Retaining Rings!? What the heck are those?
Posted: May 2, 2023 Filed under: Fasteners, Retaining Rings | Tags: Anderton, C-Rings, Circlips, Grip Rings, Klip Rings, MS16624, MS16625, MS16626, MS16627, MS16628, MS16629, MS16630, MS16631, MS16632, MS16633, MS3215, MS3217 and MS90707., Push-On Rings, Retainer Clips, retaining rings, Rotor Clip, Snap Rings, Spiral Rings, Truarc, Waldes, Wire Clips, Wire Rings Leave a comment
Welcome back 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 re-introduce you to the Retaining Ring!
What is a Retaining Ring?
Retaining Rings are yet another way to position, locate and retain parts within an assembly. Shaped like an open ring and made of metal, Retaining Rings can be coiled from wire, stamped or laser cut. They come in a variety of styles and materials, each solving a unique fastening problem.
Generally, Retaining Rings work together with a bore or a shaft by snapping into a groove or being pushed into place to create a high strength shoulder to retain parts.
AKA – Also known as…..
The Retaining Ring is a funny little guy and answers to a bunch of different names – some of Retaining Ring’s favorite aliases are: snap rings, wire rings, circlips, retainer clips, spiral rings, wire clips, c-rings, e-rings, grip rings, klip rings and push-on rings.
Who uses Retaining Rings?
Any application with a bore/housing or shaft that requires a shoulder to keep parts in place within an assembly is a candidate for using Retaining Rings.
Retaining Rings are broadly used across various applications in many industries, including: aerospace, drive shafts, electrical motors, hydraulic equipment, instrumentation, lighting assemblies, machinery, nuclear equipment and many more. Retaining Rings are very common in the automotive industry.
Why use a Retaining Ring vs. a screw or a bolt?
When a shaft or bore design that includes assembled components needs a shoulder, it can be costly to machine the shoulder, mate threaded components and fasteners together and drill and coordinate threaded holes and access holes to fasten the assembly. Retaining Rings can serve as a cost effective and time saving alternative. In addition to cost, Retaining Rings offer 2 special benefits a) they can be more resilient than screw assemblies in high vibration environments, b) they are made from less material, hence they are lighter, cleaner, gentler on the environment (aka Green!).
What styles are available?
Retaining Rings come in a variety of styles and materials. The most popular styles are: External (used on shafts), Internal (used for bores) and E-Style (radially assembled). The most popular materials are Carbon Spring Steel, PH15-7 Stainless Steel and Beryllium Copper. The most common finishes for Carbon Steel Rings are Phosphate, Zinc Clear and Zinc Yellow.
Are there other factors to consider?
- As discussed, Retaining Rings are often referred to by their brand names, which can often be substituted by generic equivalents. Popular brands include: Anderton, Arcon, Rotor Clip, Waldes/Truarc. We can supply the brand name or generic alternatives.
- Retaining Rings often show up under their Mil-spec numbers, which can be crossed to commercial equivalents. Some common Mil-spec series for Retaining Rings include: MS16624, MS16625, MS16626, MS16627, MS16628, MS16629, MS16630, MS16631, MS16632, MS16633, MS3215, MS3217 and MS90707.
- Sizes available vary based on the style. The general range is from 1/16 to 10″. Metric sizes are also available.
Retaining Rings at MF Supply
We currently offer:
- The full range of commercial and mil-spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and ROHS compliant. Check out the products available for purchase online here.
- Brand names and generic equivalents. Check out our handy cross reference sheets here.
- Custom made parts per print.
For more detailed information on Retaining Rings, visit us at our website or Request a Quote today, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts can help you find what you need. “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.
Precision Shoulder Screws!? What the heck are those?
Posted: April 26, 2023 Filed under: DFARS, Mil-Spec, MS51575, MS51576, Precision Shoulder Screws | Tags: Fasteners, hex socket screws, MS51575, MS51576, Precision Shoulder Screws, Shoulder Bolts, Stripper Bolts Leave a comment
What the heck are Precision Shoulder Screws?
