A286 Stainless Steel Keenserts®: Stronger Threads for High-Temperature & Corrosive Applications
Posted: August 19, 2025 Filed under: A286 Keenserts, Fasteners, keensert, key-locking inserts, Threaded Bushing, Threaded Fasteners, Threaded Inserts | Tags: A286, A286 Keenserts, A286 Keylocking Inserts, A286 Stainless Steel, A286 Stainless Steel Keenserts, Inserts, inserts for manufacturers, Keenserts, Key Locking Inserts, manufacturing, Metric A286 Keenserts, Mil-Spec A286 Keenserts, threaded bushing, threaded fastener Leave a comment
If your next thread reinforcement or repair project involves corrosive, high-load, or high-temperature conditions, A286 stainless steel Keenserts® (key-locking inserts) may be your best choice.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What A286 Superalloy is
- Key benefits of using A286 Keenserts®
- How to identify A286 in part numbers
- Available series and styles
- Industries and applications that rely on A286 Keenserts®
What Is A286?
A286 is an iron–nickel–chromium stainless steel superalloy known for:
- High strength (maintains properties at up to 1300°F / 700°C)
- Excellent corrosion & oxidation resistance
- Performance in both extreme heat and low-temperature environments
It is widely used in gas turbines, aerospace components, and assemblies that face frequent exposure to extreme conditions. This alloy can also be age-hardened to improve ductility in notched sections.
Why Choose A286 Keenserts®?
Keenserts® are solid, one-piece threaded inserts designed for permanent, high-strength threads—especially in softer materials or under intense heat and torque.
Here’s why A286 stainless steel Keenserts® stand out:
1 – High-Temperature Strength
A286 retains its strength where others fail—ideal for exhaust zones, turbines, and engine bays. Its oxidation resistance and heat-treat response ensure long-lasting performance.
2 – Mechanical Locking Keys
Drive keys lock the insert into the parent material, resisting torque-out and rotation even in vibration-heavy assemblies. This ensures reusable, secure threads during multiple maintenance cycles.
3 – Aerospace-Grade Quality
With minimum tensile strength of 140 ksi, finishes meeting AMS 2700 / ASTM B700, and 302 CRES keys, these inserts meet stringent military and aerospace specs.
4 – Simple Installation
Uses standard drills and taps—no STI tap required. Just tap the hole, insert, and drive in the keys. For parent materials harder than RC30, a broaching tool is recommended to cut key slots.
Note: A286 can be costlier and harder to machine, with potential long lead times.
How to Identify A286 in Part Numbers
Look for these designators:
- Mil-Spec: CA (e.g., MS51831CA204, NAS1395CA6)
- Commercial: JT (e.g., KNH624JT)
- Metric Commercial: T (e.g. KNCM4x0.7T)
- Metric Mil-Spec: NA Series NA0147, NA0149, & NA0151
Example:
- MS51831CA204, NAS1395CA6, and KNH624JT all describe the same insert:
3/8-24 ID x 9/16-12 OD Heavy-Duty A286 CRES Key-Locking Insert.
A286 Keenserts® Series & Styles
Beyond their core benefits, A286 Keenserts® key-locking inserts come in a range of specialized series designed for specific applications:
- Miniature (KNC) & (NA0147): Ultra-lightweight for electronics & avionics. Inch/Mil-Spec (2-56 to 1/4-20), Metric (M2–M4).
- Thin Wall (KN/KNM) & (NA0149): For tight spaces; precision engineering. Inch/Mil-Spec (10-24 to 1/2-13), Metric (M5–M12).
- Heavy-Duty (KNH/KNHM) & (NA0151): For high-stress uses—automotive, heavy machinery. Inch/Mil-Spec (1/4-20 to 7/8-14), Metric (M4–M24).
- Extra Heavy-Duty (KNHXH): For extreme load and torque; industrial & military. Inch/Mil-Spec (1/4-20 to 7/8-14). No Metric Option.
Other Series and styles, including Floating (KNK) Key-locking inserts may be available for special order.
In general, A286 Keenserts® will be manufactured to meet aerospace and military standards: MS51830CA, MS51831CA, MS51832CA, NAS1394CA, NAS1395CA, NA0147, NA0149, NA0151.
Industries That Rely on A286 Keenserts®
- Aerospace: Structural components exposed to heat, load, and vibration.
- Oil & Gas: Equipment facing high heat and corrosion.
- Automotive & Defense: Frequent assembly/disassembly in performance and military systems.
- Power Generation: Turbines and engine components under oxidative stress.
MF Supply, Your Trusted Source for A286 Keensert® Style Key-Locking Inserts
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB-certified supplier of A286 Keensert® style key-locking inserts, serving manufacturers, engineers, government, and industry.
We balance cost, quality, availability, and certification needs (DFARS, COC, etc.), and most popular sizes ship within 24 hours.
Browse Our Selection & Shop A286 Keenserts® Now!
Please plan ahead as less popular sizes may involve minimum order and long lead times.
Do you still have questions or would like to speak with a representative? Reach out to us or send us an RFQ below, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help you find what you’re looking for. “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
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts and specialize in hard to find parts. We offer custom manufacturing and reworking solutions at competitive pricing, reducing long deliveries.
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- 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, with an expertise in inserts, military fasteners and stainless steel hardware. 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.