Keensert Functional Equivalent Case Study

Posted: March 23, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

We had a customer who was bidding on a job for subassembly for a Defense Department manufacturer. Their bill of materials called for a floating insert in 8286 steel with an OEM part number: KNKDL428JT.

This part is an Alcoa part that would not have been delivered for over 29 weeks – that’s more than half of a year! Not only would these parts take way too long, but they were also very expensive.

Functional Equivalents for Keenserts

So, this customer came to us for a solution. We were able to take their print, cross-reference their BOM, and find the functional equivalents they needed.

  • Note: Supplying us with your print is extremely important so that we can determine the internal and external threats, the material in all of the specifications for this key locking insert.

We went to our manufacturer, who was able to provide this part in five weeks with full certifications and a certificate of conformance certifying that it was a functional equivalent to the KNK part.

Why Choose MF Supply for Functional Equivalents?

By providing the functional equivalent, we were able to shorten the delivery time from 29 weeks down to five weeks. We obtained a cost savings of 59%. Our customer won the job. Their work was completed on time. The job was more profitable due to the cost savings. The manufacturer was able to pass those savings on to the end-user, and the job has been a repeater, and it’s been profitable for everyone involved.

If you find yourself in this situation and you’d like to evaluate if a functional equivalent is available for your application, or if you’d like to explore if you can save time and money while maintaining quality by using functional equivalence, our team is here for you!

Learn More About MF Supply

We specialize in hardware solutions for many industries! If you have any questions about our products, please contact us today and continue to explore our website.

You can also read about other case studies for functional equivalents here:

What is the Difference Between a Keensert and a Helical Insert?

Posted: March 16, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: helical wire inserts, key-locking inserts | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

What is a Helical Inset?

A Helical wire insert is a spring-like precision form wire coil that provides a permanent thread that’s stronger than the parent material. They are also often called a screw thread insert or a Helical insert, but the popular brand name is Heli-Coil, a registered trademark of Emhart Teknologies.

What is a KeyLocking Insert?

A key-locking insert is a solid bushing style insert that is threaded on the inside and the outside with keys on the top. It’s commonly called a Keensert or Keysert, and these are the registered trademark names of Huck Patents and Alcoa Fastening Systems.

Why Would I Use a Helical Insert vs. a Keensert, and Vice Versa?

  • Strength: A key-locking insert is much stronger than a helical insert, particularly in high temperature and high torque environments.
  • Ease of Install: A key-locking insert is easier to install than a helical wire insert.
  • Price: A wire insert is much less expensive than a key-locking insert.

When Would I Use a Keensert?

In a heavy-ware, high vibration, high heat situation when you don’t need to save space and the whole depth is not a key consideration. The key-locking insert is the way to go.

When Would I Use a Helical Insert?

If you need to reduce costs, you’re minimizing space. The Helical wire insert is the way to go. They’re very useful for creating a permanent, strong thread and softer material like aluminum or titanium. And they’re best suited to the lower heat environments.

Learn more about the difference between key-locking inserts and helical wire inserts here!

Learn More About Keenserts vs. Helical Inserts

If you are interested in learning more about our Keensert and Helical Insert product offerings, contact us today! If you’re ready to place your order, check out our products here!

Personal Protection Packs at MF Supply

Posted: March 9, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: PPE | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

At MF Supply, we carry the personal protective equipment you need to stay safe at work or as you go about your daily activities. We offer standalone products in bulk, but we also sell personal protection packs to make your job or trip easy!

What is a Personal Protection Pack?

Our personal protection packs are kits that contain assorted PPE. These packs are designed to keep employees safe from harmful germs, to guard people attending to the injured or the ill, and they’re also useful to have when traveling for business or pleasure.

We offer the personal protection packs in single-day packs or five-day packs. They each contain three-ply masks, surface wipes, large nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer, and a thermometer.

These items are disposable and meant for one-time use.

What PPE Do I Need?

Whether you are looking for personal protective equipment for your job, for travel, or just everyday life, you can check OSHA’s recommendations.

Learn More About PPE at MF Supply

If you are interested in learning more about our PPE packs, check out our inventory listings here and contact us today with any questions!

Personal Protective Equipment under the EUA and Appendix A

Posted: March 2, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: KN95 | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

What is the FDA Authorized Appendix A list under the EUA, and why is it important?