Here we go again, with 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 re-introduce you to the Shoulder Screw!
What is a Precision Shoulder Screw?
Shoulder Screws, which are sometimes called Shoulder Bolts or Stripper Bolts, are (generally) hex socket screws with an enlarged, unthreaded cylindrical shoulder under the head. They are comprised of 3 main parts: the head, the shoulder and the thread. They come in two basic categories, “Commercial” and “Precision”.
Commercial Shoulder Screws are made to inch standard ANSI ASME B18.8.2. The size range for the shoulder diameter is from ¼ to 2”. The thread class is 3A and the tolerance on the shoulder is +.005 / -.005.
Precision Shoulder screws are sometimes referred to as “tight tolerance” shoulder screws. They are not governed by any official ANSI or ASME standard. The size range for the shoulder diameter is from 3/32 to ½. The thread class is 2A and the tolerance on the shoulder diameter varies from +.000/-.001 to -.0005 to -.0015 depending upon the manufacturer. Now that’s precise!
Who uses Shoulder Screws?
Just as Dowel Pins and Retaining Rings are used to locate or hold parts together within a precision assembly or a fixture, so are Precision Shoulder Screws.
Yet shoulder screws are more versatile. When installed, the unthreaded shoulder acts as a shaft for rotating items such as bearings and bushings, precision spacing, machinery support, and motion guiding. Precision Shoulder screws exacting tolerances make them ideal for use with other precision components.
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.
What do I need to consider when selecting Shoulder Screws?
Although Shoulder Screws are offered in a multitude of materials and styles, when it comes to the main commercial and precision offerings, there are a few main issues to consider.
Which Drive and Head Style?
Precision shoulder screws are readily available in hex socket and slotted drives. Philips drives are available in certain sizes. Torx and Star are available for special order. Typical head styles are a modified fillister with a flat top where the head diameter is about twice the head height. Low head fillisters are available in certain sizes
Which material do I need?
Precision shoulder bolts are readily available in Type 18-8/303 Stainless Steel and 416 Stainless Steel. 316 Stainless Steel, Alloy and other exotic materials are available for special order.
Are there other factors to consider?
When ordering Precision Shoulder screws, specify the Shoulder Diameter, Shoulder length, thread size, material and drive type. For example, an example of a typical Precision Shoulder screw is a ¼ shoulder x ½ long x 10-32 thread in SS18-8 with a hex-socket drive. Non-locking is the most popular style, but locking may also be available.
Precision Shoulder Bolts often show up under their brand name. Some of the most popular brands include: BERG, Concord, Globe, PIC, Lyn-tron and RAF. A comprehensive selection of Shoulder Screws is also offered by McMaster-Carr (tight tolerance series), MSC and Grainger.
Finally, Precision Shoulder Screws can also show up under their Mil-spec numbers, which include MS51575 & MS51576 and are DFARS compliant with full paperwork.
Precision Shoulder Screws at MF Supply
We currently offer:
- The full range of commercial and mil-spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- MS51576 Now available for online purchase!
- Brand names and generic equivalents.
- Custom made parts per print in non-standard and exotic materials and finishes.
- Inch, Metric and Mil-Spec sizes.
For more detailed information on Precision Shoulder Screws, visit us at our website or Request a Quote today, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts can help you find what you need. “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.
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.
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.
What the heck is Mil-spec DFARS? 2019
Posted: July 29, 2019 Filed under: DFARS, Dodd-Frank, Domestic Fasteners, Mil-Spec, Uncategorized | Tags: DFAR, Dodd-Frank, What the heck is Mi-Spec DFARS? Leave a comment
MS24693C
Welcome to our ongoing “What the heck is that” series, where we discuss some of the unique fasteners and electronic hardware that precision 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. 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. For example, the MS24693C pictured above is a fastener produced according to military standards.
