How to Manually Install Key Locking Inserts

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!


Trademark Notice & Disclaimer

KEENSERTS® is a registered trademark of Huck Patents, Inc. and Howmet Aerospace Inc. MF Supply is an independent distributor not affiliated with or endorsed by the trademark owners. Any reference to KEENSERTS® is strictly for descriptive compatibility and cross-referencing. Unless explicitly noted, products offered are functionally equivalent alternatives, not original KEENSERTS® brand inserts.


Buyers Guide to N95 Face Masks

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?

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

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!


Mil-Spec Socket Caps for Sale

MF Supply is your one-stop-shop for all of the high-quality hardware you need! In today’s blog, we are discussing our mil-spec socket cap options.

What is a Socket Cap?

A socket cap is the standard among high strength fasteners that are needed to withstand the faster speeds and higher pressure of today’s machines, instruments, and assemblies. They’re also known as their trademarked name, Allan Screws, and they’re used across various applications.

MF Supply Mil-Spec Socket Caps

Stainless Steel Socket Head Cap Screws

Our stainless steel socket caps come in both coarse and fine thread.

MS16996 is our fine thread socket cap. Click here for more information!

MS16995 is our coarse thread socket cap. Click here for more information!

Alloy Steel Socket Head Cap Screw

MS16997 Alloy Steel Socket Head Cap Screws come in zinc yellow or with a clad plating. Click here for sizes and more information!

A286 Stainless Socket Head Cap Screws

NAS1351N is our fine thread option. Click here for more details!

NAS1352N is our coarse thread option. Click here for more details!

Why Choose MF Supply for Mil-Spec Socket Caps?

All of our mil-specs socket head cap screws come with full paperwork and are all DFAR compliant. Many of them are available from drop-ship directly from the factory with no lead time and next day delivery!

Learn More About Mil-Spec Socket Caps

If you are looking for high-quality mil-spec socket cap screws with quick delivery, contact us at MF Supply today!


Custom Made and Reworked Fasteners

Is your business having trouble finding standard or specialty hardware? Do you need domestic or DFARs items but can’t find them off the shelf? MF Supply makes custom and reworked fasteners!

Why Do Customers Need Custom Fasteners?

There are a few reasons that engineers or manufacturers might need a custom or reworked fastener. Whether it is that they want something that is not readily available off the shelf, they might need a different length, special plating, or specific certification.

A lot of customers need black fasteners, which often are non-standard.
Another reason is that they need something that might be a commercially readily available part, but they need it to be made in the United States.

MF Supply can help will all of these requests!

How to Get Custom or Reworked Fasteners from MF Supply?

In order to get custom made fasteners from MF Supply, we need to know a little bit more about the parts you need. You can provide us with the print, including information such as your dimension needs, tolerance requirements, materials, plating, any certifications you’ll need.

One of the most important things we need to know is how quickly you will need your order by. Some custom or reworked orders are quick and easy, but others can take weeks or even months. This just depends on what you need!

Click here for a complete guide for ordering custom or reworked parts.

Get Custom Made Fasteners from MF Supply

If you are looking for custom or reworked fasteners, contact us at MF Supply by email. Make sure to include as much information as you can about your request so we can get you an accurate quote quicker!


Hardware Functional Equivalents and Sourcing Experts

At MF Supply, we spent a lot of time sourcing hard to find, back ordered, expensive, or out-of-stock OEM hardware brands. We do this in order to save money and to reduce long lead times for our customers.

Just like in the pharmaceutical world, where there are brand names that everyone knows, there are also generic brands that are functional equivalents. This is true for the hardware industry too!

What is a Functional Equivalent?

Some brand-name fasteners are also available as functional equivalents, also referred to as crossed, generics, or alternatives. These are parts that are the same in form, fit, function, material, and specifications as the brand name.

Functional Equivalents Examples and Case Studies

Below are two case studies showing how using functional equivalents has saved a lot of manufacturers a lot of money and time.

Case Study: Precision Shoulder Screw Functional Equivalent

In this case study, you can learn more about precision shoulder screw functional equivalents.

Case Study: Keensert Functional Equivalents

In this case study, you can see that smart manufacturers use brand equivalents to save time and money!

Should You Use Functional Equivalents?

On our website, we offer some of our different product reference charts that actually show you the different part numbers that all our functional equivalents.
Check it out here!

Four Point Check Checklist

  • Check your BOM- Does it call for an OEM brand?
  • Are the Lead Times going to hinder your timeline? Will having the part sooner improve the delivery of your final product.
  • Will your supplier provide you with the certificate of conformance to certify that the part is a functional equivalent to the original brand you are looking for?
  • Will saving money help you be more competitive in your market?

