AMATOM®, APEX®, ARCONIC®, ATLAS®, AVDEL®, AVK®, B. F. GOODRICH, BOLLHOFF, BUCKEYE, CAPTIVE, CELUS®, CHERRY®, CONCORD, FASTENAL, GESIPA®, GRIPCO®, GLOBE ELECTRONICS, H. H. SMITH, HUCK, INDUX, INTERFAST, KEYSTONE, LOCTITE®, LYN-TRON, MACLEANESNA®, MARSON®, MCMASTER-CARR, MISUMI, MSC INDUSTRIAL, PEM®, PIC DESIGN®, POP®, POWERS®, QUICKSCREWS, RAF, RED HEAD®, ROTOR CLIP®, SHEREX, SIMPSON, SOUTHCO®, SPS TECHNOLOGIES, TINNERMAN®, U. S. ANCHOR. VIP, W. M. BERG, W. W. GRAINGER, WALDES TRUARC®.
5. What are the advantages of using functional equivalents?
Brand names are great, and when they are in stock, available and required by your customer, then you can buy them with confidence in their quality. However, one surefire way to save money and shorten delivery time is to cross the OEM brand part on your bill of materials to a functional equivalent.
6. MF Supply Case Studies for Functional Equivalents
- Precision Shoulder Screw Functional Equivalents: In this case study, you can learn how one OEM branded precision shoulder screw has eight (yes 8!) functional equivalents.
- Keensert Functional Equivalents: In this case study, we highlight how we helped a defense supplier save 59% and cut delivery time from 28 weeks down to 5 weeks.
Brands and Functional Equivalents at MF Supply
Supplying a full range of fastener products and services, MF Supply is an authorized distributor of Amatom/Carey, Captive (Pem equivalent), Chrislynn Inserts, Concord, EZ-Lok, Lok-mor, Lyn-tron, Microplastics, Shear-loc, S&M Retaining Rings, and Unicorp, as well as a distribution partner for many others. We have an expertise in dowel pins, inserts and Keenserts and domestic and Mil-Spec products.
We provide functional equivalents to expensive brand name fasteners and help our customers save money while reducing long lead times. Check out our recent case study where a functional equivalent was substituted for an OEM brand, reducing costs by 37% and shaving lead time. This time and money savings gave the manufacturer an advantage over their competition, which helped them win the job.
For more detailed information about brands we commonly cross, visit our website. And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
Read More https://conta.cc/37Yp0F6
The Buyer’s Guide to Self-Clinching Fasteners You Must Have!
Posted: February 14, 2023 Filed under: Brand equivalents, Captive Self-Clinching, PEM Self-Clinching | Tags: Fasteners, Hardware, manufacturing, PEM, Self-Clinching Leave a comment
MF Supply continues to expand our offering of products available for purchase online. We are thrilled to offer Self-clinching fasteners available from stock that can be purchased on our website or by email, phone or fax. We are an authorized distributor for Captive Fasteners, a US based manufacturer since 1974, with a factory right here in our NJ backyard!
What are Self-clinching fasteners?
Self-clinching fasteners are generally classified as part of the electronic hardware or precision engineered fastener family and are not governed by IFI, ANSI or ASME standards. A self-clinching fastener, also known as press-fit or clinch style captive fastener, is a part that when pressed into a drilled, punched or machined hole, provides an economical method of joining sheet metal panel applications and is well-suited for use in printed circuit boards.
Self-clinching fasteners are used in many industries; both commercial and aerospace.
Self-clinching Fasteners available at MF Supply
MF Supply offers the full catalog of Captive branded fasteners & PEM® equivalents in inch & metric sizes. We have the following parts available for purchase online, in stock and ready to ship from our national distribution centers:
- Self-Clinching Standoffs: Alt to PEM® Type BSO, BSOS,SO Captive CFBSOS, CFSO
- Self-Clinching Studs: Alt to PEM® Type FH, FHS, KFH Captive CH, CHS, CKFH
- Self-Clinching Nuts: Alt to PEM® Type S, CLS Captive Series C, CS in Inch & Metric
Additional Series available include, but are not limited to, floating, self-locking, blind-hole, flush, and broaching fasteners.
How do they work?
Self-clinching fasteners work by displacing the host material around the mounting hole, causing it to cold flow into a specially designed annular recess. Knurls, serrated rings or ribs on the fastener hold them firmly in place. Self-clinching fasteners become an integral permanent part of the panel or frame and eliminate problems associated with loose hardware. Installation requires access to both sides of the panel and self-clinching fasteners may be installed using any parallel acting squeezing force.
What are the advantages of Self-Clinching fasteners?
Self-clinching fasteners provide strong thread in very thin material & offer high push out and torque out resistance. They take less space and require fewer assembly operations than caged or anchor nuts. They can be installed during fabrication or during final assembly and work well in applications when loose hardware wouldn’t be accessible.
Some of the key advantages include:
- No special hole preparation, such as chamfering and deburring is required.
- Low installed costs, fewer parts to handle, fewer assembly steps and less assembly time.
- No retapping necessary after application.
What are the differences between branded fasteners like PEM & Captive and generic Self-clinching fasteners?
Self-clinching hardware is frequently referred to by the OEM brand name PEM®. Captive Fastener is a USA based manufacturer and offers functional equivalents to PEM® branded self-clinching fasteners. In addition to PEM® & Captive, there are a variety of manufacturers of self-clinching fasteners available in the marketplace including the major national catalog brands. Functional alternatives will be equivalent in form fit and function and offer similar performance.
To see if using alternative brands or functional equivalents will work for your business, refer to our handy guide.
We have also included a cross reference lookup table for PEM® product types vs. Captive product series below.
Also, watch our video below!
What information for I need for ordering?
The easiest way to order is by manufacturer part number. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to specify fastener type & style, thread diameter & pitch, fastener length, material and plating. For example: a 10-32 X 3/8 Flush Head Self-Clinching Stud Steel Zinc plated can also be ordered as a PEM® FH-032-6, (or a PEM® FH-032-6-ZI as sometimes PEM® calls out the plating) or a Captive CH1032-6. This part is also offered by a national catalog brand under part number 93580A166.
Additional Series available include, but are not limited to, floating, self-locking, blind-hole, flush, and broaching fasteners.
We Invite You To Request a Quote, Download a Guide or a Line Card Today!
- Full ecommerce enabled website with technical manual available 24/7
- Same day drop ship from factory for thousands of items.
- Functional Equivalents to expensive brand name fasteners save money and reduce long lead times.
- Creatively solve problems including hard to find parts and long lead times
- WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business.
Seeking parts not listed for purchase on our website? We’ve got you covered! Submit your RFQ for your PEM®, Captive® or equivalent Self-Clinching parts, and our team of experts can help source your needs!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.
Read More https://conta.cc/3MFOMfm