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 and distribute Mil-spec fasteners. These suppliers have met all the government’s requirements and pass the highest quality control standards. This designation is called the Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturer’s [QSLM].
Who uses Mil-spec Fasteners?
Mil-spec fasteners are 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 and naval vessels.
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.
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement declares the following:
- Provides specific acquisition regulations that must be followed in the procurement process for goods and services for the Department of Defense and its contactors.
- FAR 252.225-7014 specifies “A Preference for Domestic Specialty Metals” in the manufacturing of fasteners. Berry Act, Buy American.
- The Specialty metals must be melted and manufactured in the United States or a “Qualifying country.”
What is a Qualifying Country?
Qualifying country” means a country with a reciprocal defense procurement memorandum of understanding or international agreement with the United States in which both countries agree to remove barriers to purchases of supplies produced in the other country or services performed by sources of the other country, and the memorandum or agreement complies, where applicable, with the requirements of section 36 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776) and with 10 U.S.C. 2457.
Qualifying countries include the following 27: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
To keep up to date with DFARs requirements, visit
www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/current/225_0.htm
What is a Specialty Metal?
Title 48 – Federal Acquisition Regulations System, 252.225-7014 Preference for domestic specialty metals.
SPECIALTY METAL DEFINITION
(1) STEEL
(I) WHERE THE MAXIMUM ALLOY CONTENT EXCEEDS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING LIMITS: MANGANESE, 1.65 PERCENT; SILICON, 0.60 PERCENT; OR COPPER, 0.60 PERCENT; OR
(II) WHICH CONTAINS MORE THAN 0.25 PERCENT OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS: ALUMINUM, CHROMIUM, COBALT, COLUMBIUM, MOLYBDENUM, NICKEL, TITANIUM, TUNGSTEN, OR VANADIUM;
(2) METAL ALLOYS CONSISTING OF NICKEL, IRON-NICKEL, AND COBALT BASE ALLOYS CONTAINING A TOTAL OF OTHER ALLOYING METALS (EXCEPT IRON) IN EXCESS OF TEN PERCENT;
(3) TITANIUM AND TITANIUM ALLOYS; OR
(4) ZIRCONIUM AND ZIRCONIUM BASE ALLOYS.
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-1996-title48-vol3/xml/CFR-1996-title48-vol3-sec252-225-7014.xml
Specialty Metals Include:
- Stainless steel
- High alloy steel like Grade-BD
- Cobalt Chrome Alloys or Grade 5 Chromium steel with high chromium content
- Nickel Alloys
- Titanium
Aluminum, Carbon Steel & Copper Alloys are not specialty metals and cannot be DFARS.
What is the difference between Domestic & DFARS?
This is a great question! There are 3 main factors used to determine the country where a fastener is made and how they are classified. 1) The origin of the metal 2) the country of melt and 3) the country of manufacture.
DFARs only related to specialty metals, and the country of melt & manufacture. Check with your customer before making any assumptions about what “domestic” means to them. 100% Domestic (metal origin, melt & manufacture) is becoming harder and harder to find. Many products are not available off the shelf and are “made to order” if DFARS or domestic is needed. This will involve a lead time and may have a minimum lot charge.
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.
- 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!
What the heck are Blind “POP”® Rivets?
Posted: January 30, 2015 Filed under: Blind Rivet, POP Rivet Leave a commentNewsletter
Volume 13
January 28, 2015
What the heck are Blind “POP” Rivets?
Blind Rivet
Here we are, at the end of January 2015 already! Time to get back on track with our monthly “What the Heck is that” series, where we discuss some of the unique fasteners and electronic hardware that manufacturers use in the design and assembly of their products. Today, our topic is Blind or “POP”® rivets.
A Blind rivet is a 2 part preassembled fastener that consists of a hollow tubular body with a head called the rivet, and a nail-like mandrel set inside the rivet that breaks off during installation. Blind rivets are often referred to as “Pop” rivets, because “POP”® is the brand name of the original blind rivet manufacturer. A cute fact is that “Pop” is the sound these rivets make during the assembly process.
