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.
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.
What the heck is a Cage Nut?
Posted: May 16, 2012 Filed under: What the heck is a Cage Nut? | Tags: Cage Nuts Leave a commentPosted: May 16, 2012
Author: Robin Lieberman
What the heck is that?
Welcome to our “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, 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 know 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
And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. Finding the right screw for you is our tag line after all!
For more detailed information on Cage Nuts, visit us at http://www.mfsupply.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1851.
About MF Supply
For over 35 years, MF Supply has been a trusted supplier of Fasteners and Electronic Hardware to OEMs, machine shops, manufacturers, and assemblers of machines and instruments in New Jersey, the greater NYC Metropolitan area and beyond. We are wholesale only.
- Phone: 888-972-7397 [888-9-SCREWS]
- Email: sales@mfsupply.com
- Online: http://www.mfsupply.com