Top 27 Mil-Spec Fastener Questions & Expert Answers on AN, MS, NAS & MIL-STD Hardware Frequently Asked Questions About Military Standard (MIL-STD) Hardware (Part 1 of 4)
Posted: January 28, 2026 Filed under: DFARS, Domestic Fasteners, Mil-Spec Fasteners | Tags: DFARS Compliant, Domestic Fasteners, Mil-spec, Mil-spec fasteners, Mil-Spec Fasteners Cross-Reference, Mil-Spec Fasteners Distributor, Mil-Spec Fasteners Supplier Leave a comment
At MF Supply, we specialize in sourcing and delivering certified Mil-Spec fasteners governed by MIL-STD requirements established by the US Department of Defense (DOD) and administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
Mil-Spec hardware isn’t just “stronger” or “higher quality.” It’s manufactured, tested, inspected, and documented to ensure repeatable performance, exacting paperwork and audit-ready compliance, lot after lot, program after program. Strength, dimensions, materials, finishes, inspection criteria, and documentation are all defined long before a part ever reaches production.
For aerospace, defense, and precision manufacturers, the wrong interpretation of a part number, finish, or country-of-origin requirement can lead to compliance issues, production delays or worse.
That’s why we’ve compiled answers to the most common/frequent Mil-Spec fastener questions we hear from engineers, program managers, and procurement teams every week. The questions that surface during design, procurement, supplier audits, alternates approvals, and “why did this part get rejected?” moments.
In Part 1 of this four-part series, we cover the fundamentals:
- What actually makes a fastener truly Mil-Spec
- How Mil-Spec compares to commercial hardware (with a real-world example)
- The most common standards you’ll encounter (AN, MS, NAS/NASM)
- How to quickly identify a Mil-Spec part number
- What “Made in the USA” does, and does not, mean in practice
Think of this as the foundation, before alternates are approved, or auditors start asking uncomfortable questions.
Part 1
1. What is a Mil-Spec fastener?
Mil-Spec (Military Specification) fasteners or MIL-STD fasteners are hardware components that meet specific standards set by the US Department of Defense (DOD). These fasteners are used in critical military, aerospace, and defense applications where reliability, traceability, and performance are essential.
2. What makes a fastener “Mil-Spec”?
A fastener is considered “Mil-Spec” when it meets strict US military standards for tensile strength, hardness, material, plating, dimensions, quality, and performance. These fasteners are made to precise specifications, often with specialized coatings, and must pass rigorous testing and inspection. They come with full traceability and certification to ensure reliability in mission-critical applications. True Mil-Spec fasteners are produced only by approved manufacturers and backed by documentation.
3. What is the difference between Commercial and Mil-Spec Fasteners?
Mil-spec fasteners look a lot like their civilian/commercial cousins, but these little guys are made to specific standards that define in detail the fasteners’ attributes, including dimensions, tensile strength, hardness, threads, drive type, material qualities, plating/finish, and more. Mil-spec fasteners are even traceable by lot to designated manufacturers. The Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturer’s [QSLM] is a government-maintained list of Manufacturers certified to make Mil-Spec fasteners according to the highest quality standards—commercial fasteners are not held to such specific and exacting standards.
4. Do Mil-Spec fasteners have different features and standards than commercial fasteners?
Mil-Spec parts are manufactured and tested to strict military standards to ensure performance and reliability. In general, commercial fasteners will not have the exact same quality standards. Let’s look at a specific example and compare the Mil-Spec MS24693-C4, (sometimes referred to as MS24693C4 or MS24693C-4) which is a 4-40 x 3/8 Phillips flat 100 degree machine screw in 300 series stainless steel, to its commercial cousin.
Features of MS24693C-4:
- Manufactured in a 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 standards
- 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, chemical and physical certification
- Available in diameters from #0 through 1/4 inch in coarse and fine thread and various lengths
Features of 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 per 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 don’t have this requirement.