Who uses Blind Rivets?
Blind rivets are all around us! They are typically used to assemble thin sheet metal (usually under 1″ thick) and are abundant in aircrafts. Unlike screws and nuts, which require access from both sides to join material, Blind rivets can be installed when you only have access to one side of the material being fastened. So you can see where the name “blind comes from!
What styles of Blind rivets are available?
The 4 most common rivets styles are:
1) Open End – the most widely used style, often referred to as break-stem.
2) Closed End – are used when water and vapor resistance are required.
3) Multigrip – can be used in varying material thickness, to deal with oversized holes, and to reduce inventory and replace unnecessary sizes.
4) Bulbex – commonly used in soft materials and fiberglass, this rivet distributes loads evenly and protects fragile materials.
Some other Blind rivet styles include Orlock, Peel and Structural.
What else do I need to consider when it comes to Blind Rivets?
Although all rivet styles don’t come in all sizes, materials and head styles, when selecting the proper rivet for your application, here are the main choices you will have to consider:
– Hole size or diameter of the rivet body.
– Grip range – the minimum and maximum thickness or “grip” of the material being fastened by the rivet. The grip range is NOT the length of the rivet body.
– Strength – The tensile strength (pull force before breaking) and shear strength (force to break a rivet from the side) required for an application must be determined to select the proper rivet.
– Material – Choose a rivet made of a metal with similar mechanical and physical properties as the materials being joined to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion and material fatigue. The most common options are all aluminum, all steel, all stainless, aluminum rivet/steel mandrel and stainless steel rivet/steel mandrel.
– Head Style – Common styles are domed, large flange and flat head/countersunk.
“POP”® has a cool Blind rivet configurator (yes, they call it a configurator!) Check it out by clicking here:
Lesson Learned when it comes to Blind rivets:
- The 2 most popular brand name rivets offered are Pop/Avdel, owned by Stanley Black and Decker, and Marson, owned by Alcoa Fastening systems. Other common brands include Huck, Cherry and Gesipa. You can order by brand name or ask for generic alternatives.
- Rivet sizing can seem confusing but when you break it down it is quite simple. Rivets are generally referred to by their diameter and maximum grip range (i.e. 1/8 x 5/16 is a 1/8 hole diameter x 5/16 maximum grip or material thickness) with a call out for the material and the head style. Note: The rivet body length is not measured for sizing.
- You might also see rivets by the trade or brand part number, i.e. AD45ABS, AB4-5A. The first number (4) refers to the diameter of the rivet in 32nds of an inch (4/32=1/8). The second number (5) refers to the max grip size in 16th of inch (5/16=5/16).
- Rivets require an installation tool and cannot be installed manually.
- Check out this nifty video for more info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aoXmzdSf_I
- Blind rivets adhere to IFI standard 114 Break mandrel rivets.
- Sizes available vary based on the style. The general diameter range is from 3/32 x 1/4 with grip ranges from .062-1-3/8.
- Blind Rivets at MF Supply
The full range of Blind rivet Brand names and generic equivalents.
- Custom made parts per print.
- For more detailed information on Blind rivets, visit us at
- http://www.mfsupply.com/category_s/1910.htm
And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. Finding the right screw for you is our tag line after all!
What the heck is that fastener? The year in review – 2014.
Posted: December 17, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 1 CommentNewsletter
Volume 12
December 17, 2014
What the heck is that fastener?
Welcome to 2014’s final edition of our “What the heck is that” newsletter and blog where we discuss some of the unique fasteners and electronic hardware that manufacturers use in the design and assembly of their products.
December is a great time to reflect on all we have learned so far this year and get educated on topics that impact manufacturers. So keep reading for a chock-full of fastening info!
Take a read down memory lane as we review our previous blogs and reacquaint you with some of our most popular topics. Visit our blog directly at http://blog.mfsupply.com/ for full articles and information.
