Over 2,600 TEK® Alternative Self Drilling Screws Now In Stock At MF Supply!

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: DFARS, Fasteners, Manufacturing Day, Self Drill Machine Screws, Self Drilling Screws, Self-drilling, Supply chain - manufacturing, Threaded Fasteners | Tags: Distributor, MF Supply, Screws, Self Drill Drywall Screws, Self Drill Machine Screws, Self Drill Screws, Self Drilling Screws, Self-Drilling Screws, TEK® Alternative Self Drilling Screws, TEK® Alternative Self-Drilling Screws | Leave a comment

Greetings to our precision manufacturing community!

MF Supply is a leading WOSB / WBE Certified distributor of commercial, mil-spec and custom made fasteners. With a legacy of over 50 years, and a reputation for continuously evolving to meet our customers’ needs, we are thrilled to announce another expansion to our online products’ catalog. This recent expansion include an extensive list of 2,690 unique TEK® alternative self drilling screws in a myriad of drives, head styles, sizes and materials.

We are always evolving and looking for ways to meet the changing needs of manufacturers. With this strategic expansion, we underscore our commitment to be a comprehensive one-stop shop for commercial and mil-spec fasteners and hardware for industrial and precision manufacturers—while also ensuring our customers have a seamless and efficient purchasing experience both online and offline!

TEK® Alternative Self Drilling Screws at MF Supply

We have always stocked and sourced a variety of imported, domestic and mil-spec screws. We are proud to announce the inclusion of self-drilling screws—generic alternatives to the well known TEK® screws—in standard and nonstandard sizes, and in a variety of standard and exotic materials. Our off-the-shelf products include #2 through #3/8-12 Self Drilling Screws in Steel Zinc and Bake, Steel Black Phosphate, Steel Black Oxide & Oil, Steel Black Zinc & Bake, Steel Green Ceramic, Steel Zinc Nickel 1,000 Hours Salt Spray, Steel Black Oxide, Steel Black Zinc Nickel 1,000 Hour Salt Spray, Steel Zinc Green, Steel Zinc Yellow, Stainless Steel, 410 Stainless Steel & 316 Stainless Steel.

Below is a list of all the heads and drives included in this TEK® alternative self drilling screws’ list:

#10 Flat Undercut Head with Phillips Drive
#12 Indented Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
#6 Flat 82D Head with Phillips Drive
#6 Oval Head with Phillips Drive
Bugle Head with Phillips Drive
Flat 82D Head with Combo (Square/Phillips) Drive
Flat 82D Head with Phillips Drive
Flat 82D Head with Square Drive
Flat 82D Head with Torx Drive
Flat 82D Undercut Head with Phillips Drive
Flat 82D Undercut Head with Square Drive
Flat 82D with Nibs Head with Phillips Drive
Flat Trim Head with Phillips Drive
Flat Trim Head with Square Drive
Hex Flange Head with Unslotted Drive
Indented Hex Head with Unslotted Drive
Indented Hex Washer Head with Combo (Slotted/Phillips) Drive
Indented Hex Washer Head with Phillips Drive
Indented Hex Washer Head with Slotted Drive
Indented Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
Indented High Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
Large Pancake Head with Square Drive
Modified Truss Head with Phillips Drive
Modified Truss Head with Square Drive
Modified Truss Head with Torx Drive
Oval Head with Phillips Drive
Oval Undercut Head with Phillips Drive
Pan Head with Combo (Slotted/Phillips) Drive
Pan Head with Phillips Drive
Pan Head with Square Drive Pan
Head with Torx Drive
Pancake Head with Combo (Square/Phillips) Drive
Pancake Head with Phillips Drive
Pancake Head with Square Drive
Pancake Head with Torx Drive
Round Washer Head with Phillips Drive
Round Washer Head with Square Drive
Serrated Indented Hex Washer Head with Slotted Drive
Serrated Indented Hex Washer Head with Torx Drive
Serrated Indented Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
Serrated Indented High Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
Serrated Pan Head with Phillips Drive
Serrated Pan Head with Torx Drive
Special Pan Head with Phillips Drive
Truss Head with Phillips Drive
Truss Head with Torx Drive
Wafer Head with Combo (Square/Phillips) Drive
Wafer Head with Phillips Drive
Wafer Head with Square Drive
Wafer Head with Torx Drive
Wafer With Nibs Head with Phillips Drive

