Check out MF Supply’s 2023 Keensert® Cross Reference Tables!
Posted: February 21, 2023 Filed under: Alloy Keenserts, Inch and Mil-Spec Keensert, keensert, Metric Keensert, Stainless Steel Keenserts | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing Leave a commentKeensert® Equivalent Cross Reference: Find OEM brands, Mil-spec & Functional Equivalents
Although the name Keensert® is often used to describe what is generically called a Key-locking insert (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). Using functional equivalents, including Mil-Spec, generics and other OEM brands’ versions of key-locking inserts, is a practice many manufacturer’s use to save money and shorten lead times.
Checkout our three most popular Keylocking Insert cross reference charts to see if there is a Functional Equivalent to your Keensert® OEM brand, and start saving money and reducing lead times immediately.
Inch & Mil-Spec Keensert®

Miniature, Thinwall & Lightweight, Heavy Duty, Extra Heavy Duty, Keylocking Inserts in Stainless Steel, A286, 4140 Alloy. Includes MS51830, MS51831, MS51832, KN, KNC, KNL & KNCL Series.
MF Supply is a leading supplier of key-locking inserts including major brands and equivalents to Acme, Alcoa, Camloc, Clarendon, Fairchild, Kaynar, Microdot and Tridair Keenserts® in imperial, metric and mil-spec sizes and materials.
We stock a huge inventory including Miniature, Thinwall, Lightweight, Heavy Duty, Extra Heavy Duty, Locking, Non-Locking, Solid and Floating style Keenserts®. Our products are DFAR compliant with COC and full certifications available upon request.
If you cant find the part number you need feel free to request a quote and our sourcing experts can help you out!
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/3r0B1Q3 |
Get the Job Done with a Pneumatic Power Tool
Posted: February 3, 2023 Filed under: keensert, KEENTOOLPNEUMATIC-RS, key-locking inserts, Mil-Spec, Pneumatic Power Tools | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, KEENTOOLPNEUMATIC-RS, Key Locking Inserts, Mil-spec fasteners, Pneumatic Power Tools, Power Tool Leave a commentNow introducing the Rock Solid Hydro-Pneumatic Key-locking Insert Installation Tool!
A single button is all it takes to operate this tool and to get the job done. No need to use a hammer and a drill to drive the key locking insert into place.
Don’t know what a pneumatic power tool is or how to use one? Read on!
What is a pneumatic power tool?
Pneumatic tools are designed to speed up the installation process of key locking inserts—also known as keenserts. They provide you with increased precision and control, improved torqueing, reduced vibration and noise, and more versatility for your projects.
How do I use a pneumatic power tool?
Using a pneumatic power tool is very simple and bound to give you some peace of mind in the process! To use a pneumatic power tool, simply set up or prepare the material to be used in the key locking insert (Keensert) installation process and:
- Drill and countersink the material.
- Tap the hole in the material.
- Insert the key locking insert (Keensert) into the hole.
- Screw the key locking insert down into the material with the aid of the pneumatic power tool!
Keensert Installation Tool Kit
We offer the pneumatic power tool you need to quickly assemble your key locking inserts. Check them out here. Request a quote today, and our team of experts can help source your needs!
Do you need more details on why you need a pneumatic power tool? Watch the video below!
Optionally, you might also be interested on reading our previous blog posts about pneumatic power tools, and on how to manually install key locking inserts (Keenserts)!
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.
Check out MF Supply’s Handy Keensert® Cross Reference Tables!
Posted: November 10, 2022 Filed under: Alloy Keenserts, Inch and Mil-Spec Keensert, keensert, Metric Keensert, Stainless Steel Keenserts | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing Leave a commentCheckout our three most popular Keylocking Insert cross reference charts to see if there is a Functional Equivalent to your Keensert® OEM brand, and start saving money and reducing lead times immediately.
Read More https://conta.cc/3r0B1Q3 |
Floating Inserts Now Available!
Posted: June 17, 2021 Filed under: keensert | Tags: Keenserts, threaded inserts Leave a commentFloating Key-locking Inserts are often used to help compensate for uneven surfaces which need alignment, and where expansion and contraction are an issue. We offer the KNK series in both locking and non-locking styles from size 2-56 through 1/2-13 in A286, 300 Series Stainless Steel and 4140 Alloy Steel.