What is the EUA?

The EUA or Emergency Use Authorization is evoked during public health emergencies like COVID-19. Through this authorization, the Food and Drug Administration tries to make sure that the public and the medical field have enough medical devices to manage the crisis. They do this by allowing unapproved medical products or medical products that are approved for one use to be used in a different setting to prevent shortages.

Surgical Masks and Non-NIOSH Respirators Under Appendix A

Appendix A PPE

There are two products in Appendix A: surgical masks and non-NIOSH respirators that are made in China.

This is important because you want to know that the mask you are wearing is effective- especially in a pandemic.

So, the FDA has tested and continues to test certain categories of masks to get them on Appendix A to say they are approved for use in a medical setting.

How Do Products Get Put on the EUA?

Companies who want their product to be listed and certified under the EUA can apply for their products to be tested. There is a specific testing protocol that the FDA, in collaboration with the CDC, uses in order to approve products.

Is Your KN95 Mask or other PPE Listed Under the EUA?

If you want to check if the products you are using are certified under the EUA and Appendix A, follow the link and scroll to find your brand.

Learn More About EUA, Appendix A, and PPE

If you are looking for personal protective equipment for yourself or your business, MF Supply has KN95 Respirator Masks and more PPE. Contact us today to learn more!

Keensert Installation Tool Kits

Posted: February 23, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Keenserts are very small but very strong key locking inserts used across many industries, especially in aerospace and precision manufacturing. While Keenserts are easy to install, it is essential to have all of the necessary tools to properly install them.

What Hole Size and Tools do I Need to Install My Keenserts Manually?

This is a common question we receive from manufacturers, so today, we are going to share everything you need to know to install your key locking inserts.

Prior to installing a key locking insert, you have to check with the supplier to make sure you have the proper drill and tap. Each part number has its own combination of drill and tap. This is really important, and it’s based on the outside and inside diameter.

Check out our Keensert Buyer’s Guide, Keensert Cross-Reference Guides, and How to Manually Install Keenserts.

Commercial or Military Key Locking Inserts?

It’s also important to note that each key locking insert has different types of thread depending upon their military or commercial. So, prior to installing the inserts, you need to have the following information…

  • Nose assembly.
  • Drill and tap size for the insert you’re installing.
  • The fastener you’re installing.

Tools For Keensert Installation:

  • Drill
  • Drill Bit
  • Drill or Tap Wrench
  • Tap
  • Countersink Tool
  • Keensert Installation Tool
  • Hammer

What is a Broaching Tool, and When Will I Need One?

A broaching tool is an extra installation tool that is used for very hard parent materials such as A286 or A4140. The purpose of the broach is to create slots for the keys in the parent material when the regular tools won’t cut it.

Hydro-Pneumatic Keensert Installation Tool

If you are installing key locking inserts by the 1,000s, then the pneumatic tool is a better option for installation. Learn more here.

Learn More About Keensert Installation

If you would like to learn more about our key locking inserts or any of our other hardware products, continue to browse our website and contact us today!

Installing Key Locking Inserts with Pneumatic Power Tools

Posted: February 18, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

In last week’s blog, we discussed when and how to install key locking inserts manually. If you have a few hundred inserts to install, the manual process is fine. However, if you are installing these Keenserts by the thousands, then you will want to use a pneumatic power tool to speed up the processes.

How to Install Keenserts with a Pneumatic Tool

  • The beginning of the installation process is the same as a manual installation.
  • Drill and Countersink the Material
  • Tap the Material
  • Manually Insert the Key Locking Insert
  • The next step is to use the power tool to simply screw the key into place.

You can see how this process can save you so much valuable time if you are installing the key locking inserts by the thousands!

Keensert Installation Tool Kit

We offer the pneumatic power tool you need to quickly assemble your key locking inserts! Check them out here.

Learn More About MF Supply

MF Supply is your go-to for all of your hardware and safety needs! Continue to browse our website and contact us today if you would like to learn more!

How to Manually Install Key Locking Inserts

Posted: February 15, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

What is a Keensert?

A Keensert or key locking insert is a solid bushing style insert that is threaded on both the inside and the outside and has wedges or “keys” attached at the top. These inserts are used to distribute loads and repair or strengthen threads against failures due to stripping, seizing or corrosion. They are commonly used in precision manufacturing and aerospace applications.

