Domestic Socket Products at www.mfsupply.com!

Greetings to our precision manufacturing community!

We are reaching out with an important announcement regarding our domestic sockets product lines. As we continuously strive to bring you the best in quality and service, we want to inform you of a significant change in our offerings.

Firstly, we want to address a key change: the Blue Devil® brand, a name many of you have come to trust and rely on for your domestic socket products needs, will no longer be produced. This marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

We are thrilled to introduce American Sockets – a new brand of domestic socket products! This transition is more than just a change in name; it’s a reaffirmation of our continued commitment to quality and excellence.

  • Continuity in Quality and Manufacturing: While the brand name changes, what remains constant is the quality of the products. American Sockets are manufactured by the same esteemed US manufacturers that produced the majority of the Blue Devil products. This ensures that the products you’ve trusted for years will continue to be of the same high standards.
  • Seamless Transition: We understand the importance of consistency in your operations. Rest assured, that this transition from Blue Devil to American Sockets will be seamless, with no compromise in the product quality or variety that you have come to expect.

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB woman owned business, and leading supplier of Domestic Socket Products including major OEM brands, such as American Sockets, and brand equivalents, in various sizes and materials. We offer options when it comes to made in the USA, DFAR compliant Socket Products. Many of our products are available with Certificate of Conformance and full certifications available upon request.

Here are links to the American Socket brand of Inch Domestic Socket Product Lines:

Here are links to the American Socket brand Metric Domestic Socket Product Lines:

In addition to American Sockets brand Socket Products, we offer a vast choice of socket products, including Mil-Spec, OEM branded, standards and custom made specials. To search for what you need, use our Search bar, then filter by size, material, specification, or other qualities you are seeking. Alternatively, you can check out these handy links to view by category:

Do you still have questions or would like to speak with a representative? Reach out to us, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help you find what you’re looking for. “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.


MF Supply Work With Us

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 and specialize in hard to find parts. We offer custom manufacturing and reworking solutions at competitive pricing, 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. 


Precision Dowel Pins for Manufacturers: A Comprehensive Guide

Considering Precision Dowel Pins for Your Next Project?

When you’re in the heart of the manufacturing industry, precision is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Components like dowel pins may seem small and inconsequential, but in this realm of precision manufacturing, they are paramount to ensuring accurate alignment and fit. Precision dowel pins, in particular, play an indispensable role in guaranteeing accurate alignment and secure fastening in a broad spectrum of applications. But with various tolerances, standards, materials, and sizes available, how do you make the right choice? It is important to know and understand these factors in order to make informed decisions that will meet your expectations & manufacturing needs.

What are Precision Dowel Pins?

At their core, precision dowel pins are simple cylindrical rods. The term “precision” implies that these pins are manufactured to very tight tolerances in order to ensure accurate fit in assemblies. Tolerances refer to the acceptable variation in dimensions from the specified value. The tighter the tolerance, the less variation there is—meaning that their dimensions are incredibly accurate. This precision ensures that dowel pins fit snugly into corresponding holes in two components, ensuring their exact/accurate alignment.

Standards & Tolerances

Several standards are followed in the production of precision dowel pins. The prevalent standard specifications come from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the Military Standard (MS/MIL-SPEC) of the United States. At a minimum, these standards specify the pin shape, and the diameter and length tolerance. These standards might also specify the pin hardness and surface finish. OEM branded dowel pins are handled separately and are addressed later in this blog.

ISO Standard: ISO 2338A & ISO 2338B (for unhardened pins) and ISO 8734 (for hardened pins) are common standards for dowel pins. Under these standards, precision dowel pins can be manufactured to either “M6” or “M5” tolerance classes, with “M6” being the more common of the two.

  • For example, an “M6” tolerance for a 5 mm dowel pin might have a diameter tolerance of -0.014 to 0 mm. So, the pin could be anywhere from 4.986 mm to 5 mm in diameter.

DIN Standard: DIN 7 (for unhardened, solid dowel pins) and DIN 6325 & DIN 6325H (hardened, solid dowel pins). Similar to ISO standards, the typical tolerance for precision dowel pins under DIN standards is designated as “M6.” This is the standard fit for dowel pins and ensures a tight fit that might require light pressing or can sometimes be hand-driven depending on the exact material and hole conditions.