By bolstering our product offering in these key areas, we aim to be the preferred supplier for manufacturers in various sectors, including: aerospace, OEMS of instrumentation, equipment and machines, architectural metal and glass, sheet metal fabrication, contract manufacturers, lighting, furniture, and elevators.

Manufacturers working with us can expect timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and access to expert guidance to help optimize their fastener choices. Manufacturers eager to explore our product catalog, including our recently expanded product categories, are encouraged to visit our website at www.mfsupply.com, reach out to us at sales@mfsupply.com or request a quote. Our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!

“At MF Supply, we understand the dynamic needs of the manufacturing industry, including the balance of price, quality, availability and certification paperwork. The expansion of our product catalog demonstrates our commitment to being a one-stop solution for all fastener needs. Whether it’s standard fasteners, specialized custom hardware, mil-spec parts or OEM brand names like the trusted Holo-Krome brand, we have it all under one roof.” – Robin Lieberman, President of MF Supply.

Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.

Your Purchasing Department’s Secret Weapon!
Here are 5 reasons to buy from MF Supply

We Source and Deliver What Others Can’t, Faster Than You Imagined: With speedy solutions for elusive parts and lengthy delivery times – We’ve got you covered with both custom-made specials (send us your prints!) and hard-to-source options, quickly and at a fair price.
Cost-Effective Functional Equivalents to OEM Brand Fasteners-Why Pay More? Reduce lead times and costs with the same quality and same performance. Try us for alternatives to brands like McMaster-Carr, MSC, Misumi, PEM, and RAF and experience unmatched savings! Same form, fit and function for less.
Huge Selection of Certified and Commercial Hardware with Same-day Shipping Available for Countless Items: We source and stock standards, specials, commercial, Mil-Spec & OEM brands in inch and metric sizes. Standards include AN, NAS, MS, IFI, ASTM, ASME, DIN, ISO, JIS. We are sourcing experts for inserts, certified Mil-Spec parts and anything in stainless steel. Many parts are available with manufacturers’ certifications, including DFAR, ROHS and CoC. Trust us to ship on-time from our national distribution centers.
A User-Friendly, 24/7 Online Shopping Experience – Enjoy a 24/7 online shopping experience with easy-to-use filters, detailed product information, and a constantly updated technical directory. Sign up now for a seamless experience!
WBE/WOSB Certified Woman-Owned Small Business: As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, we support your diversity goals. Trust us to meet your fastener and sourcing needs with expertise and efficiency [Cage Code 58QG4].

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.

MF Supply Expands Online Product Catalog to 22,189 Unique Items and Counting!

Posted: October 26, 2023 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Bolts, DFARS, Fasteners, Holo-Krome, Mil-Spec, Plastite Alternative Screws, Socket Head Cap Screw, Supply chain - manufacturing, Taptite Alternative Screws, Threaded Fasteners, Trilobular Fasteners | Tags: Bent Anchor Bolts, Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Closed Eye Screws, Commercial Fasteners, Distributor, Elevator Bolts, Flange Bolts, Hanger Bolts, Heavy Hex Bolts, Heavy Hex Structural Bolts, Hex Head Cap Screws, Hex Head Joint Draw Bolts, Hex Machine Bolts, Hex Tap Bolts, Holo-krome, Industrial Manufacturers, Inserts, MF Supply, Mil-spec, Mil-spec fasteners, Open Eye Bolts, Plastite Alternative Screws, Plow Bolts, Precision Manufacturers, Socket Cap Screws, Sourcing Experts, Square Head Battery Bolts, Square Machine Bolts, Step Bolts, supply chain, Taptite Alternative Screws, Thread Forming Screws, Thread Rolling Screws, Timber Bolts, Track Bolts | Leave a comment

Greetings to our precision manufacturing community!