Floating Keenserts Available At MF Supply https://conta.cc/3pS3Cpx
Keensert Functional Equivalent Case Study
Posted: March 23, 2021 Filed under: keensert | Tags: Floating Inserts, Functional Equivalents, Keenserts Leave a commentWe had a customer who was bidding on a job for subassembly for a Defense Department manufacturer. Their bill of materials called for a floating insert in 8286 steel with an OEM part number: KNKDL428JT.
This part is an Alcoa part that would not have been delivered for over 29 weeks – that’s more than half of a year! Not only would these parts take way too long, but they were also very expensive.
Functional Equivalents for Keenserts
So, this customer came to us for a solution. We were able to take their print, cross-reference their BOM, and find the functional equivalents they needed.
- Note: Supplying us with your print is extremely important so that we can determine the internal and external threats, the material in all of the specifications for this key locking insert.
We went to our manufacturer, who was able to provide this part in five weeks with full certifications and a certificate of conformance certifying that it was a functional equivalent to the KNK part.
Why Choose MF Supply for Functional Equivalents?
By providing the functional equivalent, we were able to shorten the delivery time from 29 weeks down to five weeks. We obtained a cost savings of 59%. Our customer won the job. Their work was completed on time. The job was more profitable due to the cost savings. The manufacturer was able to pass those savings on to the end-user, and the job has been a repeater, and it’s been profitable for everyone involved.
If you find yourself in this situation and you’d like to evaluate if a functional equivalent is available for your application, or if you’d like to explore if you can save time and money while maintaining quality by using functional equivalence, our team is here for you!
Learn More About MF Supply
We specialize in hardware solutions for many industries! If you have any questions about our products, please contact us today and continue to explore our website.
You can also read about other case studies for functional equivalents here:
- Brand Equivalent Case Study: Achieving faster delivery & lower costs using functional equivalents
- Case Study: Smart Manufacturers use Brand Equivalents to Save Time and Money
Keensert Installation Tool Kits
Posted: February 23, 2021 Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: Keensert Installation Kit, Keenserts, Manual Keensert Installation Leave a commentKeenserts are very small but very strong key locking inserts used across many industries, especially in aerospace and precision manufacturing. While Keenserts are easy to install, it is essential to have all of the necessary tools to properly install them.
What Hole Size and Tools do I Need to Install My Keenserts Manually?
This is a common question we receive from manufacturers, so today, we are going to share everything you need to know to install your key locking inserts.
Prior to installing a key locking insert, you have to check with the supplier to make sure you have the proper drill and tap. Each part number has its own combination of drill and tap. This is really important, and it’s based on the outside and inside diameter.
Check out our Keensert Buyer’s Guide, Keensert Cross-Reference Guides, and How to Manually Install Keenserts.
Commercial or Military Key Locking Inserts?
It’s also important to note that each key locking insert has different types of thread depending upon their military or commercial. So, prior to installing the inserts, you need to have the following information…
- Nose assembly.
- Drill and tap size for the insert you’re installing.
- The fastener you’re installing.
Tools For Keensert Installation:
- Drill
- Drill Bit
- Drill or Tap Wrench
- Tap
- Countersink Tool
- Keensert Installation Tool
- Hammer
What is a Broaching Tool, and When Will I Need One?
A broaching tool is an extra installation tool that is used for very hard parent materials such as A286 or A4140. The purpose of the broach is to create slots for the keys in the parent material when the regular tools won’t cut it.
Hydro-Pneumatic Keensert Installation Tool
If you are installing key locking inserts by the 1,000s, then the pneumatic tool is a better option for installation. Learn more here.
Learn More About Keensert Installation
If you would like to learn more about our key locking inserts or any of our other hardware products, continue to browse our website and contact us today!
Installing Key Locking Inserts with Pneumatic Power Tools
Posted: February 18, 2021 Filed under: keensert, KEENTOOLPNEUMATIC, key-locking inserts, Pneumatic Power Tools | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, KEENTOOLPNEUMATIC, Key Locking Inserts, Mil-spec fasteners, Pneumatic Power Tools, Power Tool Leave a commentIn last week’s blog, we discussed when and how to install key locking inserts manually. If you have a few hundred inserts to install, the manual process is fine. However, if you are installing these Keenserts by the thousands, then you will want to use a pneumatic power tool to speed up the processes.