  • For example, for a 5 mm dowel pin under the DIN 7 or DIN 6325 standard, the typical diameter tolerance might have and upper limit of 5.000 mm & a lower limit of 4.986 mm.

ANSI Standard: ANSI standard for dowel pins is ASME/ANSI B18.8.2. This standard defines sizes and tolerances for standard dowel pins, with the “Standard Series” being the most common.

  • For example, for a 1/4 (.25) inch interference fit diameter pin, the diameter tolerance might be +0.0002 to 0.000 inch. So, the pin diameter could be anywhere from 0.2500 inches to 0.2502 inches in diameter.

MIL-SPEC Standard: MIL-SPEC standard for dowel pins, particularly those conforming to MS16555 and MIL-P-21143 have very specific tolerances to ensure reliability and consistency in critical military and aerospace applications.

  • The MS16555 specifies a straight headless pin with a radius on one end and a chamfer on the other. The material can be Carbon or Alloy Steel or CRES 410 or 416 Stainless Steel. Available diameters range from 1/16 (.0626-.0628) through 1 inch (1.0003-1.0001). Lengths range from 3/16 to 6 inches long. Standard diameter tolerances are +.0002 over the nominal size.
  • The M21143 specifies a a straight headless pin made of CRES 303 Stainless Steel. The Mil-P-21143/1 series has a tolerance up to +.0002 over the nominal size. The M21143/2 series has tolerance of .0002 Under its nominal size.

Material Choices

Different applications may require Precision dowel pins made from different materials. The most common materials in the market include:

  • Stainless Steel: Offers corrosion resistance and is suitable for applications exposed to moisture or corrosive substances.
  • Alloy Steel: Known for its strength and durability, it’s ideal for heavy-duty applications.
  • Brass: Often used when there’s a need to avoid sparking or in applications with lower strength requirements (less common).
  • Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminum precision dowel pins are suitable for applications where weight is a concern (less common).

Sizes Available

The diameter of precision dowel pins usually varies from 1/32″ to more than 1″, and their lengths span from 3/16″ to multiple inches. Hence, precision dowel pins come in a wide range of sizes, but certain sizes are more commonly used across various manufacturing applications due to their adaptability and compatibility with standard components. Selecting the appropriate size for your specific application is essential for achieving a snug fit, best performance, cost-effectiveness, and durability.

OEM Branded Precision Dowel Pins

Precision Dowel Pins – OEM branded “Precision” dowel pins are manufactured by precision component brands such as Pic Design, WM Berg, Unicorp and others who have their own technical specifications and are not governed by DIN, ISO or ANSI / ASME standards. They are usually only offered in stainless steel through distributors of precision components.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Tolerance: Precision dowel pins have tight tolerances. Ensure that the pins you buy meet the specific tolerances required for your application.
  • Environment: Consider the environment in which the pins will be used. If they’ll be exposed to corrosive substances or high temperatures, material choice becomes crucial.
  • Custom Needs: If your application requires non-standard sizes or materials, you might need custom-made precision dowel pins.
  • Quantity: Depending on the scale of your manufacturing, you may need precision dowel pins in bulk. Purchasing in larger quantities often results in cost savings!
  • Supplier Reputation: Always source your precision dowel pins from reputable suppliers known for their quality and consistency.

Precision Dowel Pins at MF Supply

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB woman owned business, and a trusted supplier of Functional Equivalents, including precision dowel pins, to OEMs, manufacturers, industry, and government. We are precision dowel pin experts, offering the full catalog of dowel pins in Inch, Metric, Military and OEM branded options in a wide selection of materials, sizes and specifications. As stocking distributors, many precision dowel pins are available and ready to ship today from our national distribution centers.

Browse through the links provided below to find the precision dowel pins that you need:

  • Mil-Spec Precision Dowel Pins: The full range of commercial and MIL-SPEC parts (M21143, MS16555, MS9390), including parts that are USA made, DFARS and ROHS compliant.
  • Inch Precision Dowel Pins: inch sizes to ASME ANSI B18.8.2 standards in alloy steel, stainless steel 18-8, 316, 400 series and hardened. Domestic and Imported options are available.
  • Metric Precision Dowel Pins: Metric sizes including DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734 in alloy steel, A2 & A4 stainless steel
  • Precision Series and OEM branded equivalents to PIC, BERG, both Inch & Metric precision dowel pins including Press-Fit A, B and Slip-Fit C series and all MD series pins in 416 and 303 stainless steel.
  • Please send us a Request for Quote for any other dowel pins not listed.
  • Custom made parts per print.