Learn More About MF Supply

If you are interested in learning more about saving time and money with functional equivalents, contact us at MF Supply today!


Trademark Notice & Disclaimer

KEENSERTS® is a registered trademark of Huck Patents, Inc. and Howmet Aerospace Inc. MF Supply is an independent distributor not affiliated with or endorsed by the trademark owners. Any reference to KEENSERTS® is strictly for descriptive compatibility and cross-referencing. Unless explicitly noted, products offered are functionally equivalent alternatives, not original KEENSERTS® brand inserts.


Metric Keenserts

What is a Keensert?

A keensert is a small, bushing style insert that is threading on the inside and outside, with external wedges called keys. Keenserts are a piece of hardware used to distribute loads and to strengthen or repair threads against failure due to stripping, seizing, or corrosion. They are often used in high vibration environments such as instrument panels on airplanes.

Metric Keensert Style

Metric keenserts come in a variety of styles, each with many sizes and materials.

  • Miniature Keenserts
  • Thinwall Keenserts
  • Heavy Duty Keenserts
  • Solid Keenserts

Keensert Cross-Reference

Keensert® Cross-Reference – 4140 Alloy, A286, & Mil-Spec
Keensert® Cross-Reference – Stainless Steel

Quantities of Keenserts from MF Supply

We sell our keenserts in orders as small as 5 pieces all the way 2,500 or more. The more you buy, the more you save!

Learn More About Hardware with MF Supply

MF Supply is your one-stop-shop for all of your hardware needs! Contact us today if you have any questions about our keenserts!


Trademark Notice & Disclaimer

KEENSERTS® is a registered trademark of Huck Patents, Inc. and Howmet Aerospace Inc. MF Supply is an independent distributor not affiliated with or endorsed by the trademark owners. Any reference to KEENSERTS® is strictly for descriptive compatibility and cross-referencing. Unless explicitly noted, products offered are functionally equivalent alternatives, not original KEENSERTS® brand inserts.


Multipurpose Wipes for Sale

We have had a massive demand for wipes during the past few months, hand sanitizing wipes, disinfecting wipes, and antiseptic wipes. Many of the brands that we know and love have not been available since the start of the pandemic. Based on our customer’s demand, we were able to import an alternative to the Lysol, Purell, and Clorox wipes.

MF Supply offers Caresour Antiseptic Wipes that are great for both your hands and any surface. These wipes are a great alternative and offer many of the same benefits.

Caresour Multipurpose Wipes

  • 6x 8 inches
  • Good for travel or at home/ work
  • Made in FDA registered facility
  • Full certifications and test reports
  • Kill 99.99% of germs
  • Single-use
  • 50 wipes per pack
  • 75% Ethyl Alcohol Wipes

These alcohol-based wipes are available in quantities as low as 24 packs. However, the more you buy, the more you save! Discounts start at 1,200 packs.

When you order from MF Supply, you know you are getting a fully tested and certified wipe with fast and free shipping.

Learn More About MF Supply for PPE and More

If you are interested in getting your hands on some of our disinfecting wipes, order here. You can also contact us today with any questions!


KN95 Masks: Medical vs. Civilian Grade

Where Can I Buy KN95 Masks?

Back in April, the FDA authorized the import and use of the KN95 masks for health care settings when the COIVD pandemic started. Since then, there has been a lot of confusion around the difference between the KN95 masks for medical uses and KN95 masks for civilian uses.

Both medical and civilian masks KN95 masks are to the same GB2626 standards. The main difference is the number of certifications and testing that has been done on them. Health care workers who are on the front lines want and need the peace of mind that their masks are going to protect them. Therefore, the medical-grade KN95 masks are tested by the CDC and FDA Appendix A compliant.

MF Supply Offer Both Medical and Civilian Grade KN95 Masks

Civilian KN95 Masks

  • The civilian grade KN95 masks are the KN95 Respirator Masks.
  • We offer a few different brands.
  • CE and FDA certified
  • Buy as few as 50 masks, but the more you buy, the more you save!

Learn More About Civilian KN96 Masks for Sale

Medical Grade KN95 Masks

  • The FDA Appendix A KN95 Masks are approved for health care professionals.
  • Non-NIOSH, but similar standards.
  • Latex-free

Learn More About Medical Grade KN95 Masks

Learn More About MF Supply and KN95 Masks

If you are looking to buy KN95 masks, MF Supply has a variety of options. Contact us today to learn more!