How to Use MF Supply’s Cross-Reference Tables to Find Equivalent Fasteners Faster
Posted: November 18, 2025 Filed under: Branded Fasteners, Commercial Fasteners, Cross Reference Charts, dowel pin, E-Z LOK, Functional Equivalents, helical wire inserts, keensert, key-locking inserts, Metric Fasteners, Mil-Spec, Mil-Spec Electronic Hardware, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Precision Shoulder Screws, Threaded Inserts | Tags: Hardware, Helical Inserts Cross Reference, Keenserts, Keenserts Cross Reference, manufacturing, Metric Fasteners Cross-Reference, Mil-Spec Fasteners Cross-Reference, MS51830, ms51831, MS51832, Precision Engineering, Precision Manufacturers, Precision Shoulder Screws Cross Reference, threaded inserts Leave a comment
Many popular fastener brands, from Keensert® key-locking inserts to precision shoulder screws, have alternative form-fit-function equivalents available in Mil-Spec, commercial or generic versions. The fastest way to identify the right alternative without guessing is by using cross-reference tables.
At MF Supply, we’ve built and curated multiple product-specific cross-reference tables so buyers can confidently match OEM brands, Mil-Spec part numbers, and generic equivalents, saving time, money, and lead time risk, while maintaining quality and compliance.
Below is your quick-start playbook.
What Product Categories Have Cross-Reference Tables?
We currently publish, maintain, or reference cross-reference data for high-demand categories. On our website, the Inch, Mil-Spec & Metric Fasteners Cross-Reference Charts category serves as your central hub. Once there, you can drill down into specific product families:
- Helical Inserts
- Hex Head Cap Screws
- Keensert® style threaded inserts
- Knurled Thumb Screws
- Precision Dowel Pins
- Precision Shoulder Screws
- Retaining Rings
- Self-Clinching Fasteners (nuts, studs & standoffs)
- Spacers (round & hex)
- Standoffs (round & hex)
- Threaded Inserts for Metal (E-Z LOK equivalents)
Each product family/category links to cross-reference charts that map:
- OEM brand part numbers/products
- Mil-Spec (MS, NAS, MA, NA) series (if applicable)
- Generic functional equivalents
- Sizes, materials and other specifications
Popular product 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.
Brands Commonly Included in Cross-Reference Comparisons
3 STAR RIVETS USA, ABBATRON®, ALCOA, AMATOM®, APEX®, ARCONIC®, ATLAS®, AVDEL®, AVK®, B. F. GOODRICH, BOLLHOFF, BUCKEYE, CAPTIVE, CELUS®, CHERRY®, CONCORD, EZ-Lok, FASTENAL, GESIPA®, GRIPCO®, GLOBE ELECTRONICS, GRAINGER, H. H. SMITH, HOWMET, HUCK, INDUX, INTERFAST, KEENSERT®, 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®, UNICORP, U. S. ANCHOR. VIP, W. M. BERG, W. W. GRAINGER, WALDES TRUARC® and many more.
How to Use Our Cross-Reference Tables (5-Step Method)
When you’re chasing cost savings, cutting lead time, or finding a compliant alternative, our cross-reference charts make it fast and fail-proof. Here’s the playbook:
- Visit our Cross-Reference Hub
Head to the Inch, Mil-Spec & Metric Fastener Cross-Reference Charts on mfsupply.com. - Select Your Product Category
Pick the family you’re working with (Keenserts®, shoulder screws, dowel pins, etc.). - Locate Your Identifier
Find the OEM brand part number or Mil-Spec/NAS/MA/NA code inside the chart. - Match the Technical Requirements
Click through to the referenced item and verify the functional equivalency: material, plating/finish, thread/diameter, length, fit/series, and any spec callouts. - Order or Request a Quote With Requirements
Purchase online or submit an RFQ — and let us know if you need COC, MTR, DFARS, REACH/RoHS, Country of Origin, or other compliance docs.
When to Cross vs. When to Stay On Brand
Fastener buyers often ask: How can I determine if I must use the brand name or if I can cross to a generic part?
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?
Do not cross when:
- The BOM mandates the OEM brand, and the end customer may not be flexible
- Traceability or contract terms prohibit substitution
Case Studies Proving It Works
| Product Type | Result | Savings | Lead-Time Impact |
| Precision Shoulder Screw | Crossed to 8 valid equivalents | Major cost reduction | Immediate availability |
| Keensert® Key-Locking Insert | Crossed to Mil-Spec equivalent | 59% saving | 28 weeks → 5 weeks |
Need Help? We’ll Build the Cross For You
If you’re unsure, send us the part number, drawing, photo, or BOM section. We’ll match it, validate compliance, and offer your best-value, best-availability option.
Email RFQs to: sales@mfsupply.com
“Finding the right screw for you” is our tagline 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.
Your Purchasing Department’s Secret Weapon!
Here are 5 reasons to buy from MF Supply
- We Source and Deliver What Others Can’t, Faster Than You Imagined – With speedy solutions for elusive parts and lengthy delivery times – We’ve got you covered with both custom-made specials (send us your prints!) and hard-to-source options, quickly and at a fair price.
- Cost-Effective Functional Equivalents to OEM Brand Fasteners-Why Pay More? – Reduce lead times and costs with the same quality and same performance. Try us for alternatives to brands like McMaster-Carr, MSC, Misumi, PEM, and RAF and experience unmatched savings! Same form, fit and function for less.
- Huge Selection of Certified and Commercial Hardware with Same-day Shipping Available for Countless Items – We source and stock standards, specials, commercial, Mil-Spec & OEM brands in inch and metric sizes. Standards include AN, NAS, MS, IFI, ASTM, ASME, DIN, ISO, JIS. We are sourcing experts for inserts, certified Mil-Spec parts and anything in stainless steel. Many parts are available with manufacturers’ certifications, including DFAR, ROHS and CoC. Trust us to ship on-time from our national distribution centers.
- A User-Friendly, 24/7 Online Shopping Experience – Enjoy a 24/7 online shopping experience with easy-to-use filters, detailed product information, and a constantly updated technical directory. Sign up now for a seamless experience!
- WBE/WOSB Certified Woman-Owned Small Business – As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, we support your diversity goals. Trust us to meet your fastener and sourcing needs with expertise and efficiency [Cage Code 58QG4].
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.