5. What are the most common Mil-Spec standards?
The most common Mil-Spec fastener designations include:
- AN – Army/Navy Aeronautical
- MS – Military Standard
- NAS & NASM – National Aerospace Standard
6. How can I identify a Mil-Spec fastener?
Look for part numbers starting with MS, NAS, or AN, which indicate the applicable standard.
7. Are Mil-Spec fasteners always made in the USA?
Not necessarily. However, fasteners required to meet DFARS compliance must be made from specialty metals that are melted and manufactured in qualifying countries, including the USA.
If you take only one thing from these first seven questions, let it be this: true Mil-Spec fasteners are produced only by approved manufacturers and backed by documentation. And while “USA-made” is sometimes assumed, DFARS requirements are tied to specialty-metal sourcing/melt and qualifying countries, not a blanket label, so it’s worth confirming early. In Part 2, we’ll go deeper on DFARS, specialty metals, and the documentation stack (COCs, MTRs, plating/heat-treat certs, inspection reports) that often determine whether parts pass review.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to Connect with our team or send us a request for quote and our team of sourcing experts will help you find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Related:
- Buyer’s Guide to Mil-Spec Fasteners
- Mil-Spec DFARS!? What the heck is that?
- Mil-Spec Fasteners Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Case Study: Avoiding a 26-Week Delay with Stocked DFARS Screws
Posted: December 16, 2025 Filed under: DFARS, Domestic Fasteners, keensert, key-locking inserts, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Socket Head Cap Screw, Socket Products | Tags: Case Study, Certificate of conformance, COC, DFARS Compliant, Domestic Fasteners, manufacturing, Mil-spec, Mil-spec fasteners, Mil-Spec Fasteners Cross-Reference, Mil-Spec Fasteners Distributor, Mil-Spec Fasteners Supplier, Mil-Spec Socket Cap Screws, MTRs, Precision Engineering, Precision Manufacturers, Socket Head Cap Screw Leave a comment
A Buyer’s Case Study on Compliance + Speed
If you sell into the defense or aerospace industry, “finding a screw” is never just finding a screw. The part has to be dimensionally and chemically correct and compliant, with the documentation to prove it.
This is where many procurement teams get stuck: the hardware exists, but the paper trail doesn’t… or the lead time blows up the schedule.
The MF Supply Value Proposition
If you have a commercial part on a BOM that now needs DFARS / Buy American + documentation, MF Supply helps you do one of two things:
- Convert the requirement into the correct Mil-Spec / spec-controlled equivalent (form/fit/function + compliance + paperwork).
- Source or produce a DFARS-compliant version of a commercial catalog part with shorter lead times and with the right cert package.
You get the part you need, on time, with the compliance paperwork you need without playing supplier roulette.
What DFARS/Buy American Actually Means for Fasteners
For fasteners made from specialty metals (including many stainless and high-alloy steels), DFARS requires qualifying melt/manufacture origin. But the “gotcha” is simple: If you can’t document it, it doesn’t count.
Typical documentation packages include:
- Manufacturer Certificate of Conformance (COC)
- Country-of-origin / DFARs specialty metal compliance statements
- Material Test Reports (MTRs)
Visit the DPC website, section 252.225, to keep up to date with DFARs requirements, which were updated January 2023. Click here and scroll to 7009 for more information: 252.225-7000 Buy American Act – Balance of Payments Program Certificate.
The Challenge: Compliant Part, Short Lead Time, Complete Documentation
Many “available” fasteners on the market are:
- Not DFARS compliant
- Not available with COC/MTR
- Not stocked (or stocked without the right chain-of-custody), leading to long lead times
The Situation: “We Need It Now… and It Needs To Pass Audit.”
A manufacturer supporting a defense aerospace assembly needed a 10-32 x 3/4 socket head cap screw in 300-series stainless. The Bill of Materials (BOM) required:
- DFARS-compliant specialty metal
- Manufacturer COC
- MTRs / test reports
- Documented material origin
Their incumbent supplier quoted 26–30 weeks. That was a hard no.