Your next step?

If you have additional questions or need help in selecting the right precision dowel pins for your next project, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or send us a quote request. Our team of sourcing experts is always ready to assist you on your journey to manufacturing excellence. 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.


MF Supply Work With Us

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. 


Over 1.5K Dowel Pins, Cotter Pins, Spring Pins, and more Now in Stock!

Are you looking for Precision Dowel Pins, Cotter Pins, Spring Pins or Hair/Hitch Pin Clips?

If you are in need of any specific type of pins or clips for your next big project, you have arrived at the right place!

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB woman owned business, and a trusted supplier of Functional Equivalent Pins & Clips to OEMs, Manufacturers, Industry, and Government. We offer a wide selection of over 1,500 inch, metric & Mil-Spec Pins, in Alloy Steel, Steel, and Stainless Steel materials, that are perfect for a myriad of applications. You’ll find in stock Pins in many sizes including major brands and equivalents to Blue Devil, Pic Design, WM Berg, Misumi and Unicorp; so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs.

Who uses Pins & Clips?

Pins & clips are commonly used on many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, electronic, machinery, tooling, agriculture, construction and many more where reliable and convenient fastening is a must. Continue reading to learn more about the characteristics of each pin or clip currently on our website, and how they could be of use on your next project.

Coiled Spring Pins: Coiled Spring Pins, also known as Spiral Pins or Coiled Pins, are headless, hollow pins with chamfered ends, made by shaping or wrapping a steel sheet into a slightly larger diameter than the standard size. Unlike the slotted pins variety, these pins are distinguished by their multiple walls.

Uses: These pins are frequently used to join and fasten two or more components together. When the pins are inserted into pre-drilled holes, their spiral shape allows them to expand and exert radial pressure against the sides of the hole. This creates a secure and snug fit/connection. Apart from their fastening functionalities, Coiled Spring Pins can also serve as effective retaining features. They have the ability to secure various items, such as gears, pulleys, or bearings, onto shafts, effectively preventing axial movement or slippage. Moreover, these pins can be utilized to accurately position and retain other components, ensuring precise alignment and preventing undesired movement.

Cotter Pins: Cotter Pins, also known as Split Pins, are double bodied pins formed from half-round wire, a loop at one end of which provides a head. The finished part has one end of the wire extending beyond the other end, with a chiseled point.

Uses: These pins are used to anchor various assemblies by inserting them into a drilled hole in the shaft or pin and spreading the points to hold the assembly in position. When used with castle or slotted nuts, it becomes a safety locking device. An important benefit offered by Cotter Pins is their ease of removal, which enables swift disassembly or maintenance tasks. When the need arises to dismantle/disassemble components, cotter pins can be readily taken out by straightening or bending back the split end to its original position. This feature simplifies repair or maintenance operations.

Precision Dowel Pins: These pins are solid headless straight pins with a closely controlled diameter. Applications include a wide variety of uses, such as plug gage, hinge, or shaft. They are typically cylindrical in shape and made from materials such as hardened steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

Uses: Precision Dowel Pins are widely utilized to achieve precise alignment and positioning of components. These pins undergo meticulous machining processes and are manufactured with strict tolerances to guarantee a snug and accurate fit. Precise tolerances of Dowel Pins make them excellent for achieving proper alignment of parts in high-speed assemblies, or as roller bearings in bus/truck wheel housings. By inserting them into corresponding holes in two or more parts, the dowel pins guarantee proper alignment and positioning of the parts in relation to one another. These dowel pins serve as reference points or datums, ensuring accuracy and precision throughout the assembly process.

Slotted Spring Pins: Sometimes referred to as Roll Pins, Expansion Pins, C-Pins or Tension Pins, Slotted Spring Pins are hollow, headless pins, slit longitudinally, having controlled lengths with chamfered ends, formed to a diameter somewhat greater than that of the hole into which they are to be assembled. These pins are cylindrical in shape and are able to compress and expand upon insertion into a hole. Additionally, they are commonly crafted from materials such as carbon steel or stainless steel.