MF Supply is a leading WOSB / WBE Certified distributor of commercial, mil-spec and custom made fasteners. With a legacy of over half a century and a reputation for continuously evolving to meet our customers’ needs, we are thrilled to announce the recent expansion of our online catalog to include a whopping 22,189 unique items! Our updated catalog now includes Holo-Krome branded products, non-standard, domestic and DFAR Socket Cap Screws, an extensive list of Bolts, and more Thread Rolling & Thread Forming Screws.

We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of manufacturers. With this strategic expansion, we underscore our commitment to as a comprehensive one-stop shop for commercial and mil-spec fasteners and hardware for industrial and precision manufacturers, ensuring our customers have a seamless and efficient purchasing experience online and offline.

New Product Highlights:

1. Socket Cap Screws: We have always stocked and sourced a variety of imported, domestic and mil-spec socket cap screws. Our recent expansion in this category include standard and nonstandard sizes, and a variety of standard and exotic materials. We are now offering more Button Head, Flat Head, Flat Head 100 degree, Low Head and Standard Socket head cap screws in a wider choice of materials including: A286, Brass, Inconel, Silicon Bronze, and 316 Stainless Steel, in addition to regular Alloy and 18-8 Stainless Steel.

2. Bolts: Our selection of bolts has undergone a significant enhancement and now includes 18 Bolt categories, in multiple sizes and materials. Materials offered include Steel, B7 Alloy, Stainless Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Silicon Bronze, A2, A4, Brass, Inconel and Nickel-Copper. Our 18 bolts’ categories include:

3. Holo-Krome Products: We are proud to announce the inclusion of Holo-Krome brand fasteners to our catalog. Holo-Krome, a reputable domestic OEM, is well known for their extensive offering of quality products within the Socket Products segment. We introduce the following Holo-Krome products that are now available for purchase directly in our website: Dowel Pins, Hex Socket Shoulder Screws, Socket Cap Screws, Allenuts, Socket Jam Screws, Socket Pressure Plugs, and Socket Set Screws.

4. Thread Rolling / Thread Forming Screws: We also expanded our online offering to now include over 2.7K alternatives to Plastite® & Taptite® Screws. Our recent expansion in this category include more Steel, Black Oxide and Stainless Steel screws. Our off the shelf products are ready to ship from multiple warehouses across the USA, and include:

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.

Precision Shoulder Screws!? What the heck are those?

Posted: April 26, 2023 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: DFARS, Mil-Spec, MS51575, MS51576, Precision Shoulder Screws | Tags: Fasteners, hex socket screws, MS51575, MS51576, Precision Shoulder Screws, Shoulder Bolts, Stripper Bolts | 1 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.

Mil-Spec DFARS!? What the heck is that?

Posted: March 14, 2023 | Author: mfsupplyblog | 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.

Buyer’s Guide to Self-Clinching Fasteners 2019

Posted: December 5, 2019 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Brand equivalents, Captivated fasteners, Captive Self-Clinching, DFARS, Domestic Fasteners, PEM Self-Clinching | Tags: Captive, PEM, Self-Clinching | 1 Comment

MF Supply continues to expand our offering of products available for purchase online. We are thrilled to offer Self-clinching fasteners available from stock that can be purchased on our website or by email, phone or fax. We are an authorized distributor for Captive Fasteners, a US based manufacturer since 1974, with a factory right here in our NJ backyard!

What are Self-clinching fasteners?

Self-clinching fasteners are generally classified as part of the electronic hardware or precision engineered fastener family and are not governed by IFI, ANSI or ASME standards. A self-clinching fastener, also known as press-fit or clinch style captive fastener, is a part that when pressed into a drilled, punched or machined hole, provides an economical method of joining sheet metal panel applications and is well-suited for use in printed circuit boards.