The Solution: Cross-Reference to an In-Stock Mil-Spec Option (With Paperwork)
The buyer searched for DFARS-compliant 10-32 x 3/4 socket head cap screws in stainless steel and landed on MF Supply’s product page for: NAS1351C3-12 (10-32 x 3/4) Mil-Spec socket head cap screw, stainless, DFARS
MF Supply worked with the buyer to:
- Confirm the correct spec-controlled requirement
- Pull active inventory from a qualified supply chain
- Provide COC + MTR documentation
- Confirm DFARS specialty metal origin with documentation
The result
- 26+ week production delay avoided
- Compliance risk eliminated
- Audit-ready paperwork shipped with the order
When Cross-Referencing Helps (And When It Doesn’t)
Cross-referencing can reduce lead times and risk when it’s validated upfront:
- Form/fit/function confirmed
- Spec requirements verified (AN/MS/NAS/NASM, etc.)
- Documentation requirements confirmed (COC, MTR, COO/DFARS statements)
Substitution only works when the part and the paperwork both match the requirement.
Buyer Takeaway: In-Stock + Paperwork=Shorter Lead Times, No Surprises
If your customer needs DFARS / Buy American compliance, always ask:
- Can you provide a COC?
- Can you provide DFARS specialty metal documentation?
- Is material origin documented?
- Is it in stock, or are you quoting a 20–30 week lead time?
At MF Supply, inventory is backed by documentation, so you don’t have to choose between speed and compliance.
Need DFARS-compliant screws fast and with paperwork?
Send your part number, drawing, or BOM requirements. We’ll confirm the right spec, validate compliance, and quote the fastest safe path.
And yes, “finding the right screw for you” isn’t just our tagline. It’s our favorite sport.
Related:
- MF Supply Cross-reference playbook
- Buyer’s Guide to Mil-Spec Fasteners
- Mil-Spec DFARS!? What the heck is that?
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 Is Now an Authorized Nord-Lock® Distributor!
Posted: March 4, 2025 Filed under: Custom Fasteners per print, Distributor, Domestic Fasteners, Fasteners, Mil-Spec, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Nord-Lock, Supply chain - manufacturing, Threaded Fasteners, Washers, Wedge Lock | Tags: aerospace, architectural metal and glass, contract manufacturers, equipment and machines, Fastener Sourcing Experts, Fasteners Distributor, Fasteners Supplier, Industrial Manufacturing, MF Supply is a Nord Lock distributor, Nord Lock Washers, Nord-Lock Distributor, Nord-Lock Wedge Locking Washers, OEMS of instrumentation, sheet metal fabrication, Wedge Lock Washers Leave a comment
MF Supply, a leading New Jersey-based WBE/SBE certified distributor and fastener sourcing expert, is thrilled to announce a significant expansion of our product line through a new partnership with Nord-Lock®, making us an authorized distributor. This expansion complements our vast range of commercial, mil-spec, domestic, and OEM branded fasteners, aligning with our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the precision manufacturing industry.
Explore Nord-Lock’s Advanced Bolting Solutions
With over 35 years of expertise, Nord-Lock specializes in washers that ensure bolted joints remain secure under challenging conditions. Their innovative products range, available for RFQ directly on our website, includes:
- Wedge-Lock Washers: These are crafted to effectively secure bolted joints using tension, ideal for heavy machinery and transportation sectors.
- X-Series Washers: Combining wedge-locking with a spring effect, these washers address issues like thermal cycling and dynamic loads.
- Superbolt Tensioners: Simplify the tightening of large bolts, enhancing both efficiency and safety during installations.
- SC-Washers: Designed specifically for structural steel applications, they ensure optimal load distribution and are compliant with European standards.