Uses: Slotted spring pins are used for the purpose of securing and fastening components together. The slots present in the pin allow for compression during insertion and radial expansion, which generates outward pressure against the walls of the pre-drilled hole. This inherent self-retaining characteristic guarantees the pin’s retention and delivers a secure method of fastening. Spring pins are economical because they can simplify product design by replacing more expensive fasteners such as taper pins, set screws and straight pins. Stainless steel Spring Pins are commonly used in electronics and food industries.

Hair/Hitch Pin Clips: Hitch Pin Clips, also known as Hair Pin Clips, Bridge Pins or R-Clips, are double-bodied pins formed from round wires. These pins are formed in a way where one end is bent approximately 180° so that the two resulting sides meet or come close to meeting. The final pins have one side that remains straight, while the opposite side has one or more turns permanently formed into it.

Uses: Hair/Hitch Pin Clips are designed to serve as a mating part to several other pins. They provide a hassle-free way to attach and detach components without the need for additional tools or complicated fastening mechanisms. Hitch Pin Clips also act as a safety feature, ensuring that the connected components remain intact during operation. When the need arises to remove or replace a pin, Hitch Pin Clips present a simple and time-saving solution. By simply compressing the curved end and sliding it out of the hole, the clip can be easily removed. Hence, this allows for quick disassembly, maintenance, or component replacement without the requirement of specialized tools or lengthy procedures.

In-Stock Pins & Clips at MF Supply

We currently have in stock over 1,500 Pins & Clips in inch, metric & Mil-Spec sizes. The most common material options available are: alloy steel with bright or ebony black oxide finishes; steel with thermal black, mechanical zinc, zinc, and zinc phosphate finishes; and passivated stainless steel—including series A2, T321, 18-8, 300, 303, 316, 400 416, & 420.

Browse through the links provided below to find the Pins or Clips that you need, and that are currently available on our website.

  • Inch Coiled Spring Pins: Stock sizes include 1/16 to 3/8 in Steel with a Thermal Black finish, and in 420 Stainless Steel.
  • Inch Cotter Pins: Stock sizes include 1/16 to 1/2 in Steel with a Chisel Point and Zinc Plating, as per standard ASME B18.8.1 specifications.
  • Mil-Spec MS9245 Cotter Pins: Stock sizes include 1/32 through 5/32 in T321 Stainless Steel.
  • Inch Precision Dowel Pins: Interference / Press Fit & Slip Fit Dowel Pins in 300 Series Stainless Steel; Dowel Pins in 316 Series Stainless Steel; and Dowel Pins in Alloy Steel with Bright or Ebony Black Oxide finishes.
  • Metric Precision Dowel Pins: Stock sizes include M1 through M10 diameters in 18-8, 300, 303, A2 Series Stainless Steel; and M2 through M10 diameters in 416 Stainless Steel.
  • Mil-Spec Precision Dowel Pins: MS16555-1 through MS16555-145, MS16555-301 through MS16555-444 & MS16555-601 through MS16555-744, including between-spec sizes; and Mil-P-21143 Series in 303 Stainless Steel.
  • Inch Slotted Spring Pins: Stock sizes include 1/16 to 1/2 in Steel wth a Thermal Black or Mechanical Zinc Finish, 420 Stainless Steel, and Stainless Steel materials—as per standard ASME B18.8.2 specifications.
  • Metric Slotted Spring Pins: Stock sizes include M2 to M8 in Steel with a Thermal Black Finish, as per standard ISO 8752 specifications.
  • Mil-Spec MS16562 Slotted Spring Pins: Stock sizes include 1/16 through 1/2 in Steel Zinc Phosphate.
  • Inch Hair Pins / Hitch Pin Clips: Stock sizes include .028 to .243 in Steel Zinc.

Our Pins & Clips are competitively priced. Don’t wait! Visit our website today to place an order, or Request a Quote and we will follow up with you.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Can’t find what you are looking for on the list? Reach out to us today, and 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.


MF Supply Work With Us

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. 


Buyer’s Guide to Metric Dowel Pins Refreshed for 2023!

7 Things to Know When Buying Metric Dowel Pins

This guide is a follow up to our Dowel Pin Buyer’s Guide published last week, on February 23, 2023.  This post is specifically written to share with you the available options when it comes to procuring precision Metric dowel pins.