Self-clinching fasteners are used in many industries; both commercial and aerospace.

Self-clinching Fasteners available at MF Supply

MF Supply offers the full catalog of Captive branded fasteners & PEM® equivalents in inch & metric sizes. We have the following parts available for purchase online, in stock and ready to ship from our national distribution centers:

Self-Clinching Standoffs: Alt to PEM® Type BSO, BSOS,SO Captive CFBSOS, CFSO
Self-Clinching Studs: Alt to PEM® Type FH, FHS, KFH Captive CH, CHS, CKFH
Self-Clinching Nuts: Alt to PEM® Type S, CLS Captive Series C, CS in Inch & Metric

Additional Series available include, but are not limited to, floating, self-locking, blind-hole, flush, and broaching fasteners.

How do they work?

Self-clinching fasteners work by displacing the host material around the mounting hole, causing it to cold flow into a specially designed annular recess. Knurls, serrated rings or ribs on the fastener hold them firmly in place. Self-clinching fasteners become an integral permanent part of the panel or frame and eliminate problems associated with loose hardware. Installation requires access to both sides of the panel and self-clinching fasteners may be installed using any parallel acting squeezing force.

What are the advantages of Self-Clinching fasteners?

Self-clinching fasteners provide strong thread in very thin material & offer high push out and torque out resistance. They take less space and require fewer assembly operations than caged or anchor nuts. They can be installed during fabrication or during final assembly and work well in applications when loose hardware wouldn’t be accessible.

Some of the key advantages include:

No special hole preparation, such as chamfering and deburring is required.
Low installed costs, fewer parts to handle, fewer assembly steps and less assembly time.
No retapping necessary after application.

Reverse side of metal sheet remains flush – no swaged rim protrusion.

What are the differences between branded fasteners like PEM & Captive and generic Self-clinching fasteners?

Self-clinching hardware is frequently referred to by the OEM brand name PEM®. Captive Fastener is a USA based manufacturer and offers functional equivalents to PEM® branded self-clinching fasteners. In addition to PEM® & Captive, there are a variety of manufacturers of self-clinching fasteners available in the marketplace including the major national catalog brands. Functional alternatives will be equivalent in form fit and function and offer similar performance.

To see if using alternative brands or functional equivalents will work for your business, refer to our handy guide.

We have also included a cross reference lookup table for PEM® product types vs. Captive product series below.

What information for I need for ordering?

The easiest way to order is by manufacturer part number. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to specify fastener type & style, thread diameter & pitch, fastener length, material and plating. For example: a 10-32 X 3/8 Flush Head Self-Clinching Stud Steel Zinc plated can also be ordered as a PEM® FH-032-6, (or a PEM® FH-032-6-ZI as sometimes PEM® calls out the plating) or a Captive CH1032-6. This part is also offered by a national catalog brand under part number 93580A166.

Additional Series available include, but are not limited to, floating, self-locking, blind-hole, flush, and broaching fasteners.

We Invite You To Request a Quote, Download a Guide or a Line Card Today!

Full ecommerce enabled website with technical manual available 24/7
Same day drop ship from factory for thousands of items.
Functional Equivalents to expensive brand name fasteners save money and reduce long lead times.
Creatively solve problems including hard to find parts and long lead times
WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business.

What the heck is Mil-spec DFARS? 2019

Posted: July 29, 2019 | Author: mfsupplyblog | 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…

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!

Knurled Thumb Screws Buyer’s Guide

Posted: June 12, 2019 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Brand equivalents, DFARS, knurled thumb screws, Panel Fasteners, Uncategorized | Tags: Knurled thumb screw buyer's guide | Leave a comment

6 Things to Know When Buying Knurled Thumb Screws

What is a Knurled Thumb Screw?

Knurled Thumb Screws are generally classified as part of the electronic hardware or precision fastener family and are not governed by IFI, ANSI or ASME standards. They are solid one piece screws with a cylindrically shaped oversized knurled head, a fully threaded shank construction and a blunt machine screw style end. They are used in applications where periodic manual adjustment is required and finger pressure can supply sufficient tightening torque.