Check out our Buyer’s Guide to Keenserts!

What is the Best Way to Install Keenserts?

There are a few methods used to install key locking inserts. Manual installation is best for assemblies that are in the hundreds, but if you are installing a lot of Keenserts, pneumatic installation is the way to go.

Keensert Manual Installation

  1. Drill and Countersink the Material
  2. Tap the Material
  3. Manually Insert the Key Locking Insert
  4. Use the Installation Tool to Drive the Keensert

Here is the full installation clip from the video.

Stay Tuned and Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about our hardware, check out our other blogs and browse our products online. If you would like to learn how to install Keenserts with pneumatic tools, stay tuned for next week’s blog!

Buyers Guide to N95 Face Masks

Posted: February 5, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: covid-19, N95 Respirator, N95 Surgical Respirator, Personal Protective Equipment, PPE | Tags: , | Leave a comment

At MF Supply, we carry all of the personal protective equipment you need to keep your business safe. In today’s blog, we are discussing the different styles of N95 masks we have available.

N95 Face Mask Styles

Cup Style Face Mask

The first and most popular style of N95 masks is the cup style. This is the 3M style that everyone wants to get their hands on. There are several different versions of the cup style masks here at MF Supply: 3M 8210 and the Guangzhou Harley L288. We also carry the Makrite N95-9500 which is a Surgical Respirator with 510k certification.

Both of these cup style masks offer a close fit with head straps and nose pieces.

Folding Style Face Mask

The Guangzhou Harley L188 folding face mask is another popular style of protective respirator mask that is great for on the go. Since they fold up so neatly, it is easy to store it in your pocket or in a bag if you are going in and out of environments where an N95 is required.

This style also has 2 head straps and a nose piece for a close fit.

Pouch Style Face Masks

The duckbill or Pouch style N95 is a less widely known style of respirator mask, but it offers a large breathing pouch for easier breathing while wearing. IN this video we whocase the Kimberly Clark Kimtech 53358 N95, which is made in the USA.


Do N95 Face Masks Come in Different Sizes?

Some manufacturers do offer different size N95 masks from small to extra large.

N95 Face Mask Certifications

All of the N95s we offer come with OSHA certifications through NIOSH. The difference between the standard N95s in this blog and FDA 510K surgical N95 respirators is that surgical respirators come with an additional 510K certification from the FDA, and those are meant to be used in surgery or a medical environment due to their splash resistant rating. However, all the N95 masks that we discussed today have also been blanket certified for medical use under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization during Covid-19.

N95 Face Masks Fit Testing

All in N95 masks require fit testing by each wear, which happens every year. Learn More!

N95 Mask Comparison Guide

Check out this useful N95 respirator comparison guide for clarification on some of the main differences in N95 styles and uses.

Learn More About MF Supply

If you are interested in learning more about our inventory of N95 face masks or any of our other PPE or hardware products, please contact us today!

What’s Your Respirator Style?

Posted: January 15, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: N95 Respirator, N95 Surgical Respirator, PPE | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

N95s come in a variety of styles. The three most popular styles are the traditional Cup Style, Folding style and the Duckbill/Pouch style. Our N95 masks are FDA Authorized under the Emergency Use Authorization (EAU) for use in healthcare settings by healthcare personnel.

N95 Respirators Available at MF Supply https://conta.cc/3spzWkr

Self-Clinching Fasteners

Posted: December 22, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: Captive Self-Clinching, PEM Self-Clinching | Tags: , | Leave a comment

What is a Self-Clinching Fastener?

Self-clenching fasteners are classified as part of the electronic hardware family, and they’re not governed by some of the IFI or ANSI standards.

They are known as press bit or cling-style and provide an economical method of joining sheet metal panel applications and printed circuit boards.

They are used in the aerospace and commercial industries.

At MF Supply, we are a Captive distributor; this is one of the major brand names in the self-clinching world. Captive is an alternative to the PEM brand, which we also sell.

Self-Clinching Product Categories

You can also check out our Self-Clinching cross reference sheet here.

Learn More About Self-Clinching Fasteners

If you are interested in learning more about our self-clinching fasteners, contact us today!

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