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, lock the fastener in place within a rack hole.
Cage Nuts are commonly used to mount lighting systems, electrical equipment or instruments onto rail racks.
Mil-spec is the informal name for the military standard the U.S. Department of Defense uses in the production of military equipment and supplies. The government maintains a list of qualified factories [QSLM] and suppliers [QSLD] that pass the highest quality control standards for screw attributes, including: dimensions, tensile strength, hardness, threads and drive type, just to name a few.
DFARS pertains to fasteners made from “specialty metals” including: stainless steel, high alloy steel like Grade-BD, or Grade 5 Chromium steel . For a fastener to be DFAR Compliant, the metal used to make the fastener must be melted and manufactured in the United States or a qualifying country. To keep up to date with DFARs requirements, visit http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/about.html section 252.225.
Wire inserts are precision-formed continuous helical wire coils that provide permanent, wear-resistant threads which exceed the strength of the parent material.
Wire inserts are used for 3 main reasons: 1) to repair damaged threads in parts that would otherwise have to be scrapped; 2) to strengthen threads against failures due to stripping, seizing or corrosion; 3) to convert threads between inch and metric sizes.
Sometimes referred to by the brand name “Heli-coil”, wire inserts can be locking or nonlocking, tanged or tangless.
| 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. Spacers are similar to Standoffs, however, Spacers are unthreaded with an inside clearance hole. Both are commonly used to mechanically support, connect and position components within assemblies. Standoffs and spacers are often ordered by their brand name, including: RAF, Amatom, Concord. Globe, HH Smith and Keystone. Precision Shoulder Screws are tight tolerance screws which are comprised of 3 main parts: the head, the shoulder and the thread. Used to locate or hold parts together within a precision assembly or a fixture, when installed, the unthreaded shoulder acts as a shaft for rotating items such as bearings and bushings, precision spacing, machinery support, and motion guiding. Common brands are PIC and WM Berg, RAF, Mcmaster-Carr and MSC.\ Dowel Pins are solid, headless cylindrical shaped straight metal pins with a centerless ground finish. Often used as a hinge, shaft or pivot to locate or hold parts together within a precision assembly or a fixture, Dowel pins can be Standard, Oversized or Undersized. Common brands are Holo-krome and PIC and WM Berg. Shaped like an open ring and made of metal, Retaining Rings can be coiled from wire, stamped or laser cut. Retaining Rings work together with a bore or a shaft by snapping into a groove or being pushed into place to create a high strength shoulder to retain parts. Common brands are Rotor-Clip and Waldes,Truarc.
|
What the heck are Set Screws?
Posted: October 29, 2014 Filed under: AN565, Cup point, Set Screw | Tags: AN565, Cup point, Set Screw Leave a commentNewsletter
Volume 11
October 30, 2014
What the Heck are Set Screws?
We begin the fourth quarter of 2014 with an introduction to the Set Screw. A Set Screw is a headless screw (appropriate for our Halloween edition) fully threaded from end to end. Traditionally classified within the Socket family of products, Set Screws are comprised of 3 main parts: the drive, the thread and the point. They (generally) have a hexagonal drive on one end, and a point on the other. They are often used in conjunction with a shaft collar, and like their functional relatives, the Dowel Pin, Retaining Ring and Shoulder Screw, they are used as part of an assembly (you should be getting used to reading about assemblies by now :)).
Who uses Set Screws?
Set screws are used in many industrial and mechanical devices, particularly within 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?
The set screw works by exerting compressional force through the tip to prevent the relative movement between the two objects so each part can function as intended. This is different than traditional screws that hold objects together with threads. Who would have thunk that a headless screw could have so much power!
Check out this video for a demonstration of installation and application: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7hragiTmZI
What options are available?
Like most fastening products, the bevy of options is plentiful (and sometimes exhausting if you ask me!). Once the basics like the diameter, thread, length and material are determined, the main decisions that need to be made are the drive and point style.