Knurled Thumb Screw with Washer Face

What materials and sizes are available?

Knurled Thumb Screws are readily available off the shelf in type 18-8/303 stainless steel and Aluminum. Some manufacturers stock knurled thumb screws in brass or other materials. Parts are typically supplied without any coating or finish.

Standard stock sizes for the thread diameter are Inch from 4-40 to 1/4-20 with standard lengths up 1” depending upon the manufacturer.

316 stainless steel, alloy and other exotic materials, and special diameters and lengths are available in certain sizes and/or for special order and usually involve a lead time.

What information do I need for ordering?

The easiest way to order is by manufacturer part number. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to specify thread diameter, thread length, head style and material. For example: 6-32 x 3/8″ Knurled Thumb Screws with a Washer Face in Stainless Steel 18-8 is a popular Thumb screw.

Typical head styles are a modified fillister with a flat top where the head diameter is about twice the head height and does not need to be specified. Low head fillisters are available in certain sizes.

What are some of the popular Fastener Brands with Functional Equivalents?

Popular OEM fastener brands include: Amatom, Cambion, Concord, Globe, HH Smith, Keystone, Lyn-tron, Misumi, Pic Design, RAF, and WM Berg. A comprehensive selection of Knurled Thumb Screws is also offered by McMaster-Carr, MSC Industrial and Grainger.

One surefire way to save money and shorten delivery time is to cross the OEM brand part on your bill of materials to a functional equivalent.

Let’s take the above example of a 6-32 x 3/8″ Knurled Thumb Screws with a Washer Face in Stainless Steel 18-8 is a popular Thumb screw.

This part is offered by the Five brands (yes Five!!) listed below under the following part numbers:

Grainger 2KB93
Lyn-tron SS7603
RAF 7103-SS-0
Mcmaster-Carr 99607A116
Unicorp THS1004-M07-F16

Each manufacturer has a different price point, but the general physical and chemical dimensions make them functional equivalents or Brand alternatives.

Helpful Hints about Categories of Thumb Screws

There are 2 distinct Thumb Screws categories:

1) Knurled Thumb screws, which are covered here, are part of the precision screw family. They are made 2 ways: Washer face/flared collar or plain/shoulderless. They are typically stocked in aluminum and stainless steel. Other options such as narrow, high profile, slotted may also be available in certain sizes.

2) Type A and Type B Spade style thumb screws are part of the Industrial fastener family per ASME B18.6.8, along with Wing screws. Spade style thumb screws may be available in steel and in diameters up to 1/2”.

What level of certification is required?

Generally, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC is sufficient for your customer. Full certification with material certs and test reports are often available for USA-made and Mil-Spec parts for a fee.

Knurled Thumb Screws at MF Supply

We offer:

The full range of commercial and Mil-Spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and RoHS compliant.
Brand names and generic equivalents.
Custom made parts per print in non-standard and exotic materials and finishes.
Inch and metric sizes.

For more detailed information about Knurled Thumb Screws, visit our website. 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 than 40 years, MF Supply has helped American manufacturers streamline operations, saving them time and money with our sourcing expertise and unique supply chain strategies. We are a WBE/WOSB certified stocking distributor of fasteners and electronic components.

We work with the best established factories in the United States and DFARS-certified countries, and stock a huge inventory including all major brands and equivalents. MF Supply provides solutions including: same-day drop ship direct from the factory; custom sizes, materials and plating options; and DFARS parts with full paperwork and Certificates of Conformance.

We creatively solve common problems including hard-to-find parts and long lead times. Our sourcing and reworking expertise includes fast turnaround for modification of existing parts, hard to find standards and specials, special threads, non-standard diameters and lengths, exotic materials, special platings and short runs. We provide functional equivalents to expensive brand name fasteners and help our customers save money while reducing lead times.