Our goal is to help simplify the buying process and guide you in the critical selection factors for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.

1. What standards are Metric Dowel Pins made to? 

Metric dowel pins are tricky because they fall into two buckets:

  1. DIN / ISO standard – These metric Dowel pins are readily available in the commercial marketplace and in addition to your suppliers, can be procured through national catalogers like Mcmaster-Carr, Grainger and Holo-Krome. They come on steel and stainless steel.
  2. Precision Metric Dowel Pins – These “Precision” dowel pins are manufactured by precision component brands such as Pic Design, WM Berg and Unicorp who have their own technical specifications and are not governed by DIN or ISO standards. They are usually only offered in stainless steel through distributors of precision components.

2 . What are the specific criteria I can select for Metric dowel pins?

Here is a list of the criteria and available options available:

  • Size
  • Material
  • Hardened or Unhardened
  • End style
  • Tolerances

3 . Can you list the standard and precision dowel pins available off the shelf?

4. Which types of metric dowel pins are available in which sizes and materials? 

Use this handy grid to understand the sizes and materials available in each Metric dowel pin style.

Standard
Ends
Materials
Tolerances / Fit
Hardness
Diameters
DIN7
ISO 2338
ISO 2338A
Rounded or beveled 
Steel (least common)
 
300 Series Stainless Steel including
A1=18-8, 303, 304
A4=316
M6 diameter tolerance
Slightly Oversized
 
aka Press Fit
Unhardened
M.8-M20
ISO 2338B
Rounded or beveled
300 Series Stainless Steel
A1=18-8, 303, 304
H8 diameter tolerance
Unhardened
M1.5-10
DIN 6325
DIN 6325H
ISO 8734A
ISO 8734
 
Rounded on one end
Beveled on one end
Alloy Steel
M6 diameter tolerance
Slightly Oversized
 
aka Press Fit
Hardened to
RHC 52-62
M1-M25
Precision Unhardened
Rounded
300 Series Stainless Steel
M6 diameter tolerance
Slightly Oversized
 
aka Press Fit
Unhardened
M1-M12
Precision Hardened
Rounded on one end
Beveled on one end
416 Stainless Steel
M6 diameter tolerance
Slightly Oversized
 
aka Press Fit
Hardened to
RHC 36-42
M2-M10

Important note:  All pin options may not be available in all sizes and materials.

5. When ordering, do I need to specify the dowel pin tolerance or call out attributes such as standard, undersized or oversized fit? 

Metric dowel pins can show up under DINs and ISO numbers, including : DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734. When ordering DIN/ISO dowel pins it is best to include the Diameter, Length, Material, DIN or ISO and tolerance.  For non DIN/ISO Precision metric dowel pins, you can order by the manufacturer part number, such as Pic (MDP series), WM Berg (DM Series), or Holo-Krome.

6. Can I specify if I need radius (round) or chamfer (bevel) on the pin ends?

The pin style will depend upon the spec and the material. Precision dowel pins may come with either a double chamfer, double radius, or a radius on one end and a chamfer on the other end.  Check with the handy grid above for guidance.

Important note:  The configuration of the ends of unhardened metric dowel pins are at the discretion of the manufacturer.  If you have a specific style requirements, you might need to special order which usually involves a minimum and a lead time.

7. What if I need domestic or DFAR certified Metric dowel pins? 

If you are ordering by a Precision Manufacturer part number, you are in luck!  Most of the stainless steel pins produced by Pic, WM Berg and Unicorp qualify as DFAR compliant and full certifications with material certs and test reports are often available for USA made parts for a fee.

Metric Dowel Pins at MF Supply

We offer:

  • The full range of commercial Metric Dowel pins including parts that are USA made, DFARS and ROHS compliant.
  • Metric sizes including ASME ANSI B18.8.2, DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734
  • Metric Precision Dowel pins including Press-Fit Series and all MD series pins in 416 and 303 Stainless Steel.
  • Brand names and generic equivalents.
  • Custom-made parts per print in non-standard sizes and exotic materials and finishes.
For more detailed information about Metric Dowel Pins, to request a 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!

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 Work With Us

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. 


Buyer’s Guide to Metric Dowel Pins

7 Things to Know When Buying Metric Dowel Pins

This guide is a follow up to our Dowel Pin Buyer’s Guide. This post is specifically written to share with you the available options when it comes to procuring precision Metric dowel pins.