MF Supply Expanding to Meet Industry Demands
This partnership with Nord-Lock adds to our recent catalog update, which now features over 43,928 unique items, including threaded and helical inserts, specialty bolts, socket cap screws, Acme, Captive, EZ-Lok and Holo-Krome branded products. Our expansion into Nord-Lock products supports industries such as aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, providing our clients with top-tier, reliable fastening solutions.
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!
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 Recertified as a Small Woman-Owned Business Enterprise!
Posted: January 22, 2025 Filed under: Custom Fasteners per print, Domestic Fasteners, Electronic Hardware, Fasteners, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Panel Fasteners, Supply chain - manufacturing | Tags: Certifications, Fasteners, Fasteners Distributor, Fasteners Supplier, Hardware, Inclusion & Diversity, MF Supply Recertified, Mil-spec fasteners, Military Fasteners, SBE, Small Business Enterprise, Supply Chain Partner, WBE, Women Owned Business Leave a comment
MF Supply, a leading distributor of fasteners and hardware, is proud to announce that we have successfully been recertified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by the state of New Jersey. This certification reaffirms MF Supply’s commitment to providing high-quality products while fostering diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.
How Does This Benefits You
- Meet Your Diversity Goals: As a certified WBE and SBE supplier, we can help your business fulfill inclusion and diversity requirements while ensuring top-tier service and reliability.
- Hard-to-Find Parts? Solved! From mil-spec fasteners to custom hardware, we specialize in sourcing hard-to-find components like Keensert® style key-locking inserts, helical inserts, dowel pins, socket head cap screws and more—all with precision and speed.
- Decades of Expertise: Partner with a team that understands your needs. Whether it’s aerospace engineering, manufacturing, or government projects, we act as an extension of your purchasing departments providing lightning-fast responses, direct support, and competitive pricing.
Why Choose MF Supply?
With 50 years of fastener experience, we offer lightning-fast responses, direct phone support, free samples, and act as an extension of your team. We are fastener & sourcing experts, so you don’t have to be. With vast experience as a leading supplier and distributor of commercial and Mil-Spec fasteners, both in inch and metric sizes, we excel in providing:
- A vast inventory of certified and commercial hardware with same-day shipping available.
- Cost-effective solutions for OEM brand equivalents like McMaster-Carr, PEM, and RAF.
- 24/7 online shopping with a user-friendly experience at www.mfsupply.com.
Featured Products:
Some of our featured product lines include:
- Keensert® Style Key-Locking Inserts
- Helical Inserts (aka HeliCoil®)
- Precision Dowel Pins
- Precision Shoulder Screws
- Socket Head Cap Screws
- Other Socket Products
- Standoffs & Spacers
- Mil-Spec Fasteners
- Custom-made and reworked hardware and components
Manufacturers working with us can expect timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and access to expert guidance to help optimize their fastener choices. Visit our website, Connect with our team or send us a request for quote and our team of sourcing experts will 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.
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].
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.
MS16555 Dowel Pins in Stock!
Posted: March 2, 2023 Filed under: Domestic Fasteners, dowel pin | Tags: dowel pins, Fasteners, MS16555 Leave a commentAt MF Supply, we have a large selection of Precision Dowel Pins and Mil-Spec Hardware. The product we want to highlight today is the MS16555 Dowel Pin.
What is the Mil-Spec Dowel Pin MS16555?
The MS16555 is a stainless steel, cylindrical, solid, and headless fastener. The MS16555 is classified as a Mil-spec fastener, made to a specific exacting 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 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.
Dowel Pin Uses
Dowel pins are broadly used in various applications, including aerospace, electrical motors, hydraulic equipment, instrumentation, and more.
They’re used as a hinge, shaft, or pivot, and are used to locate or hold parts together within a precision assembly or a fixture, often when things are moving within that assembly.
MS16555 Dowel Pin Options
The MS16555 series is classified as a press fit style dowel pin with a diameter tolerance -0/+ .0002 over nominal size. These Mil-spec dowel pins are DFAR & RoHS compliant & may be requested with manufacturers COC & Full material certifications.