Buyer’s Guide to One and done Keensert® Ordering

Posted: June 28, 2018 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: DFARS, keensert, key-locking inserts, Mil-Spec, Supply chain - manufacturing, Uncategorized | Tags: keensert, key-locking insert, MS51830, ms51831, MS51832, supply chain | Leave a comment

Your 5 point checklist to getting it right the first time

What is a Keensert®?

Keenserts® are solid bushing style inserts that are threaded on both the inside and the outside, and have wedges or “keys” attached at the top. They are generically called key-locking inserts, and 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.

Although the name Keensert^® is often used generically (like Band-Aid^® or Kleenex^®), Keensert^® is the registered trademark of Huck Patents (its close cousin, the Keysert^® is a registered trademark of Alcoa Fastening Systems.).

How do I simplify my buying process to get what I need to complete the job on time and right?

We are all familiar with that classic adage “Measure twice, cut once”. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the world of manufacturing. If you are involved in procurement, you are challenged with making sure you have the right parts available at the best price so your factory can deliver on time and on budget. Missing tools, incorrect paperwork and long delivery times can cause major headaches and negatively impact service levels.

Our goal is to help you make the Keensert buying process easier, which in turn will eliminate stress, reduce multiple shipments and potentially increase your profits. The result? Happier customers (and finance departments too)! So here it goes…..

Make sure to order the correct part.

Due to the price, availability and high minimum order requirements of Huck or Alcoa branded Keensert^®parts, using functional equivalents including Mil-Spec parts has become a common practice. Request that your supplier makes reference to the part number listed on your bill of materials on their sales order and packing slip. This will ensure you are getting the functional equivalent that you need.

If you are not ordering by part number, make sure to call out both the internal and external thread including the thread class (UNC, UNF, UNJ), the material and plating, and any special finish you need.

Place blanket orders for your total project needs to get the best price and ensure availability of parts when you need them.

Most standard size non-locking miniature and thin wall / light weight Keenserts^® are readily available off the shelf in 303 stainless steel or carbon steel. However, some locking style, nonstandard diameters, 4140 alloy, A286, heavy duty, extra heavy duty, solid and floating style Keenserts^® are available only by special order and usually involve a long lead time. Make sure to get current price and delivery and order parts as early as possible. Many suppliers allow you to order now and ship later, which can prevent delivery delays.

If you have an ongoing project, calculate your total needs and place your order with staggered delivery dates. This will get you the best available pricing and ensure you have the parts when you need them. Remember, price breaks can start at as few as 100 pieces.

Order (the correct) installation tools with Keenserts® for maximum efficiency.

Whereas most common size and material installation tools are readily available off the shelf, less popular sizes and materials might involve a lead time. Parent materials harder than RC30 or Anondized Aluminum may require that the tapped holes be broached for the keys, which requires the use of broach blades.

In addition, there are manual and power installation tools to choose from, so consult with your supplier on which tool is correct for your job. Note: manual tools work well for jobs up to 999 Keenserts®. For installations of 1000 Keenserts® or more, a pneumatic tool is recommended.

Order the Correct drills and taps for proper installation

Although Keenserts® are installed with standard drills and taps (plus the installation tool and a hammer) each part has a specific hole/tap dimensional recommendation. The drills used are often oversized for the external thread size. When purchasing key-locking inserts, check with your production department to make sure you have everything you need for proper installation. Note: Drill is oversize see charts for proper dimensions.

Kits are handy to have in the shop and are available for most common sizes. These kits include 2+ Keenserts®, the associated drill, tap and manual installation tool along with instructions for correct installation.

Request COC, MTRs, DFAR and all required paperwork on your RFQ and PO.

Since using functional equivalents including Mil-Spec parts is a common practice, make sure you have dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s when it comes to paperwork. Ask your supplier to reference the branded part number listed on your bill of materials on their COC and packing slip to make sure you are getting the functional equivalent that you need. In most cases, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC referencing the part number you ordered is all the paperwork you need. Certain aerospace customers need a complete Manufacturer’s Test Report (MTR) package including DFAR statement and passivation certs with full lot traceability. This might involve a fee, so include it in your RFQ. Whatever your requirement, include it on your Purchase Order to make sure you have what you need to satisfy your customer’s needs.