Our goal is to help simplify the buying process and guide you in the critical selection factors for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.

1. What standards are Metric Dowel Pins made to? 

Metric dowel pins are tricky because they fall into two buckets:

  1. DIN / ISO standard – These metric Dowel pins are readily available in the commercial marketplace and in addition to your suppliers, can be procured through national catalogers like Mcmaster-Carr, Grainger and Holo-Krome. They come on steel and stainless steel.
  2. Precision Metric Dowel Pins – These “Precision” dowel pins are manufactured by precision component brands such as Pic Design, WM Berg and Unicorp who have their own technical specifications and are not governed by DIN or ISO standards. They are usually only offered in stainless steel through distributors of precision components.

2 . What are the specific criteria I can select for Metric dowel pins?

Here is a list of the criteria and available options available:

  • Size
  • Material
  • Hardened or Unhardened
  • End style
  • Tolerances

3 . Can you list the standard and precision dowel pins available off the shelf?

4. Which types of metric dowel pins are available in which sizes and materials? 

Use this handy grid to understand the sizes and materials available in each Metric dowel pin style.

Standard
Ends
Materials
Tolerances / Fit
Hardness
Diameters
DIN7
ISO 2338
ISO 2338A
Rounded or beveled 
Steel (least common)
 
300 Series Stainless Steel including
A1=18-8, 303, 304
A4=316
M6 diameter tolerance
Slightly Oversized
 
aka Press Fit
Unhardened
M.8-M20
ISO 2338B
Rounded or beveled
300 Series Stainless Steel
A1=18-8, 303, 304
H8 diameter tolerance
Unhardened
M1.5-10
DIN 6325
DIN 6325H
ISO 8734A
ISO 8734
 
Rounded on one end
Beveled on one end
Alloy Steel
M6 diameter tolerance
Slightly Oversized
 
aka Press Fit
Hardened to
RHC 52-62
M1-M25
Precision Unhardened
Rounded
300 Series Stainless Steel
M6 diameter tolerance
Slightly Oversized
 
aka Press Fit
Unhardened
M1-M12
Precision Hardened
Rounded on one end
Beveled on one end
416 Stainless Steel
M6 diameter tolerance
Slightly Oversized
 
aka Press Fit
Hardened to
RHC 36-42
M2-M10

Important note:  All pin options may not be available in all sizes and materials.

5. When ordering, do I need to specify the dowel pin tolerance or call out attributes such as standard, undersized or oversized fit? 

Metric dowel pins can show up under DINs and ISO numbers, including : DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734. When ordering DIN/ISO dowel pins it is best to include the Diameter, Length, Material, DIN or ISO and tolerance.  For non DIN/ISO Precision metric dowel pins, you can order by the manufacturer part number, such as Pic (MDP series), WM Berg (DM Series), or Holo-Krome.

6. Can I specify if I need radius (round) or chamfer (bevel) on the pin ends?

The pin style will depend upon the spec and the material. Precision dowel pins may come with either a double chamfer, double radius, or a radius on one end and a chamfer on the other end.  Check with the handy grid above for guidance.

Important note:  The configuration of the ends of unhardened metric dowel pins are at the discretion of the manufacturer.  If you have a specific style requirements, you might need to special order which usually involves a minimum and a lead time.

7. What if I need domestic or DFAR certified Metric dowel pins? 

If you are ordering by a Precision Manufacturer part number, you are in luck!  Most of the stainless steel pins produced by Pic, WM Berg and Unicorp qualify as DFAR compliant and full certifications with material certs and test reports are often available for USA made parts for a fee.

Metric Dowel Pins at MF Supply

We offer:

  • The full range of commercial Metric Dowel pins including parts that are USA made, DFARS and ROHS compliant.
  • Metric sizes including ASME ANSI B18.8.2, DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734
  • Metric Precision Dowel pins including Press-Fit Series and all MD series pins in 416 and 303 Stainless Steel.
  • Brand names and generic equivalents.
  • Custom-made parts per print in non-standard sizes and exotic materials and finishes.

For more detailed information about Metric Dowel Pins, to request a 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!

About Us

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.

Follow our blog at http://blog.mfsupply.com/