How to Install Keenserts with a Pneumatic Tool
- The beginning of the installation process is the same as a manual installation.
- Drill and Countersink the Material
- Tap the Material
- Manually Insert the Key Locking Insert
- The next step is to use the power tool to simply screw the key into place.
You can see how this process can save you so much valuable time if you are installing the key locking inserts by the thousands!
Keensert Installation Tool Kit
We offer the pneumatic power tool you need to quickly assemble your key locking inserts! Check them out here.
Learn More About MF Supply
MF Supply is your go-to for all of your hardware and safety needs! Continue to browse our website and contact us today if you would like to learn more!
How to Manually Install Key Locking Inserts
Posted: February 15, 2021 Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, Key Locking Inserts Leave a commentWhat is a Keensert?
A Keensert or key locking insert is a solid bushing style insert that is threaded on both the inside and the outside and has wedges or “keys” attached at the top. These inserts are used to distribute loads and repair or strengthen threads against failures due to stripping, seizing or corrosion. They are commonly used in precision manufacturing and aerospace applications.
Check out our Buyer’s Guide to Keenserts!
What is the Best Way to Install Keenserts?
There are a few methods used to install key locking inserts. Manual installation is best for assemblies that are in the hundreds, but if you are installing a lot of Keenserts, pneumatic installation is the way to go.
Keensert Manual Installation
- Drill and Countersink the Material
- Tap the Material
- Manually Insert the Key Locking Insert
- Use the Installation Tool to Drive the Keensert
Here is the full installation clip from the video.
Stay Tuned and Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about our hardware, check out our other blogs and browse our products online. If you would like to learn how to install Keenserts with pneumatic tools, stay tuned for next week’s blog!
Metric Keenserts
Posted: November 24, 2020 Filed under: keensert | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts Leave a commentWhat is a Keensert?
A keensert is a small, bushing style insert that is threading on the inside and outside, with external wedges called keys. Keenserts are a piece of hardware used to distribute loads and to strengthen or repair threads against failure due to stripping, seizing, or corrosion. They are often used in high vibration environments such as instrument panels on airplanes.
Metric Keensert Style
Metric keenserts come in a variety of styles, each with many sizes and materials.
- Miniature Keenserts
- Thinwall Keenserts
- Heavy Duty Keenserts
- Solid Keenserts
Keensert Cross-Reference
Keensert® Cross-Reference – 4140 Alloy, A286, & Mil-Spec
Keensert® Cross-Reference – Stainless Steel
Quantities of Keenserts from MF Supply
We sell our keenserts in orders as small as 5 pieces all the way 2,500 or more. The more you buy, the more you save!
Learn More About Hardware with MF Supply
MF Supply is your one-stop-shop for all of your hardware needs! Contact us today if you have any questions about our keenserts!
Keenserts: Inch and MIL-SPEC Keylocking Inserts
Posted: August 20, 2020 Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: Inserts, Keenserts Leave a commentWhat is a Keensert?
A Keensert is a small bushing style insert that is threaded both inside and out, with wedges or little keys that are attached to the top of the insert. This small piece of hardware is generally used to distribute loads and to strengthen or repair threads against failure due to stripping, seizing, or corrosion.
When is a Keensert Used?
They are used in environments that have a lot of vibration, torque, and even in high-temperature applications. They are also sometimes used in applications where a fastener has to be taken out, replaced, or it has to be reassembled.
What Size and Material Keenserts Does MF Supply Sell?
Our Keenserts come in a variety of sizes and materials; you can view our entire selection on our online store here.
Need to cross your part number to find the right Keensert for your needs? Use our Mil-Spec & Inch Keensert Cross Reference charts!
Why Choose MF Supply for Your Keenserts?
We specialize in the military version of Keenserts, so we carry the MS51830 series, which is an equivalent to the KN and KNC series. These are a high demand Keensert.
They come with full paperwork and traceability. The majority of those our Keensert are stainless steel, but you can get them in a variety of materials and sizes.
Another huge benefit is that we stop-limit our distribution centers around the country so we can drop ship them at a moment’s notice, so there is no delay.
Learn More About Fasteners from MF Supply
If you are looking for a quick and reliable fasteners distributor, MF Supply is a leading supplier of Inch & Mil-Spec keylocking inserts. Contact us today to learn more!