In summary, follow this handy 5 point guide when ordering Keenserts® and watch your costs decrease and your service levels soar!

For more information about MF Supply contact:

Robin Lieberman, President
robin@mfsupply.com
973-777-5411

Buyer’s Guide to Mil-Spec Fasteners

Posted: November 28, 2017 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: DFARS, Mil-Spec | Tags: DFARs, Mil-spec fasteners | 1 Comment

7 things you need to know

If you sell to the military either directly or indirectly, then you are probably familiar with Mil-spec fasteners. But, what exactly are they and what should you know before buying them? We’d like to help you out with this Seven point buyer’s guide.

What does Mil-spec mean anyway?

Mil-spec or MIL-STD, is the informal name for the military standard the U.S. Department of Defense uses in the production of military equipment. Critical fasteners and components used in the production, repair and maintenance of this equipment are classified as “Mil-spec” fasteners. These parts are usually designated by an AN, MS, NAS or NASM prefix followed by a part number (i.e. MS24693C-4). Each of these prefixes is an abbreviation: for example: NAS stands for National Aerospace Standard and MS stands for Military Standard.

What’s the difference between Mil-spec and commercial fasteners?

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 that 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 Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturer’s [QSLM]. Commercial fasteners are not held to such specific and exacting standards.

Who uses Mil-Spec Fasteners?

Mil-spec fasteners are used by anyone manufacturing or servicing military equipment. How do you know if your project requires Mil-spec parts? Often, the bill of materials (BOM) calls for specific Mil-spec grade fasteners in accordance with a part number, drawing, NIIN or NSN or procurement requirement. Some of the most common uses of Mil-spec fasteners include aerospace and naval vessels.

Do Mil-Spec fasteners have different features and standards than commercial fasteners?

Mil-spec parts are manufactured and tested to strict military standards ensure performance and reliability. In general, commercial fasteners will not have the same exacting quality standards. Let’s look at a specific example and compare the Mil-Spec MS24693-C4, which is a 4-40 x 3/8 Phillips Flat 100 degree Machine screws in 300 series stainless steel, to its commercial cousin.

Features of the MS24693C-4:

Manufactured in an QLSM approved factory
Made/melted in the USA or other DFARs* approved country
Materials to procurement spec FF-S-92, SAE AIR 4127
Cleaned, descaled, passivated to AMS-QQ-P-35; AMS 2700
Dimensions, tensile, hardness, threads, recess, head marking to AN, MS, NAS, NASM standard
Magnetic permeability to test specs ASTM A342
Quality Assurance to procurement spec FF-S-92 MIL-STD 1312
Inspection system requirements 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

Features of a 4-40 x 3/8 Commercial Phillips Flat 100 degree Machine screws in 18-8 series stainless steel:

Manufactured per ASME B18.6.3-2002
Thread dimensions to ASME B1.1

As you can see, the Mil-spec version is held to a higher and more exacting level of quality and testing than the commercial version. As such, the Mil-spec parts are cleaned and passivated, and tested for magnetic permeability, whereas the commercial parts are not.

5. What level of certification is required?

Generally, a Certificate of Conformance (COC) or a record affirming a fastener has met the requirements of the relevant specification, contract or regulation is sufficient for Mil-Spec fasteners. Full certifications, which include the part name, part description, date of manufacture, lot number, chemical composition of material, and treatment of material including plating or passivation, and material test reports, are often available for a fee. It is critical to ask for the level of certification (COC, full material certs, passivation certs, etc) in advance in order to have the most efficient buying experience.

6. Are there other factors to consider when procuring Mil-spec fasteners?

Great question! 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.

To keep up to date with DFARs requirements, visit www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html

Where can I find a list of Mil-spec fasteners and specs?