Materials:
- 416 or 400 series hardened stainless steel
- Plain alloy steel
- Phosphate finished alloy steel
MS16555-1 through MS16555-145 are Alloy Steel plain finish
MS16555-301 through MS16555-444 are Alloy Steel phosphate finish
MS16555-601 through MS16555-744 are 410 or 416 CRES Stainless Steel hardened with passivation.
Sizes:
Diameters range from 1/16 (.0626-.0628) through 1 inch (1.0003-1.0001). Lengths range from 3/16 to 6 inched long. For price and availability, send us an RFQ directly from our product pages.
Why Choose MF Supply for MS16555 Dowel Pins?
- The MS16555 Dowel Pin is our most popular military spec dowel pin
- They are made in the USA and are DFAR compliant.
- Certification paperwork is available.
- We have extensive stock, in NJ and at our distribution centers, which means no delay in delivery.
Learn More About MF Supply and our Products
We are excited for you to know that some products lines including CRES series MS16555 are available for purchase on-line. Additional dowel pin & mil-spec resources include:
Buyer’s Guide to Mil-spec fasteners
We stock a huge selection of Mil-spec fasteners in both Alloy & Stainless Steel with full DFAR & RoHS paperwork. Factory drop ship available for thousands of parts!
If you are interested in learning more about these dowel pins or any of our other fasteners or PPE, contact us today!
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.
MF Supply Launches New Product Filter! (Refreshed for 2023)
Posted: February 7, 2023 Filed under: Domestic Fasteners, Electronic Hardware, Filter Tool, Search Tool, Supply chain - manufacturing, Women in Manufacturing | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing, supply chain Leave a comment
We are excited to announce our new product search and filter feature on our website!
Our new product filter lets you refine product searches by multiple attributes, including size, material, category and more. This makes it easier to navigate and search for products the way you want to. Hence, you can find the parts you need faster and more efficiently.
Simply search by your keyword…
Product Filters will appear on the left panel of our website in the following cases:
1) From the Search Navigation Bar at the top left of our home page, key in the product type, description or attributes you are seeking. i.e. inserts, then the filter appears.
And filter through your specific needs…
2) From the pages that list products available for purchase or RFQ, i.e., where the filter automatically appears.
Once the filter appears, search refinement is available based on multiple attributes including:
- Product Type & Subtype
- Size – Diameter x thread
- Length
- Head styles and drives
- Inch or Metric
- Outer Diameter x Thread
- Material
- Finish
- Standard, including OEM brand name
- More!
As always if you can’t find your specific part or product, feel free to send us a Request For Quote and our team of sourcing experts will follow up for you!
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.
To learn more about our products, visit our blog, or email us at sales@mfsupply.com
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.
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.
Read More: https://conta.cc/3Ae2RgN
MF Supply Launches New Product Filter!
Posted: November 16, 2022 Filed under: Domestic Fasteners, Electronic Hardware, Filter Tool, Search Tool, Supply chain - manufacturing, Women in Manufacturing | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing, supply chain Leave a commentWe are excited to announce our new search and filter feature in our website! Find the parts you need faster and more efficiently.
Read More: https://conta.cc/3Ae2RgN
Custom Made & Reworked Fasteners
Posted: August 13, 2021 Filed under: Custom Fasteners per print, Domestic Fasteners | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing, supply chain Leave a commentWhen off-the-shelf fasteners are not the right fit for an application, engineers and designers may require Custom Made fasteners. This may be for a prototype, a replacement of an existing part, or for a large-scale production run. Learn more about what they are and how to get an accurate quote below.
Custom Made & Reworked Fasteners at MF Supply https://conta.cc/3AiegcZ
Buyer’s Guide to Self-Clinching Fasteners 2019
Posted: December 5, 2019 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.