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. There are 7 (yes 7!) main points that are available, and each serves 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 in place permanently. 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 shaft is necessary. Affordable and easy to install, Flat point set screws can be moved without damaging the inner object. (DIN 913)
- Oval-its 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 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.
Are there other factors to consider?
From what you’ve just read, it appears that the choices are abundant, yet, in practice, many of the combinations that engineers are seeking are only available as specials and have to be custom made. For example, if you are looking for a fine thread cone point set screw in stainless steel, you may be told it has to be custom made with a minimum run and a long lead time. Make sure to check with our sourcing experts first before you change your requirements!
So, you might be wondering how to get what you need and get it fast? In our experience, Set screws are most commonly available in sizes 2-56 through 1″ in imperial and M2-M24 in metric diameters with a hex socket drive on one end and a cup point on the other. The most common material is hardened alloy steel with a thermal black oxide finish, as per ASME B18.3. Socket set screws come standard with 3A thread fit and a Rockwell hardness of C45-53.
Commercial, Mil-Spec or Brand name?
Finally, Set Screws can also show up under their most popular domestic brand name (Holo-krome) or their Mil-spec numbers, which are DFARS compliant with full paperwork. 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.
Set Screws Available at MF Supply:
Here at MF Supply, we offer:
- The full range of commercial and mil-spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Brand names (Holo-krome) and generic equivalents.
- Custom made parts per print in non-standard and exotic materials and finishes.
- Inch and Metric sizes.
For more detailed information on Set Screws, visit us at http://www.mfsupply.com/category_s/1914.htm.
And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. Finding the right screw for you is our tag line after all!
What the heck is new?
Posted: September 23, 2014 Filed under: Additive Manufacturing | Tags: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, manufacturing, manufacturing index Leave a commentNewsletter
Volume 10
September 24, 2014
What the heck is new?
Welcome to the 10th edition of our “What the heck is that” newsletter and blog where we discuss some of the unique fasteners and electronic hardware that manufacturers use in the design and assembly of their products.
This month, we decided to change it up. September is Back to School time, where Education is top of mind. So, we decided to share some of our recent learnings with our readers.
Have you heard that Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the new name for 3D printing? Did you know that stainless steel and wood pallets are commodities in short supply for the 4th month in a row? Scroll down to explore the news that got us excited in September, and click on the survey links to share your experience.
What’s new and interesting?
World’s First 3D printed Car
The International Technology Manufacturing Show took place in Chicago earlier this month. What could be sexier than the marriage of technology and manufacturing? Innovation was the name of the game as the world’s first-ever 3D printed car was built on site in just 44 hours! Check out this super cool video: http://www.manufacturing.net/videos/2014/09/video-the-worlds-first-3d-printed-car to see the car being built.
The printed car consists of about 40 parts, versus 20,000 parts in a regular car. That’s a 500% reduction in parts, which is a jaw-dropping savings (and for sure impacts suppliers to manufacturers like us!). Is your organization planning to invest in 3D printing technology in the next 12-18 months? Click here to take the survey
Manufacturing Index Up along with Commodity prices
The August Manufacturing Index reports that new orders, employment and production are growing. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in August for the 15th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 63rd consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. We say, it’s about time!
Commodity prices, including stainless steel and aluminum are increasing as well, which is sure to impact the price of many final products in the coming months.
Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 17 are reporting growth over 2013. Is your company growing over 2013? Click here to take survey.
The Remaking of American Manufacturing in New Jersey
On October 15, 2015, the NJMTA will be hearing from the Alliance for American Manufacturing, the NJ Business Action Center and the US Department of Commerce International Trade Association (ITA) on how we can grow Manufacturing in New Jersey. MF Supply will be there hosting as a Bronze Sponsor. Mark your calendars for this important dinner and networking event.
Check back with us next month for our next Product newsletter/blog. And please email me directly if you’ve got any ideas for topics you would like to learn about. I’m all ears!
Thanks,
Robin
The Screw Lady