The Defense Logistics agency is a great resource. They maintain a comprehensive database of specifications and drawings. They also maintain a catalog of hardware that includes NIINs and NSNs that sometimes called out in a bill of materials. Check out the following links for more comprehensive information regarding hardware:

http://www.dla.mil/TroopSupport/IndustrialHardware/ – to view catalogs of mil-spec parts and specs by category

http://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsSearch.aspx – To look up a specific part

http://www.mfsupply.com/mil-spec-fasteners-s/1823.htm – To see MF Supply’s Mil-Spec fastener stock

http://www.mfsupply.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/MFSUPPLY_MILITARY.pdf – To download MF Supply’s Mil-spec line card

For more detailed information about Mil-Spec parts, to request a Mil-Spec Line Card or to send an RFQ, visit our website. And if you don’t see what you need listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!

Contact me at robin@mfsupply.com with your questions, comments or helpful hints!

Standoffs and Spacers Buyer’s Guide

Posted: October 26, 2017 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Brand equivalents, DFARS, Electronic Hardware, Mil-Spec, Standoffs and Spacers | Tags: standoffs, Standoffs and Spacers | Leave a comment

7 things you need to know

According to the dictionary, a standoff is defined as “a stalemate or a deadlock between two equally matched opponents and a spacer is a piece of material used to maintain space between 2 things. In the world of precision manufacturing, standoffs and spacers are mechanical components that are used the create space or join parts together, typically in PC boards. Below are 7 things to know to have the most efficient buying process.

What are spacers and standoffs?

Often classified as Electronic or Panel Hardware, Standoffs and Spacers are commonly used to mechanically support and electrically connect and position components within assemblies, typically in PC boards and instrument panels.

What’s the difference between a standoff and a spacer?

Both standoffs and spacers have a hex or round shaped body, and 2 openings. The main difference is that spacers are unthreaded with an inside clearance hole, and standoffs are threaded on both ends. Threads may be male (external) r female (internal).

Who uses standoffs and spacers?

Look inside an assembled circuit board, and you will be greeted by a bevy of Standoffs and Spacers, because 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 materials and platings are available?

Common materials include aluminum, brass, plastic/nylon and stainless steel. Common platings include clear anodized, nickel, gold iridite and zinc plated. There are over 20 common platings available! Here is a guide to most common materials:

Aluminumis popular because of its ratio of weight to strength. It is light, non-magnetic, performs well in severe temperatures, and has insulating properties.
Brassis 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.
18-8 Stainless Steelis strong, conductive, nonmagnetic and offers excellent corrosion resistance.
Nylon 6/6is superlight, nonconductive, and resistant to chemicals and solvents.

316 stainless steel, alloy and other exotic materials, and special diameters and lengths are available in certain sizes and/or for special order and usually involve a lead time.

What sizes are available off the shelf?

Standard stock sizes run from 3/16 – 1/2 body diameter, 1/4 to 2” long with threads starting at 2-56 running through 1/4-20 and clearance holes ranging from #2 though 1/4”. Metric stock sizes run from M3.5-M6 body diameter with M2.5, M3 and M4 threads. Remember, the lengths and threads available depend upon the diameter of the body and not all size configurations will be available.

As always, special lengths and sizes are available – just ask!

What information should I provide to get an accurate quote?

The easiest way to order is by manufacturer part number. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to specify body diameter, body shape (hex or round), body length, thread size & gender (male or female), material and plating. For example, a popular standoff size is a 1/4 hex x 1/2 Long x 10-32 male Standoff in Stainless Steel.

Are there other factors to consider?

YES! One surefire way to save money and shorten delivery time is to cross the OEM brand part on your bill of materials to a functional equivalent. Popular brands include: Amatom, Concord, Globe, H.H. Smith, Lyn-tron, Microplastics, Keystone, Pem, RAF, Unicorp.

Finally, 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, NAS1831. Where applicable, these Mil-spec parts will be DFAR compliant with full paperwork.

Contact me at robin@mfsupply.com with your questions, comments or helpful hints!

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